Choral
A limited number of performance scholarships are available for the choral ensembles. Auditions for these scholarships, which range from $1,500 for first-year recipients to as much as $3,000 for experienced members of the Chorus, take place in March and April for the following year. You do not need to be a music major to be eligible for a performance scholarship and the majority of recipients are non-majors.
Because the University is closed during the current COVID-19 situation, all auditions after March 19, 2020 will have to be done by video submission. The video should include the performance of one song with accompaniment (preferably piano). It can be sent as an attachment, or you can send a link to an online video. As there is no practical way to handle the sight-reading component of the audition, initial awards will be for $750 for AY2020-2021; auditions for a select group (Chamber Singers or Vocal Jazz Ensemble) will take place the first week of classes in the fall and singers who earn a spot in one of those groups in addition to the University Chorus will have their awards doubled on the spot to $1500 for the year.
When you e-mail the video or video link, please include a filled-out audition form (below). It must include your Drexel student ID or it cannot be processed.
University Chorus-Audition Form
Audition Requirements:
- Pick something that shows off the strength of your voice (i.e. if you feel you have great high notes, pick a piece with high notes; if you have a lyric voice, pick a ballad--play to your strength and don't try to guess what the director will like). Do, however, be aware that scholarships go to singers who demonstrate the promise of being able to lead sections in the Chorus; we are looking for strong voices with range, and excellent intonation.
Requirements for Scholarship Recipients:
- You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 101: University Chorus each term (two rehearsals each week)
- You must be available to participate in either the Chamber Singers or Naturally Sharp [Vocal Jazz Ensemble] according to the director's needs
Please contact Dr. Steven Powell, Director of Choral Activities at powellss@drexel.edu for questions or to submit a video.
Concert Band
Audition Procedures:
Performing Arts Scholarships are available to any wind, brass, or percussion student based on audition. Scholarship awards range from $750-$2000, and are divided equally between Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.
Performing Arts Scholarships are competitive, and the expectations for students who are awarded such scholarships are high. These students are required to attend ALL rehearsals (Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.) and performances of the Concert Band. In addition, all Concert Band scholarship students are to be available for chamber music opportunities within the Concert Band, or for other ensembles within the Department of Performing Arts (i.e., University Orchestra, University Chorus, Theater Pit Orchestra).
Concert Band Scholarship Auditions for all terms of the 2020-2021 academic year will occur by video. Your video audition should be no longer than 7 minutes and can be submitted by email to the Director, Patrick Bailey, at PBailey@drexel.edu. Recordings must be in one take without edits or adjustments. Please be sure the audio is clear. Most mobile phones will be able to readily capture what you need. Please note that due to this year’s auditions being held by video, there is no sight reading requirement.
Because membership in the Concert Band is by audition only, you need to submit an audition even if you are not applying for scholarship. The audition requirements for membership/entry to the Concert Band are the same as the requirements for scholarship. The deadlines are different.
In your video, please state your name, what scales you will play (chromatic and 3 major scales), and your solo selection.
Scholarship auditions for the Winter term are now closed.
Membership auditions for the Winter 2021 term (same requirements) are open until Monday, January 4th, 2021.
Scholarship auditions for the Spring 2021 term are due Monday, February 15th, 2021.
Membership auditions for the Spring term (same requirements) are open until Monday, March 22nd, 2021.
Audition Requirements:
1) Three major scales (three will be selected from all 12) and one chromatic scale, range of the instrument, in the format of your choice.
2) Basic sight reading (provided)- note: due to auditions for the 2020-2021 academic year being held by video, there is no sight reading requirement.
3) Selection from standard solo repertoire of your choice. You may use state/district music educator's conference audition material as a guide or starting point to choose a selection.
Percussionists:
Percussion students are to perform a 2-3-minute solo or etude of their choice on each of the following three instruments: timpani, snare drum, and one mallet instrument choice (marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone). Scales, rudiments, and sight reading will be asked.
Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
A student must be registered for Concert Band (MUSC 105, Section 001) for each academic term in order to receive any disbursements.
For more information, contact Patrick Bailey at Pbailey@drexel.edu.
Percussion Ensemble
Audition Procedures:
Performing Arts Scholarships are available to any percussion student who performs a successful audition. Students are to contact the Director of the Percussion Ensemble - Mark Beecher - via email (meb26@drexel.edu) to schedule a time for an audition, which are usually 15-minute slots. Scholarship awards range from $500-$1000.
