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Audition Schedule

Ensemble Audition Schedule:

ENROLLMENT INFO:
Auditions are held 1-2 days before the quarter begins or at the first class meeting.
Fully up-to-date audition information will be posted 2-3 weeks before Fall quarter begins.
Students who and are accepted will be given a permission code to enroll.
For more information, please contact the ensemble director (info found below): 

Balinese Gamelan Ensemble 

Celtic Chamber Ensemble

Central Asian (Eurasian) Ensemble

Chamber Music Workshop

Chamber Singers

Classical Guitar Ensemble

Live Electro Acoustic Ensemble

Experimental Music Ensemble

Small Jazz Ensembles

Large Jazz Ensemble

Mariachi Ensemble

North Indian Music Workshop

Opera Workshop

Percussion Ensemble

Resident String Quartet Program

Rhythms of North India

University Concert Choir

University Opera Theater

University Orchestra 

West African Drumming (Ghanaian) Ensemble

West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Beginning

West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Intermediate

West Javanese Gamelan Ensemble: Advanced

Wind Ensemble
 

Individual Lessons: For more info, please follow this link.

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Ensemble Audition Info:

BALINESE GAMELAN ENSEMBLE (Music 8):

To enroll, email the instructor, Brian Baumbusch, at bbaumbusch@gmail.com.

Our multi-layered ensemble contains both simple and complex parts to suit multiple student levels.

Working with a Balinese musician and Balinese dancers, the class prepares across the three quarters for two open rehearsals and a Spring quarter public concert–so please consider your enrollment a year-long commitment. We explore various topicsin Balinese culture and perform on two types of traditional Balinese gamelans.

Music 8 is graded on attendance and progress in playing parts starting at your own level, so do plan on coming every time and putting your best effort into every rehearsal.

Music 8 is open to all students. 

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CELTIC CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Learn to play traditional and contemporary music and songs from Ireland, Scotland, England, and beyond.

Meet day/time: Tuesday 7 PM - 9 PM.

Contact UCSC Celtic Chamber Ensemble director, Bill Coulter, at billski@ucsc.edu for information.

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CENTRAL ASIAN (EURASIAN) ENSEMBLE (Music 10):

Students should enroll and attend the first class meeting where we will evaluate their abilities and previous training (but all are welcome, regardless of previous musical experience). Students will be given a permission code to enroll at first class meeting.

Contact Tanya Merchant merchant@ucsc.edu, 831-459-5762 with any questions.

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CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP (Music 165):

Chamber music ensembles are established at the beginning of each quarter.

A recommendation from your applied music instructor is required to participate in Chamber Music this quarter, and possibly a recommendation about suitable literature for your chamber music experience.

An option for those who like Handel, Bach, Mozart or Haydn, will be to enroll in Early Music Ensemble (Music 163) for an early chamber music experience.

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CHAMBER SINGERS (Music 166):

Director: Michael McGushin, mjmcg@ucsc.edu

Class Meeting Times: Mon/Wed, 3-5PM Rm 131.

Online Sign Ups for auditions are posted on this Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pnRDBGmzm6wNWaE-Y0dWTj1mP76QFnLLMP52qm2VW30/edit#gid=0

Auditions consist of the following:

  • new auditionees will be asked to sing a prepared aria or art song; please bring a copy of sheet music for the instructor to play accompaniment from 
  • scales and vocalises led by the instructor
  • sight reading of a few short excerpts from choral repertoire (from easy to advanced)
  • ear training (hearing and singing back melodic excerpts)

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CLASSICAL GUITAR ENSEMBLE (Music 6):

Online enrollment before an audition is not possible. Auditions are held 1-2 days before the quarter begins or at the first class meeting. Students who audition in the Fall and are accepted will be given a permission code to enroll.

Email the ensemble director for audition information.

Bill Coulter, Director - billski@ucsc.edu

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LIVE ELECTRO ACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE (Music 129):

Explores the live performance practice of electroacoustic music, including historical repertoire, improvisation, and compositions by participants. All manner of electronic audio resources are applied to real-time performance.

Participants need a basic proficiency in electronic audio and computer tools. Enrollment is restricted to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor at first class meeting.

Yolande Harris - yharris@ucsc.edu

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EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Music 168):

Email Amy Beal (Director) at: abeal@ucsc.edu directly to join the ensemble.

Please contact prior to the first rehearsal. 

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SMALL JAZZ ENSEMBLES (Music 164): 

All students are welcome to audition for all UCSC ensembles. Consideration is given to Jazz Minors and Music Majors needing ensemble credit.

The Small Jazz Ensembles class is organized in groups of varying sizes working with music traditions of the Jazz idiom. Groups perform composed arrangements and work to develop original arrangements of Jazz standards and student compositions. The class performs in concert each quarter.

The Small Jazz Ensembles will not need an audition for Fall '23 quarter. 

 

Instructor: Charles Hamilton - flugelboneprod@aol.com

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LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE (Music 3):

Here is what you need to know about auditioning for the big band.

For the audition:
Large Jazz Ensemble will be auditioning Tuesday, September 26, 1-5 pm, in Music Center Rm 114 (Rehearsal Hall). This may be done by contacting Allyson Erick,(aerick@ucsc.edu) Class Coordinator, by email or text, or  Charles Hamilton by email.  Special arrangements for alternative days or methods (remote) will be considered.

Please contact Mr Hamilton at flugelboneprod@aol.com to set up the time.

We are really looking forward to seeing you!

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MARIACHI ENSEMBLE (Music 12):

This ensemble practicum will focus on the stylistic practice of mariachi music of Mexico and the transnational influences that it has integrated pertaining to style, repertoire and technique.

