Ensemble Auditions

Jazz Combos

Auditions for Webster University Jazz Combos will be held on Monday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. in Community Music School Room 10. Instrumentalists are encourage to prepare a 12-bar blues (e.g. “Now’s the Time," "Sonnymoon for Two,”) and “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham.

Prior to Jazz Combos auditions, students must complete the Jazz Combo Availability Fall 2025 form. 

For more information, email Dr. Wood.

Jazz Collective

Auditions for Webster University Jazz Collective will be held on Monday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. in Community Music School Room 11. All Webster students with a background or interest in instrumental jazz performance are encouraged to audition. Students should bring two copies of a short prepared etude, excerpt or transcription to be performed to demonstrate style and technical proficiency. Students should prepare to demonstrate sight reading ability (sight reading sheet music will be provided at the audition). Optional: Students may elect to demonstrate improvisational skills on a B-flat blues at medium swing tempo.

Prior to Jazz Collective auditions, students must complete the Jazz Collective Fall 2025 Information form.

For more information, email Dr. Wood.

Jazz Singers

Auditions for Jazz Singers will be held from 1–4 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 17, in Dr. Patterson's office (Thompson Music Building, Room 210).

Auditions are open to music majors and non-majors alike, and will typically involve a vocal range check, some ear training exercises, the singing of "Happy Birthday" unaccompanied, and possibly some vocal improvisation over the 12-bar blues chord changes.

For more information, email Professor Engelhardt.

Instrumental Ensembles

Webster instrumental ensembles include the Webster University Orchestra and the Webster University Wind Ensemble. Each group performs significant orchestral and wind band repertoire throughout the semester. Performances include collaborations with professional guest artists from St. Louis and beyond, along with frequent premier performances of new important works. There is an annual Concerto and Aria Competition Concert featuring the finest solo performers from the University.

Instrumental ensembles are open by audition to ALL STUDENTS at Webster University, regardless of major!

Webster University Wind Ensemble meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday (MWF) from 12–12:50 p.m.
Webster University Orchestra meets Tuesday from 7:15–9 p.m. and Thursday from 5:15–7:15 p.m.

Audition sign-ups are available on the information board located outside of Thompson Room 107.
Students are to sign up for an audition time by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Instrumental placement auditions will be held in Community Music School Room 10 at the following times:

• Woodwinds - Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 12–12:50 p.m.
• Strings - Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5:15–7:30 p.m.
• Brass and Percussion - Friday, Aug. 23 from 12–12:50 p.m.

For the audition, ALL non-music major students are to prepare:

1. The general audition pieces for your instrument. Please visit the Department of Music site on Connections to find these pieces.
2. One two-minute excerpt of an etude or concert concerto/sonata piece.

All music majors (BA, BME, BM) will ADDITIONALLY prepare two excerpts for your instrument. Excerpts can be found on the Department of Music site on Connections.

For more information, email Dr. Davis.

Choral Ensembles

Choirs are open to all students at Webster University, regardless of major!

Auditions for Aurelia, Chamber Singers, and Chorale will be held from 1–4 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 17, in Dr. Patterson's office (Thompson Music Building, Room 210).

For more information, email Dr. Patterson.

Opera Studio

Webster Opera Studio auditions for Fall 2025 will be held from 3–5 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, in the CMS Concert Hall.

Students currently enrolled in Opera Studio will be assigned an audition time. If you are not enrolled in Opera Studio, but are interested in auditioning, please email Dr. Lassetter to be assigned an audition time. A list of assigned audition times will be provided via email and posted on Canvas on Monday, Aug. 18.

Please bring one solo vocal piece that showcases your vocal range and performance ability. A pianist will be provided.

Opera Studio is open to all students at Webster University, regardless of major or major instrument.

For more information, email Dr. Lassetter.