Music Ensemble Auditions

Music department

Find the ensemble that's right for you

Hamline's music department hosts auditions at the beginning of the fall semester for all students who wish to play or sing in a music ensemble. Auditioning is your opportunity to meet faculty and tell us a little about your interests and goals as a musician.

Past fall, please contact the director of the ensemble you wish to join to schedule an audition.


 

Student Joe Mason playing drums / percussion in Music Production program

Fall 2025 new student auditions

Sign-up sheets and information about upcoming auditions will be posted on the bulletin board next to DFA 114 (Drew Fine Arts Music Department) at the start of fall semester. Most auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Drew Fine Arts. 
[View campus map]

Vocal ensemble (A Cappella Choir)

Program faculty

Shekela Wanyama, Choir Director
Office: DFA 209
Email: swanyama01@hamline.edu

Deb Gilroy, voice lessons and classes
Office: DFA 112
Email: dgilroy01@hamline.edu

Audition instructions for the A Cappella Choir

Sign up for your voice check with Director Shekela Wanyama. Voice checks will take place on Tuesday, September 2, between 1 and 5 p.m., with additional voice checks taking place on Thursday, September 4, between 1 and 5 p.m.

Auditions will confirm your choir membership and check your voice part for section placement. Prepare a song you are familiar with that shows your range and vocal ability.

Instrumental ensembles

Program faculty

Orchestra - Strings:  Yali You
Office: DFA 114
Email: yyou@hamline.edu

Wind Ensemble - Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion: Lauren Husting
Office: DFA 111
Email: lhusting01@hamline.edu

Jazz Ensemble: Jeff Bailey
Office: DFA 113
Email: jbailey10@hamline.edu

Audition instructions for instrumentalists

Auditions will take place in DFA 216 on Tuesday, September 2, between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Sign up on the posted sheet on the bulletin board next to DFA 114. [View campus map]

Please bring the following to your audition:

  • A piece or two that you are familiar with and that will demonstrate both technical and musical skills (various tempos and characters)
  • A scale of your choice with as many octaves as possible
  • A short sight-reading passage

Also note: 

  • Jazz students may demonstrate improvisation skills over a blues progression
  • Percussion students, let us know what instrument(s) you will need for the audition

Music lesson auditions

Our professors use auditions as a way to guide students to the appropriate level and learn more about their interests and goals as musicians. 

Piano 

Drop in conference and audition with Professor Stella Sick (ssick01@hamline.edu).
Date and time: Tuesday, September 2, between 1 and 3 p.m.
Location: DFA 217 [View campus map]

Contact information