University Symphony Orchestra (USO) Full Symphony Orchestra MUSC 304 0-1 (#24515) 6:30-8:00pm Tuesday.
Audition Required
String Chamber Ensemble (SCE) – Strings Only MUSC 316 0-1 (#25324) 6:30-8:00pm Thursday
Audition Required
Separate courses –1 credit each. May be repeated for credit.
The University Symphony Orchestra will rehearse and perform standard classical, traditional, contemporary orchestral and chamber music repertoire.
This ensemble will provide members the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral literature at a high and challenging level.
The String Chamber Ensemble (Strings Only) will focus on developing technical skills and ensemble playing though string orchestra repertoire. Membership in this ensemble will provide string players the opportunity to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting which – while still be committed to excellence - will be less arduous and less stressful than in the USO.
All String Students and *Community Members selected to play in the USO through audition are Strongly Encouraged to participate in Both the USO AND the SCE.
Fall 2024 audition information
USO Fall 2024 Audition Information
(This is for All incoming/first time string players and any returning SCE string players interested in moving or adding playing in the USO)
Strings Auditioning for the USO:
Follow the link of your instrument to access the excerpts and scales for the audition.
Violin - Excerpt - Scales
Viola - Excerpt and Scales
Cello - Excerpt and Scales
Double Bass - Excerpt and Scales
Excerpt: You will choose *One excerpt to play – the portion required is bracketed. Follow the tempo indications.
Scales: You will play BOTH scales. Tempo should be Quarter Note = 130 bpm (minimum)
Self Selected excerpt: One (or two) 2-3 minute musical selection of your own choosing. Pick something you enjoy playing and you feel shows off your abilities.
Helpful Hints:
The piece from where the excerpt is chosen is listed. I encourage you to listen to recordings/videos of the piece to gain a better understanding of the style and context (keep in mind the tempo of a professional orchestra may not be what the composer indicated – use the tempo I have on the except).
*You may play both Excerpts if you wish.
Winds Brass and Percussion Auditions for the USO:
These will take place the first week of classes and will be administered by the individual instrumental studio teachers:
Please contact them to get more information on required music and schedule audition times:
Flute: Dr Laura Kellogg laura.kellogg@ndsu.edu
Clarinet and Oboe: Dr Cassie Keogh cassie.keogh@ndsu.edu
Bassoon: Dr Martin Vanklompenberg m.vanklompenberg@ndsu.edu
Trumpet: Dr Jeremy Brekke jeremy.brekke@ndsu.edu
Horn: Kayla Nelson kayla.l.nelson@ndsu.edu
Trombone and Tuba: Connor Challey connor.challey@ndsu.edu
Percussion: Dr Sigurd Johnson sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu
SCE Fall 2024 String Audition Information:
This is for all incoming/first time members wishing to play in the SCE
All first time incoming String players must play a 2-3 minute self chosen excerpt. This can be anything you feel demonstrates your playing skill.
All String Auditions will take place Sunday August 25th 1:00-5:00 or Monday August 26th 3:00-6:00pm (room TBD).
Please contact me - Sigurd Johnson (sigurd.johnson@ndsu.edu) if you need to schedule a different time!
There will be a google sheet to sign up for a time slot posted at the beginning of August.
Please contact me if you have ANY questions!!
Sigurd J
*Fargo/Moorhead Community Members who play string instruments are very welcome to participate in either or both orchestral ensembles.
Please contact Sigurd Johnson for requirements and further information about auditions and our season.