Performing Arts Scholarships are competitive, and the expectations for students who are awarded such scholarships are high. These students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances of the Percussion Ensemble. In addition, all Percussion Ensemble scholarship students are to be available for other ensembles within the Department of Performing Arts (i.e., Concert Band, Pep Band, University Orchestra, University Chorus, Theater Pit Orchestra).
Due to the existing COVID-19 Crisis, all Percussion Ensemble Scholarship Auditions will be conducted in a live, online session, lasting approximately 15 minutes - using either Zoom, Google Hangouts, IPhone FaceTime, Skype or similar video conferencing platforms. It is assumed that video auditions can never replace a live, in-person audition, but due to these current circumstances, this will be the norm in all educational and performance settings. YouTube or Vimeo videos will also be accepted (and it is recommended that high-quality digital video equipment is used), which can be submitted to the Director of the Percussion Ensemble, Mark Beecher, via email meb26@drexel.edu.
Audition Procedure:
For Mallet Auditions (Marimba/Vibes/Xylophone, Timpani), students are asked to choose a repertoire which they think best displays their present abilities. Students should be prepared to offer two or three pieces or movements in contrasting musical styles and tempi. As appropriate, the student may be asked to demonstrate aural awareness, scales and arpeggios, and sight-reading. It is recommended that the pieces are played from memory and a copy of your audition music presented to the Director of the Percussion Ensemble, but not required.
For all other Percussion Instruments (Snare Drum, Drum Set, Congas, Bongos, Djembe, etc.), students must prepare a solo piece or two, of their choice. On the Snare Drum: Playing through a few Drum Rudiments (going from Open [slow] to Closed [fast] to Open) - The Long Roll, Single Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, Flam Accent, Flamacue, Ruff (Drag) & Single Ratamacue, as well as some on-the-spot demonstrations of a few Hybrid Rudiments. For the Drum Set, students must perform the following Groove examples: Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban (6/8 & Son Montuno / Salsa), Reggae (Shuffle & Straight 8ths), Blues Shuffle, Jazz/Swing, Odd Meter (5/4, 7/8, etc.). For Hand Percussion: Congas - Tumbao Moderno, Guaguanco, Bolero, Merengue, Afro Cuban 6/8, etc.; Bongos - Basic Martillo; Djembe - Lamba, Doundounba, Sedeba, Lindjiang; Darbuka - Maqsum, Baladi, Saidi, Nawari, etc.
Sample Audition List (Note: Student may choose from the list, but are encouraged to choose their own repertoire):
Marimba 2 Mallet:
Major Scales and arpeggios, 2 octaves
Violin Sonata in A Minor - J.S. Bach
Marimba 4 Mallet:
Yellow After the Rain - Mitchell Peters
Xylophone:
Porgy and Bess (Catfish Row) - George Gershwin
Polka from "The Golden Age" - Dmitri Shostakovich
Marimba:
Sonata in B Minor Mvt. III - J.S. Bach
Time for Marimba - Minoru Miki
Snare Drum:
Etude #1 - Jacques Delecluse
Scheherazade - Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakov
Timpani:
Saeta - Elliot Carter
Symphony 9 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
A student must be registered for Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 113, Section 001) for each academic term in order to receive any disbursements.
For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Mark Beecher, Percussion Ensemble Director at meb26@drexel.edu.
University Orchestra
Auditions for University Orchestra must be digitally recorded and sent to Orchestra Director Rosalind Erwin. See below for guidelines:
1. Video taping with one's cell phone is perfectly acceptable.
2. On the video, first announce who you are, state what scales you will play, and state what piece you will perform. All files must be submitted directly to rme49@drexel.edu.
String scholarships range from $750 per academic year (three terms) to $1875 per academic year (three terms). Winds, brass and percussion already accepted as scholarship students in the Concert Band receive an additional $150 each term they participate in University Orchestra.
Please fill out the form below and submit it to Rosalind Erwin.
University Orchestra Audition Form
Audition Requirements:
Strings:
1) Part of a standard solo for your instrument (concerto, sonata, melodic etude, etc.) – student’s choice
2) 3 major scales including keys up to 4 flats and 4 sharps as many octaves as you know (for scholarship consideration, at least two scales must be three octaves. Exception: double bass)
Woodwinds and brass:
Same as above, with the exception of scales (two octaves, but in the case of flute and clarinet, at least one three octave scale).
Percussion:
State your experience with timpani auxiliary percussion and mallet percussion.
Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
Scholarship students are expected to, at a minimum, maintain their level of playing at the standard in which they entered the ensemble, as well as have no more than the standard allowed absences each term. Excessive absences and lowering of playing ability may result in cancellation of the scholarship.
