Fall 2011 Ensemble Auditions
Choirs.
We welcome all new and returning singers to an exciting upcoming season of music making in 2011-2012. For more information about Webster choral ensembles, contact Dr. Trent Patterson at trentpatterson77@webster.edu.
Chorus Attire (Concert Choir and Chamber Singers): All women who enroll in MUSC 4900 or MUSC 4910 will purchase the required chorus dress. New dresses will be ordered through the university in late August; the student cost will be $63.00. All men who enroll in MUSC 4900 or 4910 will provide their own tuxedo, black bow tie and cummerbund.
Webster University Chamber Singers, an auditioned ensemble of 20 singers, performs advanced choral literature from all historical periods, many world cultures, and styles. Throughout each season, this choir joins the Concert Choir and Choral Society to present major choral/orchestral works. Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:20 and Fridays from 3:00-3:50 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Dr. Trent Patterson conducts Chamber Singers.
Concert Choir performs choral repertoire of many styles and traditions and is open to all university students. Throughout each season, this choir joins the Chamber Singers and Choral Society to present major choral/orchestral works. Rehearsals are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00-12:50 at the Community Music School (535 Garden Avenue) in Room 10. Conductor is Dr. Trent Patterson. Singers new to Concert Choir should attend the first or second rehearsal, on Monday and Wednesday, August 22 and 24, at noon in CMS 10.
Choral Society is open to all university students and members of the greater St. Louis community. Throughout each season, this choir joins the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir to present major choral/orchestral works. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30 p.m. at the Community Music School (535 Garden Avenue) in Room 10. Because this choir is non-auditioned, all interested singers are invited to attend the first rehearsal on Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Trent Patterson conducts Choral Society.
Instrumental ensembles.
The Webster University Chamber Orchestra is open to all university students, regardless of major, who have experience in playing violin, viola, cello or string bass. This ensemble performs two concerts each semester, presenting significant music of the orchestral repertoire. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 12:00-1:20 PM and Thursdays from 5:15-6:45 PM. The course number is MUSC 4940. Conductor is Dr. Paul Davis.
The Webster University Wind Ensemble is open to all university students, regardless of major, who have experience in playing woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. This ensemble performs two concerts each semester, presenting significant music of the wind band repertoire. Rehearsals are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00-12:50 PM. The course number is MUSC 4980. Conductor is James A. Martin.
The Webster University Symphony Orchestra is a group of highly skilled musicians, and membership is through a significant audition. This ensemble is comprised of the top university musicians, Webster University music faculty, and accomplished musicians of the St. Louis region. The WUSO presents a season of up to six concerts over the course of the academic year. Rehearsals are on selected Tuesdays from 7:30-10:00 PM. Conductor is Dr. Paul Davis.
Placement auditions are held for all instrumentalists at the beginning of each Fall. There are audition materials available specifically for the non-Music major who wants to be part of the Webster University Instrumental Ensembles.
Woodwind, Brass and Percussion placement auditions are held on Sunday, August 20, 2011.
String placement auditions are held Tuesday, August 23, 2011.
For complete information on auditioning and to download the audition materials, go to the Instrumental Auditions page. For more information, contact Dr. Paul Davis at pauldavis34@webster.edu.
Jazz ensembles.
Auditions for jazz combos (MUSC 4960) and Big Band (MUSC 4970) will be Monday August 22. Combo auditionees should play a blues and a standard of their choosing. All students will be asked to do some sight reading as well. Drummers will be asked to demonstrate their skill at a variety of different rhythmic feels (medium and up tempo swing, a jazz waltz, bossa nova, samba, etc.) Big band auditionees will sight-read a piece selected by the director. Singers will be asked to sing several standards of their choosing in a jazz style.
Monday August 22, 3 p.m. Community Music School, 535 Garden, Room 10
More information: Prof. Paul DeMarinis, demaripa@webster.edu
Webster Jazz Singers, a 12 to 16 voice ensemble, will hold auditions Monday, August 22 in the recital hall. Prepare a jazz standard (ballad, Latin, medium or up-tempo swing, etc.). Bring a lead sheet in your key. An accompanist will be provided.
Monday, August 22, 12 noon
Thompson Music Building Recital hall
More information: Prof. Debby Lennon, debbylennon@yahoo.com
Opera.
Webster Opera Studio (MUSC 4990) is an auditioned ensemble that performs operatic literature from the 16th century through the present. Performances are in January and April, with the January performance being fully staged and costumed, with orchestra. You do not have to be a voice major to participate in Opera Studio. All students in any degree program are invited to audition on Tuesday, August 23, in the Recital Hall from 3-6 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted on August 18. Be prepared to sing one or two arias, or songs in any style. An accompanist will be provided. Rehearsals are held primarily on Tuesdays from 3-6, with different casts meeting each hour. If you have any questions or have a class conflict on Tuesdays, contact Alice Nelson at 314-965-4074, or anelson46@sbcglobal.net.
470 East Lockwood Avenue