<p>Hi guys! So, I am definitely going to Pitt next year, and I wanted to find out more about musical opportunities at Pitt. I've played bassoon for five years now, and while I'm not a music major or anything, I was hoping to continue playing. So, a few questions below...
A) What is the Symphony Orchestra like, and how does signing up for it and the audition process work?
B) Is there any place on campus to store instruments securely and open practice rooms for non-music majors?
C) Any other information that might be useful?</p>
<p>Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Awesome Opposum is also a bassoonist.</p>
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<p>I’ve heard varying things about Orchestra (which is both semesters, fall and spring.) Although I feel like the “advertising” for it is small, as I’ve never seen any mentions of their concerts, or whom to contact for auditions. IIRC my two friends were the bassoonists for it in the fall (2012) and I’m sure they could always use 1-2 more. If you talk to the director/conductor of the orchestra (email them over the summer) ask if you should audition when you move in before the school year or what. I’ve never done Orchestra because I’ve heard the conductor can be mean and the music is a bit beyond my level I think…</p>
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<p>Not sure about storing instruments (I always just kept mine in the corner of my dorm/in the closet, never had an issue) but the Music Building at Forbes and Bellefield has “sound proof” practice rooms that you can use almost 24/7 with your Pitt ID.</p>
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<p>1- Seriously consider taking lessons! The teacher is FANTASTIC! She is only allowed to teach 3 students a term though, so if you’re interested in learning with her, email her now to get a spot for the fall (I’ll be one of the three spots for sure). She is absolutely amazing, will make reeds for you on an almost-monthly basis, etc. Can’t do better in my opinion.</p>
<p>2- I play in the Symphonic Band in the spring (only spring). It’s a fun time, there are 4 bassoons this year, and the director/conductor is great. However, they are getting a new head of Band/Conductor/Director for next year (in fact they just announced it last night) so I’m not sure what it will be like next year. The process for this year is that everyone picked up the audition piece around November, and then in December you sign up for an audition slot in the last week of school. By the start of spring term, they post the list for the band, and practice starts soon after. Band is 2 days a week (Tu/Th) from 6pm-8pm at night. Plus you can get 1 credit of class for being in the band (easy A!). We do 1 symphonic concert in the spring, plus we play graduation, and every other year we go on a trip (generally to NYC) to play a concert there and have fun (see shows on Broadway etc.) </p>
<p>Feel free to PM me for more info.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks so much!</p>