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Ensemble Information for Non-Music Majors

Do you play an instrument or sing? Are you a current or incoming Western student?

If you answered "Yes" to both questions, consider auditioning for one of our outstanding music ensembles!  (If you're a current or confirmed incoming student in the Don Wright Faculty of Music, please click here for complete Ensemble info for Music students. The information below is specific to non-Music Western students.)

Being a member of an ensemble can be an integral part of your experience at Western. Our award-winning choral and instrumental groups perform a range of repertoire from early music to jazz.

• Visit the Large Ensemble webpage for complete audition information, and rehearsal information once finalized. Each instrument has separate requirements.
• Large ensemble auditions will take place in person in early September, usually starting before classes resume.
• The recommended audition excerpts for winds, brass, percussion, and strings are available in the sidebar on this page. Non-Music majors interested in auditioning for winds or brass, may substitute an etude of their own choice for one or two of the recommended excerpts. We hope to see lots of new faces at the large ensemble auditions, especially low brass players.
• If possible, it is recommended that students keep the Monday to Thursday 3:30-5:20pm time slot open in order to be considered for the largest number of ensembles.
• A wide variety of additional Music courses available for non-Music majors are listed here. 

Interested?

Register to receive timely email updates regarding ensemble auditions, such as audition excerpts and scheduling your audition time slot.

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2025 Audition Information

Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and String instruments

Winds, brass, and percussion auditions will be on [dates TBA], and string auditions will be on [dates TBA]. Rhythm section auditions for Jazz Ensemble will take place on [dates TBA]. Students must also complete an Ensemble Information Form and book an audition time online once available in early August.

Voice

Choir Placements

All students who wish to participate in a choir during the 2025-26 academic year must complete a Choir Placement.

1. Complete the online Choir Placement Request Form (once available).
   
   
   • Questions on the form include basic contact information, program of studies, previous choral experience, and choir preference for this year.
   • You will have the opportunity to indicate what day you would like to complete your Choir Placement. Available dates include [TBA].
2. Prepare the Choir Placement Excerpt.
   
   
   • If you have previous choir experience, prepare to sing a voice part of your choice from Choir Placement Excerpt #1 OR Choir Placement Excerpt #2 (Choose ONE.) - will be available in the summer
   • If you have very limited or no choir experience, prepare to sing a short (1 min. max.) excerpt of an unaccompanied song of your choice. It can be in any style and any language.
3. Complete your Choir Placement with the choir conductors (September dates TBA).
   
   
   • Check the Choir Placement Schedule for your time once available.
   • During the Placement, you will have the opportunity to sing your prepared excerpt and complete some simple vocal exercises and sight-singing exercises with the choir conductors.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Dr. Mark Ramsay, Coordinator of Choral Activities at mramsay9@uwo.ca

Contact Information

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to seeing you in September. For more information on joining an Ensemble at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, please contact us.

Undergraduate Program Assistant
Brigette Soudant
Talbot College, room 210
519-661-2111 x85402
mpsdept@uwo.ca