Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble & Symphony Orchestra Auditions

Audition Information

  • New Students
    • New students, defined as either first-year students or upper-classmen auditioning for entry to an ensemble, should sign up for the New Student audition time-slots.  
    • Auditions will be heard by the directors of the DCWE and DSO, as well as additional studio teachers as appropriate. Please see audition requirements below. 
  • Returning Students
    • Students who are auditioning for reentry into the ensemble they participated in last year (2025-2026) should sign up for the Returning Student Auditions of their respective ensemble. 
    • If you chose to pause your participation during the 2025-2026 academic year (not including off-term or study abroad terms), please sign up for a New Student Audition slot. 
    • Returning students who have not played in the DSO, but would like to be considered for admittance, should sign up for a New Student audition time. 
  • Dartmouth Symphony Policy for Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion students. 
    • Wind, Brass, and Percussion students accepted to the DSO will be required to actively and successfully participate in both the DCWE and DSO.
    • Rehearsal Attendance and Scheduling: The DSO and DCWE Directors will create a combined, individualized rehearsal plan that allows students to participate successfully in both ensembles, balancing their time in a way that is manageable, supports strong musical preparation, and is communicated at the start of the term.

Audition Requirements:

  • One or two solo selections or study etudes of your choice that best display your current playing ability: 4-6 total minutes of music; contrasting selections/pieces recommended.
  • Assigned excerpts for your instrument as appropriate (see below)
  • Major and Chromatic Scales  
  • Sight-reading

Secondary Instruments: 
If you wish to be considered for a secondary instrument (i.e. piccolo, english horn, soprano saxophone), please prepare an additional excerpt on that instrument. 

Percussion Specific Requirements: 
A set of four timpani with gauges, a 4.3 octave marimba, and a snare drum will be provided along with required secondary instruments. 

  • Prepared audition selections for 2 or 3 of the following areas (2 required, 3 optional)  
    • Snare
    • Keyboard (Marimba) 
    • Timpani
  • Sight-Reading on the instrument of your choice from the three primary areas. 
  • Major scales on Marimba. 
  • Demonstration of technique on Crash Cymbals, Triangle, and Tambourine

Acceptance and Participation Parameters: 

  • The level of preparation the player shows at the audition. 
  • The relationship between the auditioning player's current level of ability (as displayed in their audition) and the current median technical level of the DCWE/DSO players. 
  • The particular skill set required to successfully manage the part(s) for which the player is auditioning.
  • The player's deportment during their audition. 
  • The current personnel needs of the ensembles. 

Every effort is made to provide a space for any and all students who demonstrate the ability to play their instrument at the level required by the requisite ensemble's repertoire. In the unusual event that space limitations preclude accepting all qualified candidates, preference will go to returning members in good standing. 

Audition Sign-Ups

Scheduling Conflicts: 

  • Returning Students: given this advance notice, we expect you to be able to return to campus in time to audition on Sun, Sep 13 prior to the beginning of classes on Mon, Sep 14.
  • New Students: Please sign up now. If you are no longer available for your scheduled audition time once you have your class schedule, you may reschedule yourself using unpublished audition slots reserved specifically for this purpose. 

Excerpts: 
DSO Fall 2026 Audition Excerpt Links

Excerpts are only required for students who wish to be considered for the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. 

Instrument Storage and Rental

Need storage space for your instrument? We provide lockers for students who are in hop ensembles, taking lessons in the music department, or otherwise need storage due to music coursework.

Need an instrument? We lend woodwinds, brass, double basses and can provide access to percussion equipment for students who are in hop ensembles, taking lessons in the music department, or otherwise need storage due to music coursework. For instruments that we don't lend, we are happy to connect you with local rental options. Our lending inventory is limited, and we do not have an inventory of violins, violas, or cellos. If at all possible, you are strongly encouraged to bring your own instrument to campus.

Please check back soon for procedures on requesting storage or loaned instruments, in the interim you can email Mickie McCorkle with questions at Mickie.McCorkle@dartmouth.edu.

Questions?

Any questions about auditions may be directed to brian.e.messier@dartmouth.edu