Major Ensembles & Placements

2025/2026 Major Ensembles

UT Symphony Orchestra: Mon, Wed & Fri 3:00-5:00pm Uri Mayer
Wind Ensemble: Mon, Wed & Thurs 3:00-5:00pm Pratik Gandhi
Wind Symphony: Tues, Thurs & Fri 3:00-5:00pm Sommer Forrester
Contemporary Music Ensemble: Tues & Thurs 3:00-5:00pm Wallace Halladay
MacMillan Singers: Tues & Thurs 3:00-5:00pm Jamie Hillman
Chamber Choir: Tues & Thurs 3:00-5:00pm Kathleen Allan
Soprano/Alto Chorus: Mon & Wed 3:00-5:00pm TBA
Tenor/Bass Chorus: Mon & Wed 3:00-5:00pm Thomas Burton
Guitar Orchestra: Wed & Fri 3:00-6:00pm Rob MacDonald
Graduate Classical Saxophones: TBA Wallace Halladay
Jazz Orchestra (12tet): Mon & Wed 11:00am-1:00pm Jim Lewis
Jazz Orchestra: Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm Shirantha Beddage
Hybrid Ensemble: Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm David Occhipinti
Vocal Jazz: Mon & Wed 11:00am-1:00pm Christine Duncan

Major Ensemble Placement Auditions

Auditions will be done in-person, September 2-5, 2025 (after 3:00pm).

Specific information will be updated here in early July 2025.

Students will not be able to register for ensembles. Once the placements are completed after the auditions, a list is sent to the Registrar’s and Graduate Offices, and they will register you in the appropriate ensemble. If you do not see your ensemble listed by the end of September, please reach out to the Performance Office.

Performance Office Contact

Audition Dates, Times, and Requirements for Faculty of Music Students (Non-Faculty of Music students, please refer to the information below for MUS120/220)