Students must register for MUSC 109 (University Orchestra)
For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Rosalind Erwin, University Orchestra Director at rme49@drexel.edu.
Jazz Orchestra
Auditions are required for membership in the Drexel University Jazz Orchestra.
The Jazztet and the Saxtet are select groups whose members are drawn from the ranks of the Jazz Orchestra.
Membership Requirements:
Technical command of your instrument sufficient to perform jazz at a high level
Good sight-reading ability
An awareness of the musical tradition and performance practices established by the masters of this music – Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, etc.
The ability to improvise is not a requirement, but it is a definite plus.
Membership and Scholarship Auditions:
Please prepare one piece, preferably a Jazz standard, but it can be of any style, which demonstrates your instrumental proficiency and your overall musicianship. It should be approximately 2-4 minutes in length.
Jazz Orchestra scholarships are awarded depending upon ability and needs of the group. Awards range from $725 to $2,500.
Please contact the Jazz Orchestra Director via email (bw352@drexel.edu) to schedule a time for a virtual audition or submit a remote audition via YouTube video.
All instrumentalists, with the exception of pianists, acoustic bassists, and drummers, must bring their own instruments to the audition. Amplifiers will be provided for bassists and guitarists; however, all bassists and guitarists must bring their own cables. Drummers must bring their own sticks and brushes.
- You must enroll in MUSC 107: Jazz Orchestra and participate in concerts
- Selections for sight reading and selections for improvisation will be provided by the director.
- Each audition will consist of:
Horn players:
1. Sight reading
2. Improvising, if you have the ability to do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement, but it is a definite plus
3. The playing of major and minor scales and arpeggios
Pianists:
1. Comping in a range of styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, etc.
2. Sight reading
3. Improvising, if you have the ability to do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement, but it is a definite plus
Guitarists:
1. Playing rhythm guitar
2. Comping in various styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, etc.
3. Sight reading
4. Improvising, if you have the ability to do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement, but it is a definite plus
Bassists: (while string bass is preferred, electric bassists who can create walking bass lines, and reasonably approximate a string bass quality of sound are welcome to audition)
1. Creation of bass lines in various styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, shuffle, etc.
2. Sight reading
3. Improvising, if you have the ability to do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement, but it is a definite plus
Drummers:
1. Time keeping in various styles – be-bop (4/4 “straight-ahead” swing), Afro-Latin, shuffle, etc.
2. Brush technique
3. Sight reading
Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 107 (Jazz Orchestra) each term.
For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Brent White, Jazz Orchestra director at bw352@drexel.edu.
Fusion Band
The Drexel University Fusion Band is an advanced performance ensemble exploring a variety of musical styles and genres including Funk, Reggae, Salsa, Samba, Afro-Cuban, Jazz and World Music. Improvisation is an important aspect of the ensemble experience. Audition requirements include a demonstration of proficiency on one's instrument, knowledge of scales, chords and rhythms, the ability to read music, and a demonstrated ability to improvise.
Performance scholarships are available for this ensemble, up to $1200 per year. Scholarship recipients must be able to commit to all 3 terms (fall, winter, spring) and attend all rehearsals and performances. Auditions are held on an as needed basis.
Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 112 (Fusion Band) each term.
For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Lynn Riley, Fusion Band Ensemble director at mcr27@drexel.edu.
Rock Ensemble
General Information:
Guitars, bass, drums, keys, female and male vocalists playing popular rock music from different eras and styles.
VIDEO SUBMISSION
Send to Greg Wright, gjw28@drexel.edu.
If you make a video, the file size becomes an issue. Make it a Youtube Video, then send the link. You don’t have to select public viewing, just select the “whoever has the link option” I won’t pass it along to anyone else. Email Greg Wright if that’s an issue.
The video submissions should be one example (song) of your work
No tape loops, recordings or sequencing can be used for accompaniment
Audition Requirements:
Guitars:
1. Have a song prepared that you can play solo, or by yourself. Chord/Melody is preferable
Bass:
2. Have a prepared tune. Keep and show good time. Add some prowess at the end.
Drums:
1. Show versatility with a variety of rock feels: reggae, funk, metal, blues, alt, etc.
2. Be able to do fills and stay in time.
Keyboards:
1. Have a song prepared that you can play solo, or by yourself. No classical, jazz or rock with chords and melody.
Vocalists:
1. Have two songs prepared to sing, ONLY VOCALISTS can use tracks (you must supply them).
2. One should be a fast tune, one should be a slow tune.
You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 117 (Rock Ensemble-Mondays at 3 pm) each term.
For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Greg Wright, Rock Ensemble director at gjw28@drexel.edu.