Band

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is our select wind band, while the Concert Band provides an additional outlet for those wishing to further their studies in wind literature and performance or just to enjoy a large wind band experience. Both groups prepare and perform a variety of wind band literature and have at least two performances per semester. This Fall 2023 semester, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble will have three performances.

Anyone with at least high school level instrumental music experience can audition for either group. Placements in these ensembles are determined by audition.

Auditions will take place on Friday, August 25, 2023 in Capistrano 151. Each audition will last less than four to five minutes. The audition schedule is as follows:

Saxophone: 8:00am-8:50am
Clarinet: 9:00am-9:50am
Oboe/Bassoon: 10:15am-10:40am
Flute: 10:50am-11:40am
Trombone: 1:00pm-1:30pm
Tuba/Euphonium: 1:40pm-2:20pm
Horn: 2:30pm-3:00pm
Trumpet: 3:25pm-4:05pm
Percussion: 4:15pm-5:05pm

Please prepare by first filling out the online Audition Registration Form:

Audition Registration Form

Second, download and prepare the assigned excerpts for your instrument and ensemble choice:

Assigned Excerpts

Wind and Percussion placement in the Symphony Orchestra will also be part of this audition process.

Please note that the roster for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble is largely set in the Fall semester each academic year – there are no auditions scheduled for this group in the Spring. Any additions to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble in the Spring semester are made on a case-by-case basis and only if there is a vacancy. If you want to be part of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, it is best to audition for it in the Fall.

Also, please see the Audition Guidance Sheet (from the assigned excerpts folder above) for details on how the audition day will go, as well as tips for success.

All auditions are performed unaccompanied. Sight-reading or scales will not be included in the audition process – only the downloaded excerpts. Please be warmed up ahead of time.

• The Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MUSC 142W) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00-1:15pm.
• The Concert Band (MUSC 142B) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30-2:45pm.

Contact
Dr. Matthew Morse, Director of Bands
(916) 278-6468

Choirs

Thank you for your interest in singing in a Sacramento State choir! Our ensembles are open to everyone from the University community; you do not need to be a music student. However, you will need to audition first to be placed in the group that is right for you.

• Auditions will take place on Friday, August 25, 9 am-4 pm in Capistrano Hall, Room 209. Each audition will last fewer than ten minutes. New & Returning students must sign up for an audition prior to the start of the semester.

During your audition, you will be evaluated on the following key components:

1. Vocalizing: You will be asked to sing some short exercises to help the conductor determine your range and voice type You may also be asked to match pitch and sing back tonal patterns.
2. Sight-Reading: You will be provided a brief musical excerpt to read and sing on the spot.
3. Solo Vocal Performance: You will present a short 2- to 3-minute prepared piece of your choice Select a composition that showcases your vocal strengths and artistic sensibilities. An accompanist will be provided at the time of your appointment. Please bring two copies, (one to sing from and another for the accompanist). Make sure the copies for the accompanist are original or hole-punched and placed in a binder, with the pages in order.
4. Interview: You will have a brief interview with the conductor of the University choral ensembles. This interactive session affords you the opportunity to ask questions about the ensemble while allowing the conductor to gain a deeper understanding of your artistic aspirations.

Sign up for an audition time and arrive on time with your completed Audition Form (see below), and be prepared to showcase your skills and love for choral music. We seek singers who exude musicality, versatility, and the ability to collaborate in an ensemble setting. Best wishes for a successful audition! We look forward to embarking on this journey together.

AUDITION SIGNUP

AUDITION FORM

Sac State is offering two Classical choirs for Fall 2023:

Choral Union (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30) - 142U-01

University Chorale (T/Th, 3:00-4:50) - 142C - 01

The Sacramento State UNIVERSITY CHORALE, a highly-select group of 12-16 singers (SATB choir), performs challenging a cappella and accompanied choral literature reflecting a variety of styles, genres, and time periods. Membership is open to all students and experienced volunteers by audition, regardless of major or classification. It is expected that members are able to learn notes and rhythms outside of class.

The Sacramento State CHORAL UNION is a larger ensemble (SATB) open to any student with some prior singing experience, regardless of major or classification. The ensemble performs annual seasonal concerts and sings a variety of a cappella and accompanied choral music. All music is learned in class and is geared towards those individuals developing their vocal skills. Also, this choir is a great way to meet people and friends from other majors!

Contact
Dr. Brett Judson, Director
(916) 278-5091

Jazz Ensembles (Instrumental)

Placement in all Sacramento State Jazz Ensembles - big bands and combos - is by audition only. You do not need to be a music major to be considered for these groups.

Auditions for Fall 2023 Ensembles will be held Friday, August 25 starting at 9am.SIGN UP HERE

• Wind instruments (trumpet, trombone, saxophone): Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel.
• Guitar, Piano, and Vibraphone: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (solo guitar), “comp” the chord changes, and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A guitar amp and vibraphone are provided.
• Bass: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A bass amp is provided.
• Drum set: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also be asked to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of jazz-related styles and meters and to sightread an excerpt from a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and notated ensemble cues. A drum kit is provided, but candidates should provide their own cymbals and sticks.

The Jazz Ensembles (MUSC 143J) meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 2:45 pm (section 1) and from 3:00 – 4:20 pm (section 2).

Contact
Dr. Steve Roach, Director of Jazz Studies
(916) 278-7987

Orchestra

Winds/Brass and Percussion - auditions for orchestra, wind ensemble, and concert band are held concurrently. Please see the Band section of this page for more information

Strings - New string players should contact Ryan Murray to set up an audition time. Please prepare both a major and minor scale (preferably 3 octaves) and a short solo piece. For returning string players, no entrance audition is required and seating auditions will take place during class time a few weeks into the semester.

The Symphony Orchestra meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm.

Contact
Ryan Murray, Director
(916) 278-7987

Vocal Jazz

Auditions for Vocal Jazz Ensembles typically consist of the following:

• Performance of a prepared song, preferably a jazz standard. Examples: "Summertime," "Autumn Leaves," "Route 66," and "My Funny Valentine", etc. You can also audition with a pop song. Please have the sheet music and/or lead sheet available at your audition. If you have questions about this requirement, feel free to email Professor Williams and she will help guide you. Improvisation is not required in your audition.
• Ear training exercises. You will hear a melodic line of three or four pitches on the piano, and you will be asked to sing them back. You will hear a chord with 3-4 notes and in no particular order will be asked to sing each individual note within that chord. You'll be given a starting pitch and asked to sing notes that are certain intervals away (up a 5th, down a minor 3rd, etc.).
• Range testing. You'll be asked to sing major and/or minor triads from starting pitches, and your comfortable and usable voice range will be determined.
• Quick sight-reading and part learning. You will be given a short, one-page section of a vocal jazz ensemble tune, and you'll be asked to sight-read your part along with a recording of the song. The accompanist will work with you on the part briefly and give you another chance to read the line with the recording. Be prepared to stay focused, relaxed, and to demonstrate your flexibility and quick-learning skills, while watching your intonation and blend as well.

Contact
Professor Gaw Vang, Director
(916) 842-0346