Symphony Orchestra: Fall 2007 Audition Information

May 24, 2007

Greetings to all freshmen and transfer instrumentalists!

I am the conductor of the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, and on behalf of a whole team of faculty members that teach and mentor students in the orchestral program, we are very excited about the fact that you are coming to Wheaton College, and that you are interested in playing in the orchestra.  The orchestra at Wheaton College is a high-profile ensemble, with an active schedule of concerts on campus, in the Chicago area, and nationally through occasional tours. The large ensembles are an important part of the Conservatory of Music, and of campus life in general. 

Our orchestra program is multi-faceted, with two full orchestra rehearsals, one string sectional rehearsal and one wind sectional rehearsal per week.  These sectionals are led by faculty coaches.  

Auditions for the orchestra are open to both majors and non-majors in music, and we have many talented players in these ensembles majoring in other disciplines. If you are a piano, guitar, or composition major, but also play an orchestral/band instrument with some degree of expertise, we encourage you to audition. All who desire to play in the orchestra must audition, including performance majors. 

The orchestra is a place where you can grow both musically and spiritually, through excellent repertoire, high performance standards, and an intentional and compelling application of God’s Word to our art.  Many of our students who go on to top graduate school and professional orchestras recall their unique experience of playing in an all-Christian orchestra with fondness and gratitude.  And many make life-long friends in the orchestra. 

Some of the repertoire plans for the orchestra this next season include Sibelius's Symphony
No. 1,   Elgar's Sea Pictures, Haydn's Symphony No. 104, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6,  Messiaen's Les offrandes oubliées, and the highlight, Berlioz's monumental Requiem, as conducted by the eminent international conductor (and Wheaton Alum), John Nelson, with a chorus of 400+ singers!  We are also planning a fall break retreat/tour to Honey Rock camp and to Upper Michigan.  

The full Symphony Orchestra rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:15 to 6:15, with separate string and wind rehearsals/sectionals on Mondays, 4:30-6:00.  These rehearsals do not conflict with other classes.

You will need to sign up for an audition during orientation days, August 23 and 24.  Please go to the Symphony Orchestra table at the orientation fair, in the Sport and Recreation Center, where you can speak with student representatives about the orchestra, and sign up.  The Symphonic Band audition sign up will also be located at the fair.  All orchestra auditions take place in the Harris Rehearsal Room (Room 136) in the lower lever of McAlister Hall (the main Conservatory building).  Here is the audition schedule:

Wednesday, August 29           
4:30-6:00 P.M. Oboes, bassoons        
6:30-10:00 All brass: trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas

Thursday, August 30              
4:15-6:15 P.M. Cellos, Double basses
7:00-8:00 Flutes
8:00-9:00 Clarinets
9:00-10:00 Percussion

Friday, August 31                               
4:30-6:00 P.M. Violas
6:30-10:30 Violins

The results of the auditions will be posted on the glass case in the Conservatory (McAlister) by Friday, Aug. 31 (for winds, harp and percussion) and Saturday, Sept. 1 (for strings).  The first rehearsal for the Symphony Orchestra is Tuesday, September 4th.   The Symphony Orchestra normally rehearses on stage of Edman Chapel, and occasionally in M136. 

The audition music is on the Conservatory website.  Please download and print out the PDF file for your instrument.  Each audition is approximately 6-7 minutes long and consists of playing the audition material, as well as a 1 to 2 minute excerpt of a solo of your choice (from a sonata, concerto, etude, etc.).  If you are going on High Road, be sure that you thoroughly practice the music before you go, and devote time after High Road to reviewing the music and getting back in shape.  We are really looking forward to seeing you in the fall!

Yours, For Christ and His Kingdom,

Daniel Sommerville
Director of Orchestral Activities

P.S.  One more thing—--for those who make it into the orchestra, we will be having a kick-off retreat/workshop on Friday night and Saturday, September 7th and 8th, so please reserve those dates!

Audition Packets

WOODWINDS
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon

BRASS
Horn
Trumpet
Tenor Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba

STRINGS
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

PERCUSSION