Information for Prospective Ensemble Members

Will I be able to play in the Symphony Orchestra or the Philharmonic Orchestra if I am a non-major?

Absolutely! The orchestras are open to all students by audition. Both orchestras are made up of music and non-music majors. 

Will I qualify for music scholarships if I do not intend to be a music major?

Yes! There are different music scholarships available to Gustavus students interested in continuing their musical education. One of our most prominent music scholarships is the Jussi Bjorling Music scholarship ranging from $1000 to $8000 per school year. These scholarships are not exclusive to music majors but open to all talented students. For more information and to apply for the Björling music scholarship, click here.

Does the Symphony Orchestra tour every year?

The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra (GSO) tours regularly rotating between Minnesota and surrounding states to traveling internationally once every four years. Recent international tours include South Africa in 2012, Greece and Macedonia in January of 2016, Singapore and Malaysia in 2020, Ireland and Scotland in 2025.

What kind of repertoire does each orchestra play?

Since the Philharmonic Orchestra is an all strings orchestra, this ensemble mostly performs string orchestra repertoire from the Baroque, early Classical, and some Twentieth-Century compositions. Sometimes there are additional woodwinds and brass that will join the ensemble to perform certain pieces. The Symphony Orchestra performs a diverse repertoire for full orchestra from the classical, romantic, twentieth century, and now the the twenty-first century.

How often do the orchestras perform?

The Symphony Orchestra performs in early fall as part of the Family Weekend Music Showcase with other ensembles from the department, a full Symphony Orchestra Concert in late fall, and finishes the semester with performances as part of Christmas in Christ Chapel. In the Spring, the Symphony Orchestra will usually perform two full concerts where the last concert will feature winners of the Music Department Concerto/Aria Competition. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs one concert, and one chapel service per semester.

If I do not own my instrument, would it be possible to rent one from the college?

Yes! We have a variety of school instruments that you could rent. Please contact the Instrumental Music Assistants for more information.

Will I be able to participate in multiple ensembles?

Depending on the rehearsal schedule of the ensembles you chose to participate, it is possible to participate in orchestra and one of the choral ensembles, and or one of the wind ensembles.

Will I be able to participate in athletics and music?

There are some students who participate in the orchestra and in certain athletic activities. When there are scheduling conflicts, a compromise is usually worked out between the music and athletic departments.

What is the audition process?

All students (new and returning) who are interested in participating in the orchestras must audition. Students should prepare a solo pieces or an excerpt of a solo piece that is about five minutes, two octaves of major scales up to three sharps and three flats for first year students or three octaves for returning students, and designated orchestra excerpts. Students will also be expected to do short sight-reading excerpts at the audition.

When and where are the auditions and how do I sign up for auditions?

First year students: Auditions for first year students will be held on during new student orientation . You will then receive an email in early August with more information about auditions.

Returning students: Returning student auditions are held in the spring following the final concert of the year. 

What should I prepare for the auditions?

  • 3-5 minutes of a solo, sonata, or concerto piece or excerprt of your choice. The solo repertoire does not need to be memorized, but please bring one extra copy of music for the panel. You do not need to bring a pianist or worry about the accompaniment.
  • Prepare all bracketed excerpts from provided materials
  • Sight-reading (provided at the audition)
  • Scales (2-3 octave, major scales)
What are the faculty listening for during auditions?
  • Good tone quality
  • Steady sense of pulse and rhythm
  • Good intonation
  • Expressiveness

Advice regarding auditions:

  • Be on time. This means being early and warming up before your audition, getting yourselves physically and mentally prepared for the audition.
  • Recordings can be helpful in preparing the orchestral excerpts, it may offer ideas concerning appropriate tempo, articulation, and style.
  • Be prepared. While it is often the case that returning students will successfully audition and be placed into the ensembles that they have previously participated in, it is possible that ill-prepared auditions may result in placement of a different ensemble. Therefore, take the auditions seriously and prepare thoroughly. If you find that you tend to be nervous for auditions, try to find opportunities before your audition to perform your solo piece in public. (i.e. churches, community centers, nursing homes) Although it may be more difficult to practice sight-reading, it is possible by starting your practice session everyday with sight-reading of 16 measures or so of exercises from your technique books. 
  • Relax and have fun. While the music faculty places a great value on these auditions, remember that we sincerely want you to do well.

Have more questions?

Please contact Dr. Justin Knoepfel by email or phone.
Dr. Justin Knoepfel
Director of Symphony Orchestra
507-933-7360
jknoepfe@gustavus.edu