Ensemble Auditions

Strings

Strings students interested in participating in orchestral activities at LSU will audition virtually according to the procedure outlined below. Auditions are open to non-music majors.

The ensembles requiring auditions by strings players include:

• LSU Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261, Sections 1 & 2)

***Wind and percussion players auditioning for the LSU Symphony Orchestra should follow the audition procedures outlined in the Winds & Percussion section of this page.***

Process for Strings

Auditioning students must video record themselves performing all of the excerpts, in one take, with no breaks. All strings auditions for LSU Symphony need to play both excerpts.

Videos are due no later than Saturday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. CST

• The video must include the face of the auditioning student.
• Please title videos using the following format: instrument_lastname_firstname
• In your video, please do NOT say your name or identify yourself in any audible way.
• After submitting your registration, you will receive an email link to upload your audition.
• Your video might take longer than expected to upload, depending on your internet connection. Please plan accordingly.

To maintain anonymity, audio from submitted videos will be separated from the video and assigned an audition number. All video will be withheld from judging panel until scoring is completed.

Ensemble placements will be posted on Monday (8/21) and rehearsals will begin on Wednesday (8/23) for strings at SOM 118 and on Thursday (8/24) for full orchestra at the Old Band Hall.

STRING AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM

String Audition Excerpts

If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Francis Ku.

Choirs

Students interested in participating in choral ensembles at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. These choral hearings are also open to non-music majors. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.

All students receive a single semester hour credit for participation in each LSU choir. Each chorus presents 1 to 4 performances each semester, depending on the exact layout of the academic calendar.

The ensembles available in the choral area include:

• A Cappella Choir (SATB) (MUS 4236)
• Chorale (SSAA) (MUS 4233)
• Tiger Glee Club (TTBB) (MUS 4232)
• Gospel Choir (SATB) (MUS 4230)

Process for Choirs

Fall 2023 choral hearings will be held on Thursday, August 17, and Friday, August 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the School of Music Recital Hall. A specific hearing time slot will be assigned to you after completing registration.

Music majors should prepare a short aria or art song. Non-music majors may sing either a song of their choosing or “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace.” Sight-singing may also be required. A pianist will be provided for all components of the hearing.

CHORAL HEARING REGISTRATION FORM

For questions about choral hearings, please contact Trey Davis.

For questions about the LSU Gospel Choir, please contact Laurence Hebert. 

For questions about the LSU A Cappella Choir, please contact Alissa Rowe.

Jazz

Students interested in participating in a jazz performing group may audition for one of several ensembles, including:

• LSU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 4253, Section 1)
• LSU Jazz Lab Band (MUS 4253, Section 2)
• LSU Jazz Chamber Groups (MUS 4255)

Process & Requirements for Jazz

Fall 2023 jazz auditions will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, August 17 for saxophone, trumpet, and trombone
• Friday, August 18 for piano, guitar, bass, and drums

Please sign up for an audition time using the form linked below.

JAZZ AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM

In the audition, you will perform a prepared excerpt from a jazz big band chart. If you are interested in auditioning for a chamber jazz ensemble, be prepared to play the melody and improvise on a jazz tune of your choosing.

Jazz Audition Excerpts

For questions about jazz area auditions, please contact Doug Stone.