Dates for 2025 to be announced.

The Vassar College Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra of about 60 students. The group meets twice a week and gives two or three concerts per semester, performing master works of the symphonic repertoire. Participation is open to all students by audition regardless of their chosen majors.

The Vassar College Chamber Music program offers students opportunities to participate in string quartets, piano trios, wind quintets, and other less traditional formations depending on the repertoire. The groups perform once each semester in the recital hall and several times in other venues on and off campus. Participation is open to all students by audition and may be taken for credit.

For the audition, students will be asked to play two short contrasting excerpts (fast/slow) of their choice, and there will be also some simple sight-reading.

If you have any questions please email our Orchestra Director, Eduardo Navega.

Please fill out a Google form to sign up for an audition. The forms will open in late August.

Informational Meetings

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
7:00 p.m.—Wind Ensemble Students
7:30 p.m.—Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combo Students
Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music
(At this meeting you will sign up for an audition time.)

The Vassar College Jazz Ensemble is a twenty-plus-member big band of student musicians playing saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, and drums; vocalists are often featured as well. It performs literature ranging from the Big Band Era to contemporary compositions and arrangements. The Jazz Combo program offers students the opportunity to play in smaller ensembles with a strong focus on jazz improvisation.

The Vassar College Wind Ensemble is a sixty-plus-member ensemble of Vassar students, staff, and community members. The Ensemble performs three concerts in the academic year, featuring wind band masterworks, contemporary pieces, and student compositions.

Wind Ensemble Auditions

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 2:00–9:00 p.m.
Skinner Hall of Music, Room 421

Auditions are for new students only. New Wind Ensemble students can audition with an etude or solo piece excerpt. An audition piece will be provided to any student who does not have an etude or solo piece of their own. The audition sign-up sheet will be available at the September 4 meeting.

For any questions, please contact James Osborn.

Jazz Ensemble/Combo Auditions

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Friday, September 6, 2025, 2:00-9:00 p.m.
Skinner Hall of Music, Room 421

Auditions are for new students only. New Jazz students can audition with a jazz etude or jazz ensemble piece (improvisation is optional). Vocalists should select two songs to sing and provide a live or recorded accompaniment. An audition piece will be provided to any student who does not have an etude or ensemble piece of their own. The audition sign-up sheet will be available at the September 4 meeting.

For any questions, please contact James Osborn.

Voice lessons involve the study of the bel canto tradition in singing, with a focus predominantly on classical vocal repertoire and technique. Auditions are competitive.

Fall 2024 Choral/Voice Lesson Information Session

Thursday, August 29, 2024 — Skinner Hall of Music, Recital Hall 
10:00–11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (please choose one)

All students interested in singing in the choirs (Treble Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Chamber Singers) or auditioning for voice lessons should attend one of these sessions. There will be a short presentation followed by Q&A.

Saturday, August 31, 2024, 1:00–4:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall of Music, Recital Hall

Sign up for an audition in advance by filling out the Voice Lesson Audition Google Form. The form will open in late August.

Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theatre or other music genres. 

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 1:00–4:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 400 (Thekla Hall)

Please sign up in advance on the Choral Audition Google Form. The form will open in late August.

Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theatre or other music genres.