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- Tuesday, September 2 – Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Wednesday, September 3 – Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
- Thursday, September 4 – Saxophone, Piano
  These auditions determine your placement for the 2025-26 academic year in the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony or Contemporary Music Ensemble.
- Ensemble conductors and instrument specialists will hear each audition and students will be ranked according to their level of performance. Based on the repertoire needs of the ensembles, some flow of players may occur during the year.
- All instrumental auditions will be in-person.
- Wind, Brass and Percussion auditions will be screened. The audition panel will sit behind a screen and will not be able to see candidates as they audition. Adjudicators will only be able to identify you by a candidate number.
  All Wind/Brass/Percussion students must complete the Major Ensemble Placement – Classical Instrumental (2025) online form by end of day on Wed Sept 3
- String auditions will NOT be screened.
  ALL string students must complete the STRING Ensemble Placements (2025) online form by end of day on Thurs Aug 14
  This form allows Faculty of Music STRING students to indicate if they intend to:
  Audition for leadership positions in the UTSO (Orchestra)
  Declare an interest in playing in the CME (Contemporary Music Ensemble)
  Opt in if Major Ensemble is optional for your degree/year of study (3rd & 4th yr Comprehensive/Interdisciplinary, Composition, History Culture Theory)
  Non-String students should contact Amanda in the Performance Office if they wish to schedule an audition and should not complete the above form
- Piano auditions are for consideration to play piano in Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and UTSO, as needed. They will not be screened, and you will be asked to play with a conductor.
Please follow the instructions as outlined below for your instrument and review:
General Guidelines for Preparing Audition Material 2025
Advice for taking a screened audition
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Students are identified in the above schedules by the last 5 digits of their student number.
Classical Instrumental Ensemble Audition Excerpts:
Prepare ALL the excerpts for your instrument.
WOODWINDS
BRASS
Percussion
Piano
- Piano auditions will not be screened
STRINGS
- String students only need to audition if they want to be considered for a leadership position in the Orchestra, such as Concertmaster and/or Principal of a section
- String auditions will not be screened
- Violin, Cello and Double Bass excerpts will be updated Monday July 7th with bowed parts
  Violin
  Viola
  Cello
  Double Bass
- Tuesday, September 2 – Piano and Organ students, for Choir Placement, years 2-4
- Wednesday, September 3 – Piano and Organ students, for Choir Placement, year 1
  ENSEMBLE ASSIGNMENTS are based on the quality of audition performance, musicianship, ensemble background, and level of singing skill, in addition to ensemble repertoire needs.
  The Audition Faculty will include Choir Conductors.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Students are identified in the above schedules by the last 5 digits of their student number.
- An accompanist will be provided.
- Prepare and sing Where E'er You Walk, ornaments (small notes) are optional
- You will be accompanied by a pianist, an accompanist will be provided
- You are not required to memorize the piece
- Aural skills test: two short sing-backs on a vowel/neutral syllable
- Sight-sing a short melody on a vowel/neutral syllable or on solfège (your choice)
- Range check – One of the choral conductors will lead you through simple exercises to get a better sense of your range
- Choir Information Form, bring a copy with you to your audition
- If you would like to audition for any other ensembles, or if you have any questions, please contact the Performance Office
- Tuesday, September 2 – All Opera Voices (Opera Undergrad, Opera Diploma, Masters Opera)
- Wednesday, September 3 – All Historical Voices, Masters, and DMA Voices (not Opera)
- Thursday, September 4 – Undergraduate, and ACP Voices
  Unified Vocal Auditions are required for all voice students in all programs (graduate and undergraduate) at the Faculty of Music. These UVAs determine both your ensemble and solo performance assignments for the 2025-26 academic year, as well as your consideration for designated awards and master classes.
- Ensemble assignments are made based on the quality of your audition performance, ensemble background, musicianship and vocal skill, in addition to ensemble repertoire needs.
- The Audition Faculty will include Voice Instructors and Choir Conductors as appropriate.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Students are identified in the above schedules by the last 5 digits of their student number.
- An accompanist will be provided. Students must use the accompanist provided.
ALL VOICE STUDENTS IN ALL PROGRAMS AND YEARS OF STUDY:
- Prepare 1 or 2 selections (song and/or aria) with a combined total of no more than 4 minutes.
- Please bring a copy of your music for the accompanist. An accompanist will be provided. Students must use the accompanist provided.
- In addition (for Undergraduate choral ensemble auditions only, regardless of your program/year of study):
- Choral Placement Auditions will happen directly following your UVA, in a nearby room
  Aural skills test: two short sing-backs on a vowel/neutral syllable
  Sight-sing a short melody on a vowel/neutral syllable or on solfège (your choice)
  Range check – One of the choral conductors will lead you through simple exercises to get a better sense of your range
  Choir Information Form, complete the form and bring a copy with you to the audition
JAZZ
Further information on our Jazz Program.
2025/2026 FACULTY OF MUSIC MAJOR JAZZ ENSEMBLES AT A GLANCE
- Jazz Orchestra (12tet): Mon & Wed 11:00am-1:00pm Jim Lewis
- Jazz Orchestra (Big Band): Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm Shirantha Beddage
- Hybrid Ensemble: Tues & Thurs 10:00am-12:00pm David Occhipinti
- Vocal Jazz: Mon & Wed 11:00am-1:00pm Christine Duncan
Jazz Placement Auditions – Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles
Auditions to determine placement in vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles (Big Band, 12tet, Hybrid, Vocal Jazz and Small Jazz Ensembles) will be held at the Faculty of Music, 90 Wellesley location, on Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
On Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Instrumental Group Auditions from 5:00-7:00pm (Tues) and 4:00-6:00pm (Wed).
ALL Undergrads: Research and learn the melody and harmony for two pieces:
- Days of Wine and Roses (medium swing) – Key of F concert (mm. 144-156)
- I’ll Remember April (Latin/swing) – Key of G concert (mm. 178-192)
Students have been assigned a group and time on Tuesday, September 2 (DAY ONE) or Wednesday, September 3 (DAY TWO):
- Day One Groups
- Day Two Groups
Students are identified in the schedules by the last 5 digits of their student number.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Voice Auditions for Ensemble Placement from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Voice auditions will consist of:
- Year 1 – New students, please be prepared to sing one of the three charts attached here: Jazz Voice Excerpts.
- Year 2 – Choose between Stella by Starlight, All the Things You Are, or Chega de Saudade/No More Blues (which can be sung either in English or Portuguese). Bring your own charts for the chosen tune in your key, with copies for the accompanist and the panel. Be prepared to solo over the form of the song.
- Year 3 - Choose a song of your own. Bring your charts for the chosen tune in your key, with copies for the accompanist and the panel. Be prepared to solo over the form of the song.
- All students should be prepared to sight read and improvise.
All new Voice students – please arrive at 10:00am.
Returning Voice students in years 2 & 3 have been assigned a time: Jazz Voice Audition Schedule
Students are identified in the schedule by the last 5 digits of their student number.
Year 4 students – Christine Duncan will schedule a meeting to discuss placement.
If you are interested in auditioning for any other ensemble at the Faculty of Music, or if you have questions concerning your Jazz audition, please contact Eddy Aitken at (416) 978-3733 or edna.aitken@utoronto.ca or Amanda Eyer Haberman at (416) 978-3746 or performance.music@utoronto.ca.
OTHER JAZZ INFORMATION: Mandatory master classes for all students in the Jazz program are scheduled Fridays, 3-5pm. Do not book classes or electives during this time slot. Missed master classes will result in a deduction from Applied lesson grades.
There will be a mandatory meeting for all Jazz students on Friday, September 5, 2025: Schedule TBA.

