Fall 2024 Auditions
Do you play an instrument? Do you want to play in a fun ensemble? Then audition for Columbia Pops!
When are auditions?
Fall 2024 auditions will be held from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15. You can receive the latest audition and activities update by following us on Instagram @columbiapops.
Who can audition?
We generally welcome anyone who plays an instrument and can read staff notation to audition! However, given the circumstances per semester, we may not have audition spots available for every instrument. Unfortunately, we will not be accepting additional pianists or clarinetists for the Fall 2024 Pops Orchestra. Pianists and clarinetists who wish to join are very welcome to audition for our Popsicles Chamber Program.
You do not need to be a music major to audition. Our group represents a cross-section of many students, instrument families, personalities, and academic majors with one common goal: to engage ourselves and inspire our audience with dynamic, beautiful, and diverse music.
What should I prepare?
Please come prepared with a short solo piece (2-3 min, classical or non-classical) that shows off the best of your talents. You will also be asked to sight-read a brief excerpt from our previous concert repertoire. We will then conclude with an informal interview to get to know you better. The whole process is quick and easy, we promise!
How do I sign up?
First, register for your audition through our Google Form using the “Audition Registration” button above. Then, sign up for a 15-minute time slot that best fits your schedule using the link embedded within the form.
If you cannot audition during any of the times listed, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance at popsboard@columbia.edu. We will be happy to arrange an alternative time and date. Please also contact us if you have issues accessing the sign-up spreadsheet. We are committed to hearing all musicians who are interested in joining us!
FAQs
When do rehearsals take place? The Pops Orchestra rehearses for 2 hours every Saturday in the late afternoon. Popsicles musicians will determine a suitable rehearsal time for all group members to meet ideally once every week.
Do you hold auditions in both semesters? Yes! We typically hold our fall auditions the second weekend after classes start, and spring auditions the weekend after classes start. However, please note that we don’t always have audition spots available for every instrument if a section is full.
Can I audition on multiple instruments? Yes! If you choose to do so, please sign up for 2 audition slots.
Can I audition as an arranger? No, we are no longer taking arranger-only applicants due to a substantial interest in arranging from current Pops musicians.
Can I audition as a vocalist? No.
Do I need to memorize my piece? No, we do not expect auditionees to have their piece memorized. But if you’d like to audition without sheet music, you’re more than welcome to do so!
Do I need to wear anything special? Nope, we want you to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in!
I don’t have an instrument and am looking to rent one before auditions. Do you have any resources for nearby rentals? Yes, please email popsboard@columbia.edu for information. Please note that Pops does not provide instruments for auditions, so you will need to bring your own.
What’s your acceptance rate? It varies by instrument - how many people audition on that instrument, and how much space we have for that instrument in the orchestra and chamber program.
How difficult will sightreading be? Since sight-reading comes directly from our concert repertoire, it may be helpful to listen to a piece or two from a recent concert - visit our Videos page to find our recordings! Pops does not share past sheet music.