Those with experience playing trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela and guitarrón are welcomed to enroll.

The class will not focus on teaching students how to play these instruments. Those who play other instruments should talk with the instructor prior to enrolling. Please contact the instructor directly for more information:

Russell Rodriguez - rucrodri@ucsc.edu

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NORTH INDIAN MUSIC WORKSHOP (Music 54):
 
A course covering the music of North India taught using the oral traditions of Indian music. For beginners as well as more experienced students, this course is well suited for instrumentalists and vocalists. Admission by instructor; instructor determination at first class meeting. 

Students who audition in the Spring and are accepted will be given a permission code to enroll.

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OPERA WORKSHOP (Music 159A):

Offered in Fall and Winter quarters only.

Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00-7:00 p.m., 131 Music Center

Sheila Willey, director - swilley@ucsc.edu

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PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (Music 165):

William Winant, Director

Interested in joining the Percussion Ensemble, or taking percussion lessons? Contact William Winant: email steakatto@hotmail.com or williex@mills.edu , or call 510 213 5905 to join.

Percussion ensemble meets every Wednesday at 5pm. No audition necessary, just show up to First class in percussion room at 5pm on the first Wednesday of Fall quarter. 

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RHYTHMS OF NORTH INDIA (Music 55):

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the richness of North Indian rhythms. The language of rhythm that is specific to learning the tabla will be explored, in a hands on fashion. This course is intended for beginners, and all are welcome.

Contact the instructor for more information:

Ashwin Batish - asbatish@ucsc.edu

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UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR (Music 1C):

Director: Nathaniel Berman - natberman1@gmail.com

Class Meeting Times: MW, 5:20-6:55 PM, Music Center 114.

Please note: Concert Choir is meeting IN PERSON this Fall, with participants distanced and wearing appropriate singing masks (provided by the department).

AUDITION INFO:

To arrange a concert choir audition, please sign up for a time online here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vjUnCtnXgkWBqoaTP0GHEscBzqM6PAa_2d_aDQXkOa8/edit?usp=sharing.

In-person auditions are friendly and low pressure, and consist of sung scales and vocalises (accompanied by the instructor), ear training (listening to short melodies and repeating them), and a short sight-reading excerpt (accompanied). The ability to read music is an advantage for this class, but not strictly required for individuals who can demonstrate the ability to sing by ear well, and who are willing to commit to practicing and learning the music assigned.

Auditions dates and times are shown on the linked document, and you may sign up at a time that works for you. If you absolutely cannot make the times listed, please contact the instructor (natb@ucsc.edu) to see if an alternative can be arranged. I look forward to hearing you!

 

UNIVERSITY OPERA THEATER (Music 160):

Email instructor for enrollment directions. 

Offered in Spring Quarter.

Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sheila Willey, Director - swilley@ucsc.edu

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UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA (Music 2 and 102): 

Music 2 (2 credits), TTH 5:20–6:55 PM, Music Center 114.

Conductor: Bruce Kiesling - bruce@ucsc.edu.

Orchestra will be doing video auditions. Contact Bruce for audition information at (bruce@ucsc.edu). I will give them the specifics for what they should record. 

If you have any other questions or need to meet with Bruce, you may drop in Wednesday afternoon, September 21st, from 1-4pm. 

Returning members do not need to audition to join the orchestra.

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WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING (BEGINNING GHANAIAN) ENSEMBLE (Music 53A):

No audition info currently available for this ensemble - please contact the instructor directly for more information:

Francis Kofi Akotuah - fkakotuah@ucsc.edu

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WEST JAVANESE GAMELAN ENSEMBLE, BEGINNING (Music 5A) 2 sections:

See Schedule of Classes for section times.

Gamelan Studio, 230B Music Center.

Undang Sumarna, Director

Admission by instructor determination at first class meeting.

Students will be given a permission code to enroll at the first class meeting.

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WEST JAVANESE GAMELAN ENSEMBLE, INTERMEDIATE (Music 5B):

Wednesday , 10:40-12:40 p.m., Gamelan Studio, 230B Music Center.

Undang Sumarna, Director

Admission by instructor determination at first class meeting.

Online enrollment before an audition is not possible. Students will be given a permission code to enroll at the first class meeting. 

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WEST JAVANESE GAMELAN ENSEMBLE, ADVANCED (Music 5C):

Monday, 6:00-7:45 PM, Gamelan Studio, 230B Music Center.

Undang Sumarna, Director

Admission by instructor determination at first class meeting.

Online enrollment before an audition is not possible. Students who audition in the Fall and are accepted will be given a permission code to enroll at the first class meeting.

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WIND ENSEMBLE (Music 9):

MW, 7:10-8:45 PM, 114 Music Center.

Instructor: Nat Berman - natberman1@gmail.com

AUDITION INFO: 

Wind ensemble auditions can be signed up for on this google doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ht29Ed7Znl3XwJWSqoWjMWEA8ii0vGHn4JdGVIvbH0w/edit#gid=0.

For the audition, I’ll ask for three elements. First, a scale of two octaves, suggested by me, but I will accept any scale that is comfortable. Please prepare to play the scale slowly, in order to demonstrate tone and intonation—speed is not important.

Second, a prepared solo piece, etude, or concert excerpt of your choice (2-3 minutes of something that you’ve worked on recently and that shows your sound and technique as a player to the best of your ability. An excerpt from a band or orchestra piece is ok if it features your instrument throughout).

Third, I will provide a short excerpt for sight-reading. If you absolutely cannot make the times listed, please contact the instructor (natb@ucsc.edu) to see if an alternative can be arranged. I look forward to hearing you! 

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