Music : Cello Audition Information

Admission Audition Requirements
For New Cello Students

In order to complete your acceptance into the CWU Department of Music program, you must audition for the music faculty. This gives us an opportunity to hear the level you have achieved in your musical skills and it gives you the opportunity to discuss your development with collegiate instructors.

For Cello Students Pursuing a Performance Degree
If you would like to audition for admission to the BM in Performance, we would like you to come prepared to complete the requirements section below. We recommend you select a solo that best demonstrates your current skills. It is desirable to choose a piece that is competitive at the district or (preferably) state contest level, emphasizing both musical and technical capabilities. If you have any questions about audition repertoire, please email John Michel or phone 509-963-1216.

Requirements:

• One movement of a standard concerto of moderate difficulty, such as Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Lalo, or Boccherini
• One movement of a standard sonata, such as Sammartini G Major, Beethoven, Brahms E minor, Francoeur E Major, or Boccherini A Major or equivalent piece
• Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite
• One Popper or similar etude
• One four-octave major and minor scale and arpeggios

For Cello Students Pursuing a Music Ed. or Composition Degree
In general, there is no difference in the expectations of performance level for any music major, but those who wish to major in music education, but may feel under-prepared or insecure about their current performance skills, may choose a piece of music that demonstrates either musical or
technical skills.

Requirements:

• One 3-octave scale.
• One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of
  technical and musical achievement on their instrument.

In addition to an audition, students should also expect to interview with Music Education or Composition faculty as a part of their visit to campus.

Ensemble Audition Requirements
For New and Returning Cello Students

Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band auditions will take place during the first week of each new quarter. You will sign up for an audition time on Professor Gookin’s door, room 109. Please download, print and prepare the Fall 2009 Audition Cello Excerpts for your large ensemble audition. If you aspire to fill the principal chair, you will also need to prepare the principal excerpt in addition to the standard excerpts. It is strongly recommended that each auditioning student find and listen to recordings of the excerpts if possible. Most, if not all, are available in streaming format from the CWU Music Library.

**Last updated Sept. 1, 2009