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OSU Symphony Orchestra Auditions

The OSU Symphony Orchestra brings together student musicians who are ready to level up their artistry and perform major works from across the orchestral repertoire. Open to dedicated players from all OSU majors, the ensemble focuses on expressive performance, strong ensemble skills, and a supportive community where students can grow with confidence. With dynamic concerts, collaborative projects, and a culture that celebrates both excellence and creativity, the OSU Symphony Orchestra offers an experience that feels inspiring, challenging, and seriously fun.

Fall 2026 Placement Auditions

String players interested in participating in the OSU Symphony Orchestra or Cowboy Community Orchestra must submit an audition video by 5pm on Monday, August 17th. 

Audition videos can be submitted on Canvas. Interested students should register for MUSI-2620-66304, MUSI-3620-66306, or MUSI-5620-67278 and will find access to the audition submission on Canvas.

Please see the following guidelines and repertoire for your instrument:

VIOLIN
Instructions are included in the PDF audition packet. Click here for violin audition packet.

VIOLA 
Please include the following in your audition video.
Submit only one video file containing all 5 excerpts; you may edit between excerpts if necessary. Frame the video properly so your bridge, bow, scroll, and head are all clearly visible.
3-octave C Major Scale (slur 2)
2-octave Eb Major Scale (slur 2)
CELLO 
Please prepare these 5 excerpts and play them in the order listed below. Submit only one video file containing all 5 excerpts; you may edit between excerpts if necessary. Frame the video properly so your bridge, bow, scroll, and head are all clearly visible.

Click here for cello audition packet

Play with the marked bowings. Marked fingerings are optional.
  • Brahms, Academic Festival Overture: mm. 127–142 at half note equals 70
  • Copland, Buckaroo Holiday from “Rodeo”: beginning to number 5 at half note equals 112
  • Dvorak Symphony No. 7 in D minor, first movement: Letter F to H at dotted quarter note equals 72
  • Dvorak Symphony No. 7 in D minor, second movement: 7 after letter A until 6 before letter B at quarter note equals 80 (note false treble clef)
  • Dvorak Symphony No. 7 in D minor, third movement: beginning to 5 after letter A at dotted half note equals 76
DOUBLE BASS 
Please prepare the following 4 passages and play them in the order listed below. Please submit only one video file containing all 4 excerpts. You may edit between excerpts if necessary/desired. Frame the video so your bridge, bow, scroll and head are all clearly visible. Play with the marked bowings. Any indicated fingerings are optional.
  • Copland, Buckaroo Holiday from “Rodeo”: Click here for Copland excerpt
    • Rehearsal number 34 - 36 - Half Note = 116
  • Brahms Academic Festival Overture: Click here for Brahms excerpt
    • Pickups to measure 88 to the downbeat of 108 - Quarter Note = 160
    • Pickups to measure 175 to "G" - Quarter Note = 80
    • Letter "K" to measure 332 - Quarter Note = 160