Auditions information
Auditions are required for the following ensembles:
Signing up to an Audition - Please read this carefully
SIGN-UP SHEETS will be posted in the Victoria Rooms at the beginning of Welcome Week so you can sign up for an audition. You need to come to the Victoria Rooms in person to do this. You cannot sign up online. The earlier you come along during Welcome Week, the more likely you are to get your desired audition slot.
You will also need to complete the relevant online audition form before your audition. The auditions panel will have access to the form at your audition.
Please note: signing up to an audition time and completing the audition form are two separate things. You need to sign up to an audition time and you need to complete the relevant audition form so that the auditions panel have the information that they need.
If you turn up without having booked a time, you will not be able to audition.
Audition Forms:
Vocal - soprano
Vocal - alto
Vocal - tenor
Vocal - bass
Flutes
Bassoons
Oboes
Clarinets
Horns
Trumpets
Trombones
Tuba
Percussion
Harps
Violins
Violas
Cellos
Double Basses
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 are allocated in the first week.
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.
Accompaniment will be provided for vocal auditions only, and you will need to bring a copy of the sheet music for your accompanist. Please note, you may be asked to stop after about 1 minute of your song due to time constraints, so if there is a particular section you would like us to hear choose your starting point accordingly.
Instrumental auditions are unaccompanied.
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.
Auditions Timetable 2024/25
Medical students whose academic commitments prevent them from auditioning at the times given below should contact the Concerts and Resources Office (music):
Tel: 0117 33 14044
email: music-resources@bristol.ac.uk
We will attempt to arrange an alternative audition time.
Vocal
Thursday 12th September: 2pm – 6pm
Friday 13th September: 10.30am – 9pm
Saturday 14th September: 10.30am – 5pm
Violins
Thursday 12th September: 4pm – 9pm
Friday 13th September: 4pm - 9pm
Saturday 14th September: 10.30am – 1pm
Violas, Cellos and Basses
Thursday 12th September: 2pm – 9pm
Woodwind
Thursday 12th September: 2pm – 9pm
Brass, Percussion and Harps
Friday 13th September: 2pm – 7pm
Rehearsal Schedules
Rehearsal schedules 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.
For any queries, please contact the Concerts and Resources Office:
Email: music-resources@bristol.ac.uk
Tel: 0117 33 14044