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, Schola Cantorum (both male and female choirs) and Chamber Choir.

Separate auditions will be held for University Symphonic Winds if this is the only ensemble you wish to audition for.

If you want to audition only for Schola Cantorum, you may choose to have an informal audition with the choir director if preferred (contact emma.hornby@bristol.ac.uk).  
 
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 by the start of Week 2 and all auditionees will receive a confirmation email on their audition outcome. 
 
Audition slots are booked on a first-come-first-served basis. 

 

If you turn up without booking your audition slot, you will not be able to audition. 

 

How to book an Audition Slot

 

Please click here to access our Auditions Bookings Page.

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 and complete the requisite questions (e.g. your audition piece and previous experience). 

Once complete, you will receive an email confirming your 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 2026

All auditions are held at the Victoria Rooms Building.


Vocal Auditions     

** Please note:  Vocal auditions will be available to book from Wednesday 2nd September. **

Violin Auditions

Monday 21 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.17
Tuesday 22 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.16
Wednesday 23 September, 1:00-7:00PM, G.17

Cello/Double Bass Auditions

Monday 21 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.12

Oboes & Clarinets Auditions

Monday 21 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.22

Viola Auditions

Tuesday 22 September, 6:00-8:00PM, G.17

Percussion/Harp Auditions 

Tuesday 22 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.12

Brass Auditions 

Wednesday 23 September, 1:00-7:00PM, G.12

Flute and Bassoon Auditions 

Wednesday 23 September, 1:00-6:00PM, G.22

Bristol University Music Society - Symphonic Winds Auditions

Tuesday 22 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.22
Wednesday 23 September, 6:00-9:00PM, G.16

 

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.