Perform with Us!

The School of Music welcomes a​ll students to participate in vocal and instrumental ensembles, regardless of major! Ensemble placements take place each fall during Orientation week for new students, and during the first week of classes for returning students. 

Ensemble Placements for Fall 2023 are now completed. If you are interested in joining an ensemble beginning Spring 2024, please get in touch with the ensemble director (contacts below). More information on ensembles can be found here. Questions? Please contact Anna Mondschean, amondschean@pugetsound.edu.

CHORAL ENSEMBLES

Adelphian Concert Choir, Dorian Singers, and Voci d’Amici
Contact: Dr. Steven Zopfi

All Choral Placements consist of:

  • Singing a short song that best shows off your voice. There will be a pianist available if needed but you may sing unaccompanied if preferred. Familiar songs will be available if you do not have a prepared song.
  • Tonal Memory patterns
  • Short Sight-reading excerpts

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES

Strings and Harp

Symphony Orchestra
Contacts: Dr. Anna Jensen, Double Bass and Director of Orchestra; Dr. Maria Sampen, Violin and Chair, String Department ; and Professor Alistair MacRae, Cello and Director of Chamber Music. 

Requirements:
Students will need to prepare a 3-5 minute solo (or excerpt of a solo) that best represents your current playing.

Woodwinds and Percussion

Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra
​Contacts: Dr. Gerard Morris, Director of Bands.

Woodwinds & Brass –
The placement consists of two contrasting excerpts demonstrating both lyrical and technical ability, a chromatic scale (full range, slurred, ascending and descending), and sight-reading.

You may sign up for Concert Band without completing an ensemble placement. Please email Dr. Gerard Morris for more information.

Percussion –
The placement process is twofold. First, sign up for a “get to know you” interview with our Director of Bands and Director of Orchestra. Second, all percussionists must attend a mandatory meeting and audition for ensemble placement.

For audition requirements or percussion studio information, email Professor Jeffery Lund.

Jazz Orchestra

Contact: Tracy Knoop, Jazz Director.

The placement consists of two contrasting jazz excerpts, one fast and one slow. You will also be required to sight-read. If you are interested in improvising, be prepared to demonstrate your ability. 

CHAMBER MUSIC

For information regarding membership in chamber music ensembles visit pugetsound.edu/chambermusic or contact Professor Alistair MacRae.

SONGWRITING MAJOR    

NOTE: Students who have already been accepted to the Songwriting major will automatically be enrolled for Popular Music Ensemble.

Songwriting auditions requirements:

  • Perform two original songs 
  • Perform your two strongest original songs. Any popular music genre is acceptable. We prefer the songs to be free of profanity and graphic imagery. You should both sing and accompany yourself on a preferred instrument. A piano is provided, but please bring any other instruments you will need.
  • Songs (both music and lyrics) should be written by the applicant. Co-written pieces are not appropriate for this submission.
  • Please bring a copy of the lyrics to your original songs.

Be prepared to discuss what brings you to audition for the Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree with an Emphasis in Songwriting major. 
For specific questions about the degree requirements, please contact Rob Hutchinson or Dawn Padula.

OPERA THEATER

Auditions for the School of Music Opera Theater’s spring 2024 production of Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine's Into the Woods will take place October 30, 2023. An audition announcement containing more information will be posted in early October. Registration in MUS 119/319 (T/Th 3-5PM; F 12-2PM) is required in the spring semester ONLY. Rehearsals for the production begin in January, 2024 and continue through the performance dates, April 5-7, 2024. 

For general Opera Theater information, contact Dr. Dawn Padula.