Additional Performance Groups

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Ensemble Audition Form*

Chamber Ensembles
Early Music Studio
Contemporary Music Studio
Jazz Combo
Pop Band
Salsa Band
Collaborative Musicianship

*available in early August

The Ensemble Audition Form will be available in early August.

Chamber Ensembles

(2975y/3975y/4975y/9566y/9867y/Special Topics)

All students wishing to be considered for the Chamber Ensembles program must play an audition. The Chamber Ensembles program coordinators, professors Thomas Wiebe and Aaron Hodgson, administer and evaluate these auditions. Please see Audition Guidelines below.

This half-credit course fulfils the requirements for Performance majors. It is available to undergraduate Performance Majors for at least two years in the second (2975y), third (3975y), or fourth (4975y) years of study, and to graduate performance majors majoring in piano or orchestral instruments for at least one year. Students in other degree programs are also eligible for consideration, depending on audition, coach availability and department permission.

Enrollment for Chamber Ensembles are by audition, and are only open to students in the following areas:

  • woodwinds, brass & percussion
  • strings
  • piano

Please note: Chamber music repertoire which has been coached or performed on a recital for chamber music credit as part of the chamber ensemble program cannot be used in a student credit solo recital. Chamber ensembles formed for academic credit are not to be used in solo recitals.

Audition Guidelines

Enrollment for Chamber Ensembles are by audition only.

Chamber ensemble auditions will be on September 4 and 5:

Sep. 4

  • WW/Brass/Percussion Auditions
    • 9am–12pm
    • 1:30–3pm

Sep. 5

  • Piano Auditions
    • 9am–11:30am

  • Voice Auditions
    • also 9am–11:30am

  • Strings Auditions
    • 12:30pm–4pm

Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book a live audition time online. 

All applicants, including pianists, must prepare two contrasting excerpts from their solo repertoire (e.g. concertos, sonatas, concert pieces). Instrumentalists playing a chamber music audition should not bring a piano accompanist. Any singer performing a chamber music audition should bring a piano accompanist. The excerpts should total no more than five minutes in length, combined.

Early Music Studio

(2971a/2972b, 3971a/3972b, 4971a/4972b, 9568a/9569b)

Early Music Studio (EMS) is available as a course credit.

The Early Music Studio focuses on music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – sometimes a little earlier, and sometimes a little later. We strive to recreate music of this period by discovering the performance style in use at the time of its composition. Because the ensemble includes performance on copies of period instruments, it operates at a lower pitch: usually, A=415, sometimes, A=430. 

Audition Guidelines

Enrollment for Early Music Studio is by audition only.

EMS auditions will be on September 4 and 5. Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online. 

EMS auditions are completely acceptable on modern instruments; this is normally expected. 

Prepare two excerpts, featuring two contrasting pieces in solo repertoire (e.g. concertos, sonatas, chamber music excerpts). Both excerpts need to be repertoire from the baroque, or if necessary, the classical period. The excerpts should total no more than five minutes in length, combined.

Contemporary Music Studio

(3976y/9507y/Special Topics)

This course gives advanced performers the opportunity to learn and perform interesting and challenging works written in the past 60 years by international composers, developing an intellectual and technical awareness of performance practice for current compositions through study and performances. Works performed are for 1 to 12 performers and may include world premieres and improvisation. There is typically one concert at the end of each semester.

Contemporary Music Studio may be taken for credit by third and fourth year Performance majors, and all levels of graduate students. The course can also be taken under a Special Topics course number, or by special permission. All vocalists and instrumentalists are encouraged to apply.

Audition Guidelines

Enrollment for Contemporary Music Studio is by audition only.

Contemporary Music Studio auditions will be heard on September 3, 1pm–6pm. 

Students must complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online. 

For the audition, prepare 10 minutes of contrasting solo music which best shows your technique and musicianship. Contemporary music is welcome but not required. 

If you have questions, contact Paul Frehner at pfrehner@uwo.ca and Patricia Green at mezzo@uwo.ca. 

