<p>Hey, I am auditioning for the orchestra this fall. How good does one have to be? What are auditions like? Thank you!</p>
<p>My D auditioned and played four years ago. She only did orchestra one year because she found the conductor to be a bit distracting, so she switched to chamber and had a great 3 years with her chamber group.</p>
<p>Regarding playing level, anyone who played in a decent regional youth orchestra will probably be able to get into the U orchestra, depending on the instrument, of course. </p>
<p>There are not enough undergrads to fill the orchestra, so it is open to grad students and even community members, just to give you an idea.</p>
<p>Beyond being in the orchestra, you might want to shoot for a private lesson subsidy - if you do well enough in the auditions, you can get money for private lessons from instructors in the Chicago area. The U hooked my D up with a violinist in the CSO and payed most of the cost of lessons her first year. Not a bad deal...</p>
<p>Thanks! I didn't play in the youth orchestra, I don't think I would have been talented enough at the time to get in (maaaybe now), but I have played violin for 8 or 9 years now. I am level 5 Suzuki...anyone care to chance me?</p>
<p>I never do chances....but</p>
<p>There are a variety of performance venues at UofC. Even if you don't make the orchestra, they have an organized chamber program that you can be part of.</p>
<p>Just as important, watch out for the performances on campus, mostly in Mandel Hall, by professional groups. There are great opportunities to hear great classical music at UofC without having to go downtown. And student tickets are not expensive.</p>