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Firstly, a huge congratulations on getting your place at Durham, we cannot wait to welcome you!
Below is some important information on the audition process and how to sign up!
If you are left with any questions whatsoever, please feel free to get in touch via our social media, or email us at orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk
AUDITIONS
Sign up to audition for Durham's leading orchestra for the academic year 2023/24 using the link below:
Audition week will run during freshers week, from Monday 25th September - Sunday 1st October, and will take place at Mount Oswald Hub, next to South College - https://goo.gl/maps/Nd17afjTLwNeZAGi9
Auditions will consist of a 10 minute slot, in which you will play a piece of your choice, up to 5 minutes in length, followed by 2 short sight-reading excerpts which you will have a chance to look at shortly before the audition. There will be a practice room available for you to warm up in.
More information can be found on the attached link, and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via email (orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk) or social media (Instagram: @duorchestral.society).
Concerto AUDITIONS
Want to perform as a soloist alongside DUOS next academic year (2023/24)?
Please complete the form below and upload a video of you performing an outer movement of your chosen concerto.
Please note that you may audition with pieces for solo instrument and orchestra that are not traditional three or four movement concertos and double concertos are also accepted. Any piece written for solo instrument(s) and orchestra will be accepted. Please also note that if selected to perform your concerto with the orchestra, you will be required to perform this piece in its entirety.
The deadline for submission is 23:59 on Thursday 31st August.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I sign up for an audition?
A sign-up link will be attached above in the coming months, prior to the beginning of academic year 23/24!
For more information, please come and talk to us at Fresher's Fair on Wednesday 27th September 10:00am - 6:00pm (tbc!) at Maiden Castle, where members of our Exec will be on-hand to answer all of your questions. Also, follow us on our social media to keep up to date with everything DUOS.
What can I expect from the audition?
You should prepare a 5 minute unaccompanied piece of your choice, or alternatively, an extract from a longer work, lasting no longer than 5 minutes. This piece does not have to be originally written unaccompanied, you may choose to perform a piece that is written with an accompaniment but without the accompaniment. During your audition you will also be given some orchestral excerpts 10 minutes before, and a brief interview.
What standard should I be?
Most of our players perform at Grade 8 to Diploma level or above. However, don't let this put you off! We don't require applicants to have completed any music exams, and we strongly encourage you to audition if you are at all interested. We also don't require previous ensemble experience. If you have any doubts, talk to one of our Exec members at the Freshers' Fair, or get in contact with us via social media or email (see below).
What if I play more than one instrument?
If you play multiple instruments which are substantially different (for example, viola and trumpet), you should audition for each separately, and each application will be considered individually.
If you play a main and an auxiliary instrument (e.g. flute and piccolo), you should audition only for your main instrument, and let us know about your auxiliary instrument on our application form. Your ability to offer an auxiliary instrument will not hinder your chances of success on your main instrument - in fact, it is usually considered an asset to be able to play an auxiliary instrument.
When do I find out whether I've been successful?
Every year, we have a larger number of applications to consider, so there may be a small delay before you find out your audition result. Nevertheless, we aim to email all candidates, both successful and unsuccessful as soon as possible. If you are successful, you will receive an email with rehearsal details and your desk position in the orchestra(s), so it is important to check your emails regularly!
What if I'm unsuccessful?
If you are not successful in gaining a place in DUOS this year, you will be notified by email. Please do not be disheartened - it is an extremely competitive process and you shouldn't be discouraged from auditioning again next year! Due to the huge number of applications and quick turn-around period, generally, we do not provide audition feedback to unsuccessful candidates. If you would really like feedback, you should email Matthew at orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk
If you have any questions at all, please contact us at orchestral.society@durham.ac.uk
We hope to see you at our auditions, and we wish you all the best of luck!