Person playing a saxophone on stage

School of Music

The UM Symphony Orchestra is open to all students across campus regardless of their major. Placement is determined by audition (information below). All music majors and minors who play string instruments are required to take the audition.听

Rehearsal Time

Mon, Wed, Fri from 2:15 pm - 3:45 pm in the Dennison Theatre (Fall and Spring terms)

2025 Fall Auditions

Where:听 Music Building, Rm 113听

When:听Follow sign-up link below. 8/23-string bass, 8/24-cello, 8/25-violin and viola

Who:听

  • Strings - Any interested students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. (All music majors and minors who play string instruments are required to take the audition.)
  • Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion - Any interested students who play flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, or percussion.听

NEW FOR听FALL 2025! - Woodwinds & Brass - You only need to sign up for ONE audition time that will count as your band and orchestra audition. 听

Set up an audition in three easy steps:

Step 1. Submit听personal information .

Step 2. Sign up for an audition time .

Step 3. Download the audition excerpts (below).

Auditions will include:


  • Excerpts
  • Solo work(s) of your choice (2-3 minute without accompanist)
  • Sight-reading

Fall 2025 Audition Excerpts

Suggestions for Success

  1. Print all excerpts and begin practicing. People listening to your audition can immediately tell the difference between normal mistakes and being unprepared.
  2. The audition is a performance; if something goes wrong, just keep playing. Clean and accurate is always preferred to uncontrolled and fast.
  3. Take a moment to look at the sight-reading before starting.
  4. LISTEN like crazy to recordings of the excerpts and translate any foreign words. It will inform you, inspire you, and make you better!听