Auditions

Students should prepare two songs that showcase their strengths. Vocalists should present two traditional songs of varying styles. example: 1 up tempo and 1 waltz or ballad. Instrumentalists should prepare two pieces, a vocal song that includes backup playing and a solo break and a traditional instrumental that includes playing the melody. Singing on the vocal song is not required for an instrumentalist. Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Adam Schlenker, Coordinator of Bluegrass Studies. email: schlenkera@denison.edu.

Please submit two to three scores and/or recordings of your work. MIDI files are acceptable.

For questions regarding auditions with an emphasis in jazz performance (all instruments) please email Pete Mills, Coordinator of Jazz at mills@denison.edu.

Students must perform two contrasting pieces that showcase their strengths. They can be any style from any era (Jazz, Classical, Fingerstyle, Blues etc.) but must have some melodic component (not just chords that would be used as accompaniment to a melody). Students will also be asked to play two major scales in different keys.

Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Prof. Brett Burleson at burlesonb@denison.edu.

• snare drum etude, rudimental or orchestral style is acceptable
• marimba etude or excerpt
• for jazz focus: demonstration of swing and various styles on drumset

Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Prof. Seth Rogers via email at rogerss@denison.edu.

Students should prepare one four-octave major scale, one four-octave minor scale, and two pieces from different styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th/21st century).

Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Dr. Sun Min Kim, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies, via email at kims@denison.edu

Students should prepare a two or three octave scale, a short solo and be prepared to do some sight-reading.

Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Dr. Hurwitz, Coordinator of String Studies, via email at hurwitzh@denison.edu.

Vocal auditions should consist of two contrasting pieces, preferably one in a foreign language. For example, a student may prepare an Italian aria and a folk song in English. It is recommended that students select music that showcases the quality of their voice and illustrates their current level of musicianship and ability. Due to the remote nature of the auditions this year, please feel free to use your own live accompanist during your audition or a taped accompaniment. Please upload your sheet music when signing up for an audition.

Students should prepare about 5 minutes of music that best demonstrates their strengths on their primary instrument. Students may choose from a combination of the following:

• 2 or 3 scales (slurred),
• an etude or solo piece from a recent performance,
• or an excerpt of repertoire from your high school band/orchestra/jazz band repertoire

Questions about appropriate audition selections can be directed to Dr. Westover-Muñoz, Director of Bands, via email at westoverc@denison.edu.