CMS Class Time and Location

Mondays | 1:30–3pm
Check with your ensemble leaders for location information

First Class
Monday, Sep 9 | 1:30pm
Check with your ensemble leaders for location information

Jazz Combo

(Music 3952y 001)

Jazz Combos are performing musical groups that are open by audition to all Western students. Students rehearse and perform standard and contemporary repertoire for small jazz ensemble. Special emphasis is given to interactive playing, improvising, arranging, composing, and developing appropriate stylistic competency.

Audition Guidelines

Enrolment for Jazz Combo is by audition only.

Students whose auditions are successful will be assigned to a combo by the Director based on instrumental needs and ability/experience level. Jazz Combo auditions will be on September 6. Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online. 

Rhythm section players (piano, bass, guitar, drums) who are interested in auditioning for Jazz Ensemble as well can do their Combo audition at the same time, and don’t need to schedule two auditions. Students would need to perform both sets of audition materials.

Audition Selections

Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Vocals
Both selections 1 and 2 are required

  1. Perform two choruses of All the Things You Are by Jerome Kern
    a. First chorus: perform the melody of the tune
    b. Second chorus: perform an improvised solo through the chord changes.
  2. Perform three choruses of Au Privave by Charlie Parker
    a. First chorus: perform the melody of the tune
    b. Second and Third choruses: perform an improvised solo through the chord changes

Drum Set
Both selections 1 and 2 are required

  1. Perform three choruses of Au Privave by Charlie Parker
    a. First chorus: Play swing groove
    b. Second and Third choruses: perform an improvised solo while keeping the time/form
  2. Perform each of the following grooves (approximately 30 seconds on each groove)
    a. Shuffle groove
    b. Jazz ballad straight groove (brushes)
    c. Funk/Rock groove

Pop Band

(Music 3952y 002)

Audition Guidelines

Enrolment for Pop Band is by audition only, and is also open to non-Music majors. Pop Band auditions will be on September 4 and 5. Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online. 

Audition Information and Excerpts (2024-25)

All excerpts are for educational purposes only.

Vocals

Choose two (2) samples to sing for your audition. You will sing 60–90 seconds of these two samples at your audition. Backing tracks in MP3 format included below, as are original track YouTube links.

Guitar

You will be playing three (3) selections: 

  • Stop Dragging My Heart Around
    • Play on electric guitar (if available).
    • A PDF guitar chart and a PDF Tab has been provided. It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can.
    • Your ability to strictly adhere to the written chart is a very important factor in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpts: PDF | PDF TAB (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
       
  • Don’t Stop Me Now
    • Play on electric guitar (if available).
    • A PDF guitar chart and a PDF Tab has been provided.
    • Play from mm. 80 - 100.
    • This is Brian May’s iconic guitar solo.
    • Your ability to play what is written with copious energy and ebullience is very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpts: PDF | PDF TAB (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
       
  • Fields of Gold
    • Play on nylon (or acoustic) guitar (if available).
    • A PDF guitar chart has been provided.
    • Your ability to play and tastefully support the other elements of the song are very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

Bass

You will be playing three (3) selections: 

  • De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
    • A PDF bass chart has been provided below (play from mm. 40 no repeat – to the end). It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can.
    • Your ability to strictly adhere to the written chart is a very important factor in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart Excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

  • Boppin’ With The Blues
    • A PDF (partial) electric bass chart has been provided below as a guide for you.
    • Quarter note = circa 174.
    • Groove is a “Texas Shuffle”.
    • Play exactly what is written but with copious energy and ebullience.
    • Your ability to play in strict time and tastefully support the other elements of the song are very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

  • Something
    • PDF in bass clef and in TAB provided below.
    • Channel your inner McCartney…
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpts: PDF Bass Clef | PDF TAB (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

Keyboard

You will be playing three (3) selections: 

  • Songbird
    • Play on piano
    • A PDF piano chart has been provided. It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can. 
    • Your ability to play and tastefully support the other elements of the song are very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024)
    • Chart Excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024)
       
