Music Ensemble Auditions

At RIT, you’ll have the opportunity to study and perform in music ensembles that offer both academic credit and non credit options.

Whether you want to get involved in a music ensemble or just simply enjoy them as a spectator, RIT’s performing arts have something to offer everyone. Auditions for each ensemble are typically held at the beginning of each semester. See individual audition requirements below or contact performingarts@rit.edu with any questions.

Audition Instrument Request Form

RIT Concert Band Auditions will take place August 22-26, 2026 in Student Alumni Union (SAU) A130.

Remember that this audition is only a brief snapshot in time and does not completely define your musicianship. Do your best and have fun!

This process is weighed by each category—chromatic scale, excerpts, sight-reading—and is used to select future repertoire in a large ensemble setting. If a slight tempo adjustment is needed to produce a more beautiful tone, then go for it! The RIT concert band members come from a diverse array of experiences and skill sets to all support each other in music-making here at RIT.

More about our concert bands >

The Audition Process

1.) Complete the audition form
2.) Sign-up for an audition time
3.) Review and prepare the audition materials

PLEASE NOTE Though the physics lab conflicts with concert band in SIS, students wishing to participate will be given an override. Because these labs only occur twice a semester, band students are able to complete the curricular needs easily. After the audition, all students will be given individual codes to sign-up for concert band as either a one-credit or zero-credit option.

Questions? Email Professor Robert Truan.

RIT Jazz auditions Fall 2026

Auditions will take place in SHD-A140.
Students should sign up for an audition time slot and adhere to the following guidelines.
*All auditionees will be asked to improvise over a simple 12 bar blues in the key of their choice.

Audition sign-up

Voice
- Prepare a scale of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range
- Prepare a jazz standard and a ballad (contrasting tempos)
- Improvise over 12 bar blues progression
Trumpets
- 2 octave chromatic C major scale
- One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
- Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
- Sight reading example will be provided

Trombones
- 2 octave F major scale
- One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
- Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
- Sight reading example will be provided
Saxophones
- 2 octave Bb major scale
- One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
- Prepare the melody over one of the following pieces (Billies Bounce, Cheryl, Blues for Alice, Now’s the Time, Sandu, Straight No Chaser)
- Sight reading example will be provided
Piano/Guitar
- Prepare a jazz standard, demonstrate the melody and comp chords throughout the piece. Some good examples would be “Autumn Leaves” “All of Me” or “How High the Moon”
- Sight reading over a lead sheet (provided) including sight reading melody, and chord comping.
- Demonstrate ii V7 I progression in as many keys as possible
Drumset
- Demonstrate a swing feel a three different tempos (60bpm, 100bpm, 120bpm)
- Demonstrate straight 8th note or Latin feel
- Other various grooves and brush work if applicable
- Sight reading a big band chart (provided)
Bass
- Walk 12 bar blues in the key of your choice
- F major scale 2 octaves
- Sight reading includes walking over a jazz standard

*8/19 Update*
RIT Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up for an orchestra audition! We are excited to hear you play!

If you still need an audition time, new time slots are now available on Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25. If none of the available times work for you, please contact Dr. Ma directly.

Sign up here >

All orchestra auditions must be completed by Friday, August 28.

Whether you have already auditioned or are still waiting for your audition, please join us during Monday’s (8/24) scheduled class meeting time in A130!

RIT Philharmonic Orchestra & RIT Chamber Orchestra Fall 2026 Auditions

Auditions for both the RIT Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras will take place the week before classes begin (August 19 –23, 2026). All interested students should attend a General Meeting on the first day of school (Monday, August 24) held during the regular course meeting times for the respective ensembles.

Why the Audition process: Music stays with us throughout our lives. At the RIT Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras, making music together is about more than preparing concerts — it's about finding a community, sharing stories, building friendships, and creating meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

Whether you hope to continue developing your musicianship, challenge yourself with exciting repertoire, or simply reconnect with the joy of playing, there is a place for you here.

I look forward to getting to know you, hearing your musical journey, and helping you continue to grow and shine during your time at RIT. I can't wait to make music with you!

Audition process
Returning members still need to meet with Dr. Ma for seating assignment purposes

1.) Fill out the Online Survey by Wednesday, August 19, 11:59pm.
Strings and Harp
Woodwinds, Brass, Percussions and Piano

2.) Prepare excerpts provided for your instrument
Strings Excerpts
Woodwind/Brass Excerpts
Percussion/Piano Excerpts

3.) Sign-Up Audition Time (First come, First serve - don’t change existing fill outs)
Strings and Harp
Winds, Percussions and Piano

If you want to meet earlier than Wed 8/19, or have conflict with all given times, please contact Dr. Ma.

4.) Prepare any questions you may have for Dr. Ma.

Auditions: August 20, 21, 23, and 24
Sign-up

RIT Singers: No preparation is needed for this audition

RIT Chamber Singers: A select 36-voice choir: Students need to prepare a solo to sing for the Chamber Singers audition

Rehearsals:

RIT Singers - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. in Allen Chapel
RIT Chamber Singers - Thursday evenings, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. plus an additional 45-minute rehearsal TBD

No preparation or audition required. Contact Director Kerfala Bangoura for more information about joining the ensemble.

Prior instruction not required, no audition necessary. Please contact the director, Mr. Ted Canning, for additional information about joining the ensemble.

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine

RIT Performing Arts Center
November 12-15, 2026

Director: Prof. Christopher Ryan
Music Director: Prof. Dane Noble-Rosema
RIT School of Performing Arts

AUDITIONS: Saturday, 9/5/26 between 4:30 - 7:30 PM
Rehearsal Studio, RIT Performing Arts Center

Seeking the following Musicians:
(2x) Violin 1
(2x) Violin 2
(2x) Viola
Cello
Bass / Acoustic Bass
Flute 1
Flute 2 / Piccolo
Oboe
English Horn
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion 1 (Drum Set)
Percussion 2 (Auxiliary)
Percussion 3 (Mallets)
Keyboard 2 (Ancillary)