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PASSPORT

PASSPORT Music Auditions

Welcome to the Department of Music at Calvin and PASSPORT music auditions. If you are an incoming student (first-year or transfer student) and are interested in performing with one of Calvin's ten music ensembles, you will want to make sure to register for a music audition during your PASSPORT orientation session this summer. Passport

When you arrive on campus for PASSPORT 2011, you will receive a schedule, including the exact date, time, and place of your audition. Ensemble auditions are not demanding, but will help the ensemble conductors determine which ensemble will be the best fit for you. If you didn't indicate that you'd like an audition when you registered for PASSPORT, or if you can't remember if you did, please contact the Music office to be sure that you're on the list.

You will receive correspondence from the music department regarding your PASSPORT audition before you arrive on campus so make sure you check you check your mailbox and email often.

Auditioning for a Calvin Ensemble

Choirs at Calvin

To audition for Campus Choir, Capella, Oratorio Society, or Women's Chorale please prepare a verse (melody line) from one of the following hymns:

  • All Creatures of Our God and King (LASST UNS ERFREUEN) (pdf)
  • I Will Exalt My God and King (JERUSALEM) (pdf)
  • O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (DEO GRACIAS) (pdf)

Please bring two copies of the hymn along to your audition (one for you and one for the professor)

The audition will consist of:

  • vocalizations
  • sight reading
  • tonal memory
  • prepared hymn verse

Please note:
You will not need an accompanist.

If you have indicated an interest in voice lessons, this audition will also serve as your placement for a voice teacher.

The Calvin Gospel Choir does not require an audition. If you are interested in participating in this group, please add Musc 182 to your class schedule when you meet with your PASSPORT advisor.

Choral Audition Form - Chorale Audition Forms will be available when you check-in for your audition. If you would like to complete your form prior to your arrival on campus, please download the attached PDF and bring it with you.

Bands at Calvin

To audition for Calvin College Wind Ensemble or Calvin College Symphonic Band:

  • Prepared piece: solo (sonata, concerto, etc.) and/or etudes. Must reflect contrasting musical styles. Recommended length is 4-6 minutes.
  • Sight-reading

Please note:

  • Bring your own instrument unless you have made arrangements to borrow one of our department instruments.
  • You will not need an accompanist.
  • Band Audition Form - Band Audition Forms will be available when you check-in for your audition. If you would like to complete your form prior to your arrival on campus, please download the attached PDF and bring it with you.

Audition Procedures: Please read the band audition procedure and contact conductor Dr. Tiffany Engle if you have any questions.

Orchestra at Calvin

To audition for the Calvin Orchestra:

Please have excerpts from two contrasting pieces prepared to play.
Scale and sight-reading

Please note:

  • Bring your own instrument unless you have made arrangements to borrow one of our department instruments.
  • You will not need an accompanist.
  • Orchestra Audition Form - Orchestra Audition Forms will be available when you check-in for your audition. If you would like to complete your form prior to your arrival on campus, please download the attached PDF and bring it with you.

Audition Procedures: Please read the Calvin Orchestra Audition Procedure and contact Professor Nordling if you have any questions.

Which Ensemble Should I Choose?

Calvin has ten different student ensembles: two concert bands, a symphony orchestra, five choirs, a flute choir, and a handbell ensemble. Please check out the ensembles webpage for more information about participation in each of these groups.

Can I participate in more than one ensemble?

Many Calvin students participate in two or more ensembles a semester and, in spite of the time requirement, consider ensemble participation recreative (and a good stress-reliever!) and not a burden to their other coursework. However, please think carefully about how much time you would like to dedicate to ensemble rehearsals each week and plan your schedule accordingly. If you have questions or need advice on picking an ensemble, please contact the Music Office

Music Theory Placement Test

Students who are planning to major or minor in music will be scheduled to take a Music Theory Placement Test during their PASSPORT orientation. This test will cover music knowledge and skills that you are expected to have before taking Music Theory I (MUSC 108), a course needed by all music majors and minors.  Any students who do not pass this entrance exam will be asked to take the Music Theory Fundamentals (MUSC 100, a 2-credit course) during the fall semester to prepare them for MUSC 108. Click here for a list of skills covered on this placement test. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Benita Wolters-Fredlund.