Instrumental Auditions: 2011/12

Cambridge University Chamber Orchestra, CUMS Symphony Orchestra, CUMS Concert Orchestra, CU Wind Orchestra

UPDATE: Online booking is now closed. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

All new members of the University and existing members of CUMS are warmly invited to audition for Cambridge University Chamber Orchestra, the Cambridge University Musical Society's two symphony orchestras and wind orchestra, for a seat next year. The auditions will be held on 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th October in West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge.

For existing members of CUMS: CUCO and CUMS Symphony Orchestra players will automatically get through to the second round, and principal strings of CUMS Concert Orchestra are offered a place in CUMS I, if they wish. CUMS Concert Orchestra string players do not have to re-audition if they wish to continue playing in CUMS Concert Orchestra.

First round auditions for Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Horn, Clarinet and Saxophone

At your audition (about 10 minutes long) you will be invited to play a piece or extract of a piece of your own choice and also do one or two pieces of sight-reading. Your chosen piece/extract should not last more than four minutes. We are unable to provide accompanists but you may bring one if you wish. Most of the string places in CUMS Concert Orchestra and most of the wind and brass places in the CU Wind Orchestra ensemble will be awarded as a result of this initial audition. These auditions will be run by the principal players from last year's orchestras.

Final round auditions for Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Horn, Clarinet and Saxophone

A final round of auditions for members of the CUMS Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra will take place on Saturday 8th October from 10am-9pm and on Sunday from 2pm-7pm. Woodwind and brass players can expect to be called to a final audition if they are considered to be in the running for a place in CUCO, CUMS Symphony Orchestra, CUMS Concert Orchestra or principals of CU Wind Orchestra. String players will be called in for a final audition if they are contenders for CUCO and CUMS Symphony Orchestra places or leadership/high-ranking places in CUMS Concert Orchestra. At your audition (about 10 minutes long), you will be invited to play a piece or extract of a piece of your own choice and also do one or two pieces of sight-reading. Your chosen piece/extract should not last more than four minutes

All of these positions will be up for grabs through these auditions, which are run by professional musicians. That is, players from last year's orchestras who wish to continue to play will have to compete along with the new players. You may play the same piece as you played in the first round.

Auditions for Oboe, Bassoon, Trombone, Euphonium, Trumpet/Cornet, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani and Percussion

There will be just one round of auditions run by professional musicians. At your audition (about 10 minutes long), you will be invited to play a piece or extract of a piece of your own choice and also do one or two pieces of sight-reading. Your chosen piece/extract should not last more than four minutes. Places in all our ensembles will be awarded as a result of this audition.

All auditions will take place in West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge.

How to sign up for an audition