Auditions information

Auditions are required for the following ensembles:

 

Signing up to an Audition - Please read this carefully

 

One single audition covers Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and New Music Ensemble; likewise, the University Singers and Chamber Choir. Separate auditions will be held for University Symphonic Winds if this is the only ensemble you wish to audition for.  
 
All players and vocalists (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 second week. 
 
Audition slots are booked on a first-come-first-served basis. The earlier you complete the form, the more likely you are to choose your preferred audition slot.  

Please note you cannot book your audition slot without first submitting the online audition form.

If you turn up without having submitted the form and booking a time, you will not be able to audition. 

 

Audition Form

 

To book your audition, please complete the online Audition Sign Up Form.

Alternatively, you can click the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/HZCH1bXu10

Once complete, the form will provide a confirmation message with a web-link which will redirect you to our bookings page.

Please select your desired instrument group to view available dates and time slots for that audition. You can then select and confirm your 10-minute audition slot.  


During the 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. 

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 2025/26

 

Vocal

Wednesday 17th September: 2:00 – 5:00pm 

Monday 22nd September: 5:00 – 9:00pm  

Tuesday 23rd September: 5:00 – 9:00pm  

Wednesday 24th September: 2:00 – 7:00pm  

Cellos and Basses 

Thursday 25th September: 4:00 – 9:00pm  

Violins 

Monday 22nd September: 5:00 – 9:00pm  

Wednesday 24th September: 2:00 – 7:00pm  

Thursday 25th September: 4:00 – 9:00pm  

Violas 

Tuesday 23rd September: 6:00 – 9:00pm  

Oboes and Clarinets  

Thursday 12th September: 2pm – 9pm 

Flutes and Bassoons  

Wednesday 24th September: 1:00 – 6:00pm  

Brass 

Wednesday 24th September: 1:00 – 7:00pm  

Percussion and Harps 

Tuesday 23rd September: 6:00 – 9:00pm  

University Symphonic Winds Ensemble 

Tuesday 23rd September: 5:00 – 9:00pm  

Thursday 25th September: 6:00 – 9:00pm  
 

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 School Resources Office:

Email: music-resources@bristol.ac.uk