  • Don’t Stop Me Now
    • Play on piano
    • A PDF piano chart has been provided for you.
    • Play from beginning to m. 50.
    • Your ability to play what is written with copious energy and ebullience is very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024)
    • Chart Excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024)

  • Advice For The Young At Heart
    • Play on synth (if available).
    • A PDF keyboard chart has been provided for you.
    • Your ability to play melodic components accurately and properly interpret chord symbols are very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024)
    • Chart Excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024)

Drums

You will be playing three (3) selections: 

  • De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
    • A PDF (partial) drum chart has been provided (from mm. 44–end). It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can, without added fills etc. Your ability to strictly adhere to the written chart is a very important factor in this evaluation. 
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart Excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

  • Boppin’ With The Blues
    • A PDF (partial) electric bass chart has been provided as a guide for you.
    • Quarter note = circa 174.
    • Start with the drum pick-up fill on S.D.
    • Groove is a “Texas Shuffle”.
    • Quarter notes on Kick and Ride.
    • Shuffle rhythm on S.D only.
    • Fills on S.D only (as per your taste).
    • Catch the shots with the horn section in a tasteful manner: mm. 11-12, 27-28, 54-55.
    • Your ability to play in strict time and tastefully support the other elements of the song are very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart excerpt: PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

  • Personal Choice
    • Play a 60-second sample of a groove you really enjoy.
    • Choose something which demonstrates your musicianship and taste as well as your skills.

Brass and Woodwinds

At minimum we will be looking to have a “horn section” comprised of trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax and trombone. For your audition you will be playing two (2) selections. 

  • Boppin’ With The Blues
    • A PDF chart for your instrument has been provided. It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can.
    • Your ability to play what is written with copious energy and ebullience is very important in this evaluation.
    • Reference Track: YouTube | MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart Excerpts PDFs: (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
      Eb Alto Sax | Eb Baritone Sax | Bb Tenor Sax | Trombone | Bb Trumpet

  • Not a Word (Shine On)
    • A PDF chart for your instrument has been provided. It is important that you play this chart as accurately as you can.
    • Reference Track: MP3 (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
    • Chart Excerpt PDFs: (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
      Alto Sax | Baritone Sax | Tenor Sax | Trombone | Bb Trumpet

Salsa Band

(Music 3952y 003)

Audition Guidelines

Enrolment for Salsa Band is by audition only, and is also open to non-Music majors.

Vocalists are not required to already speak Spanish to participate, but will be required to sing in Spanish in the band. Salsa Band auditions will be on September 4 and 5. Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online. 

Audition Excerpts

Students wishing to audition on violin, viola or tres will be considered, and should contact Denis Jiron for sheet music.

All excerpts are for educational purposes only.

Vocals

Pick one song which is most appropriate to your voice range. The entire lead-voice part is required. YouTube links to a reference track and karaoke track are supplied; auditioners will be required to sing with the karaoke/backing track.

Bass and Piano

  • Buscando Guayaba
    • Chart Excerpts PDFs: (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
      Bass | Piano
  • Latin New York
    • Chart Excerpts PDFs: (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
      Bass | Piano

Saxes, Horns and Flute

Percussion

All percussion excerpts must be played at quarter note=100bpm or faster. Excerpts are highlighted in red in PDFs.

  • Bongo: pgs. 113–114,  Basic Martillo patterns 1–6
    • Bongo PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
  • Timbales: pgs. 119–120, ex. 6–8
    • Timbales PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 
  • Congas: pg.90 ex. 1–4 and pg. 91 ex. 1–5
    • Conga PDF (username: excerpts password: 2024) 

Collaborative Musicianship

(4976y)

This course is intended to teach the pianist and orchestral instrumentalist the principles of ensemble playing as well as the literature of the Solo Instrumental Works with piano, and is designed for students majoring in Piano or Orchestral Instruments in Honours Performance, in third or fourth year. Available to other students by permission of the Department.

Fourth year piano performance majors will be registered in the course.

Instrumentalists should contact mpsdept@uwo.ca to be placed on a waiting list for the course.