Ensemble Auditions
Enrollment
Auditionees must enroll in their desired ensemble(s) before auditions are held to guarantee availability and placement. Visit Admissions & Records to complete enrollment in ensembles.
Ensemble class codes and meeting times for Fall 2025:
- MUS 15 - Jazz Ensemble
- Mon - 6:00-8:50pm
- MUS 16/41 - Orchestra & Instrumental Chamber Ensemble
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Wed - 5:00-7:50pm
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- MUS 17A/11 - Jazz Combos
- *Fast Track 2 Class 10/13-12/12
- Tues/Thurs 2:30p-4:20p
- Additional Asynchronous Online Content TBD
- MUS 45 - Chamber Choir
- Tue/Thu - 12:30p-2:25p
- Additional TBA Hours TBD
- MUS 46 - Vocal Jazz Ensemble “BayBop”
- Mon/Wed - 12:30p-2:25p
- Additional TBA Hours TBD
Jazz Combos Audition Requirements
- Cindy Browne Rosefield, Director
- crosefield@laspositascollege.edu
- Audition process:
Students must record an unlisted YouTube video of themselves performing the requirements listed below along with a backing track or other players, and email the link to the instructor no later than Monday August 18 by 5pm.
- Horns: Play the head (melody) of a tune of your choice, then improvise for at least a chorus.
- Drums: Demonstrate 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk (each style can be approx 30 seconds). Please also play with either a backing a track or a friend over a tune of your choice and trade 4s for at least one chorus.
- Piano and Guitar: Choose a standard and demonstrate playing chord changes ("comping") for at least one chorus and improvise for at least chorus.
- Bass: Demonstrate bass lines in 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk (each style can be approx 30 seconds). Please also play with either a backing a track or a friend over a tune of your choice and improvise for at least one chorus.
- Vocals: Sing a tune of your choice over a backing track or with an accompanist. Scatting over the changes is ideal, but not required.
Jazz Ensemble Audition Requirements
- Mario Silva, Director
- msilva@laspositascollege.edu
- Auditions for MUS 15 are held on the first day of class 6pm-8:50pm or students can record a video and email it to the instructor by 8:50pm that day.
- Horns: Please have prepared 2 major scales in 2 octaves. Also, please perform the head for a jazz standard of your choice.
- Drummers/Percussionists: Please demonstrate 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk
- Rhythm Section (piano, guitar, bass): Please choose a standard and demonstrate playing chord changes.
Chamber Choir - MUS 45
MUS 45 and 46 - Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Location: L4000, 4130
Chamber Choir is not auditioned. Anyone is welcome to join, the only limitation is the choir room capacity. There will be placement activities (similar to auditions) that take place over the first two class meetings.
Day 1, Tuesday, Jan. 21:
The placement activities will begin with a vocal warm-up and a sharing of songs. Please prepare to perform a song for the class. The music should showcase your skills, musicality and personal strengths. Bring sheet music, a collaborative pianist will be available to accompany you. A cappella performances are welcome.
Day 2, Thursday, Jan. 23:
The placement activities continue with a sharing of songs for all those who didn't get the chance to sing in the previous class. The activities will conclude with range checks, voice matching and part assignments.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble - MUS 46
MUS 45 and 46 - Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Location: L4000, 4130
Please note that this is a two-part audition that takes place over two different days.
Day 1, Jan 22:
The audition will begin with a sharing of songs. Please prepare to perform a jazz tune for the class. The music should showcase your skills, musicality and your personal strengths. If you are not familiar with jazz songs, choose something you think is close to the style. Bring lead sheets or sheet music, a collaborative pianist will be available to accompany you. A cappella performances are welcome.
Afterward, you will learn a short selection of music in 4-part harmony which you must practice and memorize in preparation for day 2.
Day 2, Jan 27:
You will perform the previously learned selection memorized and in quartets.
The audition concludes with a sharing of songs in case not everyone had the chance to sing for the class on the first day.
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra - MUS 16 & MUS 41
MUS 41 and 16 - Instrumental Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra
Audition Date: Wednesday, January 22, 5:00 p.m.
Location: 4138
Requirements: Please prepare to perform a short selection of solo music for the class (1-3 min). The music should showcase your skill level and musicality. The audition may include sight reading, scales and arpeggios, as well as guided improvisation.
Non-Auditioned Ensembles
We offer non-auditioned ensembles, where anyone regardless of ability, can enroll and participate: MUS 48 Improvisation Lab and MUS 45 Chamber Choir (see above).
- MUS 48 Improvisation Lab
- *Fast Track 1 Class 8/18-10/10
- Tues/Thurs 2:30p-4:20p
- Additional Asynchronous Online Content TBD
- Julie Homi, Director
- Email: JHomi@laspositascollege.edu
Questions?
After reading all available information thoroughly, any remaining questions may be directed to department coordinators Dan Marschak and Andreas Preponis
dmarschak@laspositascollege.edu
apreponis@laspositascollege.edu