New Students: Saturday, August 26, 2023, starting at 4:30 p.m. or Sunday, August 27, 2023, starting at 12:30 p.m. — Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music.

Returning Students: Monday, August 28, 2023, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. or Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 1:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — Skinner Hall, Room 203

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 Monday, August 21, 2023
New Students
Returning Students

INFORMATION MEETING

Monday, August 28, 2023
7:00 p.m.—Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combo Students
8:00 p.m.—Wind Ensemble 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 20-piece group of student musicians playing saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, double 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

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music
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 August 29 meeting.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE/COMBO AUDITIONS

Thursday, August 31, 2023, starting at 4:00 p.m.
Skinner Hall, Room 421
Auditions are for new students only. New Jazz students can audition with a jazz etude or jazz ensemble piece (improvisation is optional). 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 August 29 meeting.

For any questions, please contact Jim 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 2023 Choral/Voice Lesson Information Session

Thursday, August 24, 2023 — Skinner Hall of Music, Recital Hall 
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (please choose one)

All students interested in singing in the choirs (Women’s 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 26, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 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 Monday, August 21, 2023.

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, August 27, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 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 on Monday, August 21, 2023.

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.