<p>Would anyone here have the inside scoop on how selective the university orchestra is? I'm a violinist.</p>
<p>My question is, I guess: are most people expected to be playing at an "audition for a conservatory" level? Are there hundreds of people applying for the 75 spots?</p>
<p>Also, I’ve found some notes on the website that members of the symphony must be in “freshman or sophomore” standing. Does this mean juniors, seniors and graduates students aren’t able to audition/enter? (Or enter “fresh” meaning returning juniors, etc may still play.)</p>
<p>I’m gonna go ahead and guess “not competitive at all” if only because I’ve been here four years but have never heard that we have a symphony orchestra.</p>
<p>(I’ve only heard of wupops, and I’m going to guess that’s not what you’re talking about)</p>
<p>It’s fairly competitive. I have some friends that are first class musicians that were nervous for their symphony orchestra audition. However, I have not yet met anyone who was not accepted into the orchestra after their audition.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how selective the jazz band is? Particularly for trombones?</p>
<p>I’ve been in the orchestra for the past two years; this year it has gotten more competitive with the turnover in conductors. Several people who were in orchestra last year auditioned and did not get in this year. That being said, there was a fair amount of turnover, especially in the string section, from last semester to this semester (a handful of people opted not to do orchestra this semester). The woodwind auditions were also fairly competitive, since only three ww/instrument were taken. </p>
<p>@AsianGinger: Jazz band is not terribly competitive; I’m not sure how they are for trombones, but I know they’re currently in need of trumpets. I think there is an audition involved (although somehow one of my friends managed to avoid it and still be in jazz band) but I think it’s pretty relaxed. I’ve enjoyed going to their concerts- they sound great.</p>
<p>@AsianGinger: I mentioned your question about trombones to my friend in jazz band, and she says they in need of trombones, so you should come to wash u and join them :D</p>
<p>awesome! thanks!</p>