Auditions are a requirement of the Faculty of Music and assigned appointments must be kept.

Make-up auditions for Classical Instrumental are not available.

Make-up auditions for Classical Voice are difficult to schedule and will be granted only on the basis of medical documentation or for extraordinary circumstances with notification in advance and permission granted by the Choir Faculty and/or Voice Department. These requests should be submitted directly to the Performance Office.

Important Information for Arts & Science Students

The application form and further information will be available here in early July 2025.

Questions?

MUS 120Y1 & MUS 220Y1: Classical and Jazz Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles I and II

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- Tuesday, September 2 - CLASSICAL Flute*, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Tuesday, September 2 - JAZZ Instrumental*
- Wednesday, September 3 - CLASSICAL Percussion*, Violin, Viola, Cello*, Double Bass, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Guitar, Voice
- Wednesday, September 3 - JAZZ Instrumental*
- Thursday, September 4 - CLASSICAL Saxophone*
- TBA - CLASSICAL Harp
- We have extremely limited positions for CLASSICAL Flute, Saxophone, Cello, and Percussion this year, and will only consider auditions on these instruments from those applying for the Arts & Science Major/Specialist programs with the ensemble option.
- We have no availability on JAZZ Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, and Voice.
- We especially need:
  Classical Tenor and Bass Voices
  Classical Clarinet, Trombone, Double Bass, Harp, Viola
  Jazz Trumpet, Trombone
Please follow the instructions as outlined below for your instrument and review:
General Guidelines for Preparing Audition Material 2025
Advice for taking a screened audition
All classical Wind, Brass and Percussion instrumental auditions will be screened. The audition panel will sit behind a screen and will not be able to see candidates as they audition. Adjudicators will only be able to identify you by a candidate number.

Prepare the following excerpts (to come) for the instrument you will be auditioning on:
Flute*, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone*
French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Percussion*
* We have extremely limited positions for Classical Flute, Saxophone, Percussion and Cello this year, and will only consider auditions on these instruments from those applying for the Arts & Science Major/Specialist programs with the ensemble option.

