Furman Music Auditions

Placement / Registration: Fall 2010

Choral and Instrumental Ensembles
Any Furman student with musical skill is invited to participate!  If you are considering a major in music, you must audition and take the theory placement tests prior to registering for and starting classes; this entry audition is required for placement in all music degree courses -- it also qualifies you for scholarship consideration.  Placement auditions are held in the Fall when you arrive on campus. See details below.  Non-majors are invited to audition for ensemble membership; seating is based on skill, not necessarily major. Yes!  We welcome talented non-majors. Only one ensemble does not require an audition, but does require prior experience: the Paladin Regiment Marching Band - see below.  Visit the Areas of Study web pages to read more about the various ensembles.

BANDS:  Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion

    • Music Majors and Scholarship Recipients: You are scheduled for MUS-061-01 Furman Bands.  Rehearsals are MWF from 3:30  - 5:30 pm. You must audition in the Fall for seating placement using the posted excerpts.

    • Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band - Read and Print Audition Excerpts

    • Jazz Ensemble - Date: Tuesday, August xx. Read and Print Audition Excerpts

    • The Paladin Regiment Marching Band begins rehearsals prior to Orientation Weekend, so early interaction with the directors is essential. Complete and submit the on-line marching form for more information.  Contact Dr. Hicken if questions. 
      Percussion / Drum Line:        More Info

CHORAL ENSEMBLES

    • MONDAY AUGUST xx, 10:30 - 12 Noon and 1:30 - 3:00 pm
      TUESDAY, AUGUST xx, 11 - 12 Noon and 1:30 - 3:00 pm
      Signs in the music building will direct you to the correct room. Drop-in during one of the above times.  EVERYONE must audition - including vocalists heard during scholarship auditions.
      Majors and non majors: come prepared with one choral or solo selection of your choice. You may also be asked to vocalize and sight read. Email if questions. bing.vick @ furman.edu

    • Freshmen Music Majors and Scholarship Recipients: You are scheduled for MUS-075-01 Choral Ensembles Generic.  This is a holding place for all choral students until you complete your placement audition during Orientation Week in the Fall.  Rehearsals are EITHER 1:00 - 2:15 pm or 3:30 - 5:30 pm. TU / TH. The Chorales meet during the day, the Furman Singers meet in the afternoon.

    • Interested in a choral ensemble?  Complete the choral info form to receive more information.

STRINGS: Harp, Guitar and Furman Symphony Orchestra strings

    • String Seating Auditions will be held Tuesday, September x from 7:00 - 10:00 pm in the instrumental rehearsal hall - see excerpts posted below.   Any string student interested in performing with the FSO who has not previously auditioned must play for the string faculty at the scheduled time.

    • Orchestra Strings: Read and Print the Audition Excerpts and Instructions   Note: Freshman Music Majors and scholarship recipients are already scheduled for MUS-060-01 Furman Symphony Orchestra, though you must audition using the posted excerpts for seating placement.  FSO Rehearsals are Tu/Th from 3:30  - 5:30 pm.  First rehearsal: All string students performing with the FSO must attend the first rehearsal August xx from 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the Instrumental Rehearsal Room D-13 (music building).

    • Harp and Guitar (classical and jazz): Contact the teacher.

    • Winds/Percussion Sections:  Placement of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students in FSO is by music faculty recommendation (private teacher) based on results of the Fall Auditions.  Students earning placement in FSO will have the course added to their schedule.  Percussionists - more info

 Private Lessons: Performance Studies
Music majors and music scholarship recipients who audition for us during their senior year are assigned to a teacher and pre-registered for the correct course number. Non-majors are welcome to audition each fall for lesson placement (space-available basis).  If you are considering a major in music and have not auditioned for the faculty, you must do so prior to scheduling classes; an audition is required for placement in Performance Studies. In the Fall you will submit a schedule of your classes to the teacher so they may schedule lessons that do not conflict with your classes.

  • Fall Orientation Weekend Make-Up Auditions:  MONDAY, AUGUST xx     Drop-In between 1 pm and 3 pm. 
    These auditions are "permission" auditions, both "permission to study" for non majors and "permission for initial acceptance into a music major."   NOTE: Students who have already auditioned and are enrolled in performance studies already do NOT need to re-audition.

  • What to Prepare and Audition Locations

    • Strings: Prepare a solo of your choice (or two brief etudes of contrasting styles).  No piano accompaniment needed.  LOCATION: McAlister studio 201 (Dr. Anna Joiner's Studio). 

    • Woodwinds, Brass: Prepare a solo of your choice (or two brief etudes of contrasting styles).  No piano accompaniment needed.  LOCATION: D-13 Rehearsal Hall

    • Percussion:  Prepare a solo excerpt or etude of your choice on snare, timpani and keyboard percussion. Demonstration of your drum set and world percussion experience is optional.  LOCATION: D-13 large Ensemble Rehearsal Hall (Mr. Carmenates, presiding)     LOCATION: D-13 Rehearsal Hall

    • Voice: Prepare a solo of your choice. If available, please bring a copy of the piano accompaniment for the staff accompanist.   LOCATION: Daniel Recital Hall

    • Piano, Organ: Prepare a solo of your choice.  Pianists may request to study organ without prior organ experience. LOCATION: Piano in D-120 (Dr. Morgan's studio); Organ in D-109 (Dr. Tompkins' studio)

Music Theory Courses
Freshmen and Transfers

  • Placement testing in music theory, aural skills and keyboard skills is set in May. Approved music majors are pre registered for the three components. You will be notified the first day of class if your placement test results permit you to exempt part of a course.
  • You are assigned to either the 8:30 am, 10:30 am or 11:30 am Basic Musicianship 1 sequence, which meets M-F.  
  • Missed the tests? See below...

    Fall Orientation Weekend Basic Musicianship Placement Testing (Theory):  MONDAY, AUGUST xx    
    10:30 - 11:30am, Upstairs Theory classroom D-104.
    For students seeking a music major who have not yet been tested and for non-majors seeking approval to take Basic Musicianship (Theory sequence) for your Visual and Performing Arts credit.  Email Dr. Kilstofte if questions.

Pre Registration Information Letters from Dr. Thomas, Chair of the Music Department
Intended Music Majors    - -   Non Music Majors on Scholarship