Auditions
The Brandeis University Music Ensembles
Placement Auditions • Fall 2012
Placement auditions for the Brandeis Music Ensembles are listed below. All students must sign-up for placement auditions. Sign-up sheets for all ensembles and private lessons are posted in Slosberg Music Center, on the audition bulletin board just inside the main entrance.
The Brandeis-Wellesley Orchestra
Wednesday 8/29, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. & 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Thursday 8/30, 2:00-3:30 p.m. & 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Walk-ins welcome after 7:00 p.m. on both days.
Location: Slosberg 235
Professor Neal Hampton: hampton@brandeis.edu
University Chorus, Chamber Choir
Thursday 8/30, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday 8/31, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9/4, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Slosberg 210
Professor James Olesen: olesen@brandeis.edu
The Brandeis Wind Ensemble
Thursday 8/30, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Slosberg Recital Hall
Tom Souza, conductor: tsouza@brandeis.edu
The Brandeis Jazz Ensemble
Wednesday 9/5, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Slosberg 235
Professor Bob Nieske: nieske@brandeis.edu
Early Music Ensemble (EME)
Students interested in EME should attend an introductory meeting on Wednesday, September 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Slosberg Lobby
Professor Sarah Mead: mead@brandeis.edu
The Brandeis Improv Collective
New students interested in the Improv Collective should attend the first introductory class meeting (for returning Improv students this is optional) on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Slosberg 212
Tom Hall, director: tomhall@freeimprovisation.com
Chamber Music
Students interested in Chamber Music class should attend the first class on Thursday, August 30 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Be prepared to play a little. If you cannot attend class, email the instructor.
Location: Slosberg 212
Professor Judith Eissenberg: eissenberg@brandeis.edu
Private Instruction: Instrumental MUS111
•Violin: contact Professor Dan Stepner: stepner@brandeis.edu
•Cello: contact Professor Joshua Gordon: gordon@brandeis.edu
•Piano: contact Evan Hirsch: ehirsch@brandeis.edu
•All Other Instrumentalists: Register for MUS111a, section 1 (for credit) and contact Cheryl Nalbach: cnalbach@brandeis.edu
Private Lessons: Vocal
Friday, September 7, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Slosberg 234
Professor James Olesen: olesen@brandeis.edu
Ensembles are open to all members of the Brandeis community, not just non-music major/minors! For more information on the ensembles, visit their pages.
What to Prepare
In general, you should prepare a brief selection of a piece that demonstrates your musical and technical ability. You may also improvise if auditioning for Jazz Ensemble, but improvising is not a requirement of that group.
It is good to include a selection from a first movement of a classical sonata or concerto, or any medium to fast tempo piece that shows your ability to play in a steady tempo. If you arrive without music, prepare a scale of your choice in as many octaves as your technique permits you to play steadily and in tune.
What to Bring to Campus
Visit the Web pages of the ensembles you plan to participate in for details about concert attire. In the orchestra (for example), men perform in tuxedos and women in black concert dress.
If you plan to take lessons or to participate in an instrumental ensemble, bring a metronome.
Wind players participating in orchestra must own an electronic tuner such as the Korg CA-30, or one that produces musical tones in addition to indicating the pitch of the note you are playing. They can be ordered by online or by calling (800) 348-5003.