Auditions are required for the following ensembles:

• Symphony Orchestra
• New Music Ensemble
• Chamber Orchestra
• Chamber Choir
• University Singers

(At the Department of Music, Victoria Rooms, Queen's Road)

One single audition covers Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and New Music Ensemble; likewise, the University Singers and Chamber Choir. All players and singers (including members of last year’s ensembles) need to audition - nobody has an automatic right to a place in any ensemble. This is your only chance to audition for the present academic year - places will be allocated in this first week.

Please note that these are classical music auditions. If you are more interested in popular repertoire, then groups such as A Cappella Society and Music Theatre Bristol will be suitable for you.

Audition timetable booking

Timetables will be posted in the Victoria Rooms at the beginning of Welcome Week so you can sign up for an audition - if you turn up without having booked a time, you will not be able to audition. At your audition, you will be asked to perform a short piece of your own choosing and to take a sight-reading test. The piece should be chosen with a view to showing off both technical proficiency and tone quality. 

Concert and rehearsal schedules

Concert and rehearsal schedules for the whole year will be available at the audition so you can see what membership of the various ensembles involves. If you are offered and accept a place in any ensemble, it is expected that you will attend all rehearsals and concerts for the whole year.

Please note that Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra rehearse at the same time so it is not possible to be a member of both.

Auditions timetable

Medical students whose academic commitments prevent them from auditioning at the times given below should contact the Music Concerts and Resources Office on 0117 331 4044 or email music-resources@bristol.ac.uk. We will attempt to arrange an alternative audition time. 

All rehearsals take place at the Victoria Rooms unless otherwise stated.

• Singers:
  • Thursday 26 September (4 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9 pm)
  • Friday 27 September (10.30 am - 1 pm; 2 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9 pm)
  • Saturday 28 September (10.30 am - 1 pm and 2 - 5 pm )
• Violins:
  • Thursday 26 September (4 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9.30 pm)
  • Friday 27 September (6.30 - 9.30 pm)
  • Saturday 28 September (10.30 am - 1 pm)
• Violas:
  • Saturday 28 September (10.30 am - 1 pm)
• Cellos and Basses:
  • Thursday 26 September (4 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9 pm)
• Flutes and Bassoons:
  • Thursday 26 September (4 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9.30 pm)
• Oboes and Clarinets:
  • Friday 27 September (4 - 6 pm and 6.30 - 9.30 pm)
• Brass:
  • Saturday 28 September (10.30 am - 1 pm and 2 - 4 pm)
• Percussion and Harps:
  • Friday 27 September (4 - 6 pm)

Results

Final lists for choirs and orchestras will be posted after midday on Tuesday 1 October in the Music Department Foyer.