University of Washington Large Ensemble Wind and Percussion Auditions 2020/21
Hello!
I hope this message finds you in good health and enjoying summer. If you’re new to the University of Washington, welcome! Below you will find information regarding brass, woodwind and percussion large ensemble auditions for the coming school year.
As you’re obviously aware we are in the midst of uncharted territory when it comes to the notion of music-making and are facing challenges that are considerable – but not insurmountable. We have spent a great deal of time discussing safe and practical solutions to these problems and have decided to move to a video submission audition format for the 2020/21 school year. The auditioned instrumental large ensembles at the University of Washington are the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Campus Philharmonia Orchestra(s). The non-auditioned concert bands are the UW Campus Band and UW Concert Band.
The UW Wind Ensemble (MUSEN 301/501) and Symphonic Band (MUSEN 302/502) will be involved in chamber music throughout fall quarter – for the remainder of the school year we will carefully determine the best course of action based upon what is best for the health of everyone involved. PLEASE NOTE: Masks will be required of everyone, social distancing will be in place, and no one with symptoms may attend classes or rehearsals. Two important recent studies from the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland have shown that, with the correct parameters, it is possible to make music in a chamber setting. Information about those protocols can be found here: https://www.nfhs.org/media/4029965/preliminary-recommendations-from-international-performing-arts-aerosol-study.pdf (For the UW Wind Ensemble this mode of music-making will be somewhat ‘normal’ as we typically start the school year in chamber ensembles.)
The UW Concert and Campus Bands (MUSEN 309/509) will be fully online experiences and will not require auditions.
The UW Symphony (MUSEN 300/500) will be offered in modified format this fall, with small ensembles of mainly strings with the possible addition of a small number of winds (TBD). Wind/brass/percussion auditions will be valid for the entire year, with hopes that we will be able to return to normal activities later in the school year.
UW Campus Philharmonia Orchestras (MUSEN 210 sections A & B) will not be offered this fall. Auditions will be valid for the entire year, with hopes that we will be able to return to normal activities later in the school year.
Scheduled ensemble days and times are as follows:
Wind Ensemble: T-TH: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Symphonic Band: M-W: 3:30pm-5:20pm
Symphony Orchestra: M-W: 3:30pm-6:00pm
Concert/Campus Bands: W: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Here are the instructions for submission of your instrumental ensemble audition. Please note the dates – a bit earlier than typical in an effort to have everything sorted by the time school begins:
VIDEO SUBMISSION DATES
1.) Sunday, September 20th @ 11:59PM PST – Audition videos submitted
2.) September 21st-25th: Video auditions reviewed and evaluated
3.) September 26th-27th: Audition results sent via email
4.) September 28th: Deadline for auditionees to confirm ensemble assignment
AUDITION MUSIC
https://music.washington.edu/prepared-excerpts-2020-ensemble-auditions
VIDEO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
1.) Record your auditions on a camera or phone (in Landscape Mode)
2.) Frame your shot so that you and your instrument are centered in the frame.
3.) Ensure your audio is not too quiet or too loud. Check this by playing a few notes while
recording and reviewing the video. During playback, the volume should be at a comfortable level when your device’s volume is set to 75%.
4.) Introduction – please state your name, year in school and intended major.
5.) The video should be a single, unedited take – no clips or fades, no audio enhancement or filtering. Please play through the audition
excerpts and announce each one.
6.) Export your video audition as a MP4 or MOV file at a minimum 720p resolution (1080p is preferred). Please do not send 4k videos due to
storage limitations.
7.) When exporting/saving your file, please use the following method = lastname.firstname_instrument.mp4. (i.e. smith.john_flute.mp4)
8.) Fill out this form and submit your audition (bottom of form): HERE (Please check the ensemble meeting times above and ensure they
CAN I PLAY WITHOUT AN AUDITION?
Yes! The UW Concert and Campus Bands (MUSEN 309/509) are open to all players without audition, Wednesday evenings, 7:00-9:00. The UW Concert Band and Campus Band’s first meeting will be online (via ZOOM) on Wednesday September 30th, 2020 at 7:00pm. A link will be sent to all registrants or interested members. In this meeting we will lay out the best course of action given room occupancy limits and the health of all involved.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PLAY IN MORE THAN ONE ENSEMBLE?
Yes! Rehearsals are scheduled to avoid conflicts between different ensembles including the Husky Marching Band.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UW CONCERT BAND(S) PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UW SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS PROGRAM
https://music.washington.edu/ensembles/orchestras
Thanks so much for your interest!
Professor Timothy Salzman, Director of Concert Bands
Dr. David Rahbee, Director of Symphony Orchestras