(Please note that your declaration of major can be changed at any
time. If you are interested in more than one degree, please let us know at
the time of your audition.)
Bachelor of Music in String Performance
For those who aspire to a career in performance and further study on the graduate
level. Student advancement through performance levels is determined by a jury
of the string faculty. All Bachelor of Music Performance Majors must successfully
complete the 464 level on their instrument, present a partial junior and a
full senior recital.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education
For the future public school teacher. This degree qualifies one for the
teaching of elementary, junior and/or senior high school music. Music Education
majors must reach the 364 level and successfully complete 4 credits of study
at this level. In addition to string study, this degree provides instruction
on piano, voice, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
Bachelor of Music/Business
This innovative curriculum provides students with additional career opportunities
in the music industry. The program includes an internship with an established
member of the music business community.
Bachelor of Arts
For the student whose interest is less vocationally minded, but still wishes
to pursue a music major.
Music Minor
For the student whose music interest is strong, but still secondary to some
other area.
Masters Degrees
Graduate degrees are offered in String Performance, String Performance/Pedagogy
and Music Education.
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AUDITION INFORMATION
As with all NASM accredited music departments, you must audition
for the music faculty in order to be accepted into the program as a major
or minor and be able to enroll in applied music courses (private lessons).
The audition serves the dual purpose of enabling the faculty to evaluate
your prospects for success as a music major and competing for departmental
music scholarships. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity for the faculty
to evaluate your potential, and you can help them to do this by performing
works that demonstrate your level of technical accomplishment and your musicianship.
Music department scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated talent
and skills. In cooperation with the Yakima and Wenatchee Symphonies, CWU
is able to award additional scholarships to string players. Typically, most
string players receive some scholarship support. Recipients are expected
to perform with the University Orchestra, take private lessons, and participate
in the chamber music program.
(Please note that these auditions are not for the purpose of acceptance
or placement in any department ensemble. Those auditions will happen at
the beginning of fall quarter next year.)
AUDITION DATES
Throughout the year, possible times to schedule an audition for
admission and/or scholarships are during:
1.) official Audition Days
2.) the annual Music Department Open House
3.) the CWU High School Orchestra Festival (if this occurs before scholarship
decisions are made);
4.) a personal visitation to the campus.
Please contact the string faculty well in advance
to schedule an audition time. To be considered for scholarship, the audition
must take place before the music scholarship committee meets. This is usually
around mid-March.
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CWU Music Department Open House
This is a chance for you to visit the department, become acquainted
with the program, its classes, performing ensembles, faculty and students.
It is also a time for you to audition for the faculty. The auditions are
for acceptance into the program as a music major or minor and also for scholarships.
You are welcome to visit any class or rehearsal, to come and go as you
like. Please contact the string faculty about
attending a lesson and/or getting a short lesson. All the large ensembles
will be rehearsing on Thursday, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band,
the string section of the Orchestra, The University Choir and the Chamber
Choir. Jazz Bands and Choirs will also meet, in addition to some of the
small ensembles, such as the String Chamber Music Seminar, Brass Choir and
Percussion Ensemble. You may also meet with faculty in their areas of expertise,
including composition, jazz improvisation and Music Education.
Special events on Thursday include a lunch with faculty in the Student
Lounge, an afternoon recital by CWU music students, a free pizza dinner
hosted by CWU music majors at Grants Pizza, just two blocks from the Hertz
Hall, and an evening "Collage" Concert by CWU faculty and students.
A complete schedule of events, classes and rehearsals is listed online.
Staying Overnight Thursday?
Due to the current high enrollment, much of the Conference Center is being
used as a dormitory, limiting the space available for overnight accommodations.
There is room for just 30 students, so make your reservation early! The
cost for an overnight stay and breakfast in the Student Dining Hall is just
$15, payable by check to CWU Music. Once this space is filled, motels must
be used. If parents are attending, it is recommended that you make alternate
housing arrangement for yourself and your student. For information about
motels, contact the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce at: www.ellensburg-chamber.com
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STRING AUDITIONS
Your audition includes a brief interview, and time is limited, so expect
that you may not be able to perform your entire selection. Keep this in
mind as you plan your audition performance. Please perform works that best demonstrate your level of technical accomplishment and musicianship. Memorization is encouraged.
I. PRE-AUDITION FORM
Please fill out the Pre-Audition Form before your audition.
II. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
VIOLIN
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One three-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.
Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. At least one major and minor three-octave scale, legato and sautille;
2. One
standard etude (e.g. Kreutzer, Dont, Campagnoli, Paganini);
3. One
movement of solo Bach;
4. One
movement of a standard (non-student) concerto or concert-piece (e. g. Barber, Mendelssohn, Bruch, Lalo, Wieniawski, Saint-Saens)
VIOLA
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One 3 octave scale
2. One movement of a concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.
Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. One 3 octave scale played leggato and spiccato
2. One prelude or two contrasting dance movements of a Bach suite
3. One additional concert piece that demonstrates the student’s highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument such as the follow or equivalent work:
Concerti: Teleman G major, Accolay (transcribed from violin), Vivaldi D major (transcribed), J.C. Bach/Casadesus, Handel , Hoffmeister, Hummel Fantasie, Rolla Concertino, Stamitz, David.
or
Unaccompanied: Bach G major Suite, Hindemith Meditation, Reger Suite No. 1 (first movement).
CELLO
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One
3-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.
Performance Audition Requirements:
Each of the following:
1. One movement of a standard concerto of moderate difficulty, such as Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Lalo, or Boccherini
2. One movement of a standard sonata, such as Sammartini G Major, Beethoven, Brahms E minor, Francoeur E Major, or Boccherini A Major or equivalent piece.
3. Two contrasting movements of a Bach suite
4. One Popper or similar etude
5. One 4 octave major and minor scale and arpeggios
BASS
Non-Performance Degree:
1. One
2-octave scale
2. One movement of a concerto, sonata or concert piece that demonstrates highest level of technical and musical achievement on their instrument.
Performance Degree:
Each of the following:
1. One movement from one of the following double bass concerti: Bottesini, 2. Capuzzi, Dittersdorf, Dragonetti, Koussevitsky, or Vanhal
3. One contrasting solo work of the applicant’s choice
4. Two scales (one major, one melodic minor) of the applicant’s choice in two or three octaves.
III. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are not required but encouraged by the
string area. To strengthen your application, complete and return recommendations
before or at the time of your audition. Please download and print the
string program recommendation
form here.
IV. RESUME / REPERTOIRE LIST
Your resume, repertoire list and other supporting documents may be submitted
at the time of audition, but are not required.
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