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.
Rehearsal Time
Mon, Wed, Fri from 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm in the Dennison Theatre (Fall and Spring terms)
Fall Auditions
Where: Music Building, Rm 113
When: Follow sign-up link below.
Who:
- 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.
3 steps to audition.
Step 1. Submit personal information here.
Step 2.
- Sign up for an orchestra audition time here.
Step 3. Read the audition procedure and download the audition excerpts.
- Strings (below)
- Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion - redirect to Bands audition page (same excerpts as orchestra)
Auditions will include:
- Excerpts
- Solo work(s) of your choice (2-3 minute without accompanist)
- Sight-reading
Fall 2026 String Excerpts
Suggestions for Success
- Print all excerpts and begin practicing. People listening to your audition can immediately tell the difference between normal mistakes and being unprepared.
- The audition is a performance; if something goes wrong, just keep playing. Clean and accurate is always preferred to uncontrolled and fast.
- Take a moment to look at the sight-reading before starting.
- LISTEN like crazy to recordings of the excerpts and translate any foreign words. It will inform you, inspire you, and make you better!