Classical String (Violin, Viola, Cello*, Double Bass) Audition (not screened):
- Prepare 2 contrasting works, minimum grade 10 level RCM
Classical Acoustic Guitar Audition (not screened):
- Prepare 2 contrasting pieces, minimum grade 6-7 level RCM
- There will also be a sight reading assessment
Classical Harp Audition (not screened):
- Prepare 3 orchestral excerpts, minimum grade 10 level RCM, or equivalent
- Prepare 1 harp solo, minimum grade 10 level RCM, or equivalent
Classical Choir Ensemble Audition:
*We especially need Tenor and Bass voices
- Prepare and sing Where E'er You Walk, ornaments (small notes) are optional
  You will be accompanied by a pianist, an accompanist will be provided
  You are not required to memorize the piece
- Aural skills test: two short sing-backs on a vowel/neutral syllable
- Sight-sing a short melody on a vowel/neutral syllable or on solfège (your choice)
- Range check – One of the choral conductors will lead you through simple exercises to get a better sense of your range
- Choir Information Form, complete the form and bring a copy with you to your audition
Jazz Instrumental Ensemble Audition:
- Group auditions for Jazz Instrumentalists will take place at 90 Wellesley St.
- Research and learn the melody and harmony for two pieces:
- Be prepared to improvise (no reading music)
- Arts & Science students will be added to existing audition groups
- We only have availability for Jazz Trumpet and Trombone this year

Placement Audition Questions?

If you have any questions, or would like to audition for any other ensembles, please contact the Performance Office.

performance.music@utoronto.ca

Ensemble Rehearsal Calendars

Current students can find their ensemble rehearsal schedules and locations on the Performance Office's SharePoint page.

Rehearsal Calendars

Opera Undergrad

U of T Opera has in-person auditions for registration in the Opera Undergraduate course 394Y or 494Y every spring. Open to Degree students going into 3rd or 4th year, and Art Dip students going into 2nd or 3rd year.

The application form to audition is available in February. 2025/2026 placements are now complete.

Ensemble Managers

Those interested in applying to the ensemble manager positions should contact Eddy at performance.music@utoronto.ca.

Positions will not be confirmed until after placement auditions are completed

General Ensemble Policies

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Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled rehearsals and concerts. Absences for medical reasons and outside engagements must be reported in advance to the Ensemble Conductor. Appropriate documentation will be required to support the absences. Absences on medical grounds must be documented with a University of Toronto Medical Certificate. You will still be responsible for making sure your music arrives at the rehearsal/sectional. Please check with the individual Ensemble Conductor regarding their policy on substitute players. Unexcused absences may result in loss of credit or loss of assigned part.
Inability to perform due to physical problems does not excuse anyone from attending rehearsals. Students must be present to observe the rehearsal even if unable to play or sing.
A professional standard of punctuality is expected; ensemble members are to be seated (and tuned if applicable), ready to begin at the scheduled start time.
Evaluation of the quality of student’s contribution will be at the discretion of the Ensemble Conductor.
Performing ensembles are not, and should not be, considered in the same light as other university classes. Since the Faculty of Music is a professional school of music, it is appropriate that all ensemble groups be treated like professional organizations. A casual approach to attendance is unacceptable and necessity of teamwork, mutual dependency within the ensemble, and a strong sense of responsibility to one’s colleagues as well as the ensemble as a whole, is essential.
During the academic year many students wish to take advantage of performing opportunities that may enhance and complement their studies in the Faculty of Music. Should a scheduling conflict arise because of a performing opportunity, this must be reported to the Performance Office, where an attempt will be made to resolve the problem. Students must realize, however, that academic obligations take priority over any outside engagement.

Major Ensembles & Placements

2025/2026 Major Ensembles

Major Ensemble Placement Auditions

Audition Dates, Times, and Requirements for Faculty of Music Students (Non-Faculty of Music students, please refer to the information below for MUS120/220)

Instrumental Classical

Choirs for Non-Voice Students Classical Pianists, Organists, Accordionists, etc.

Unified Vocal Auditions Classical Voice Majors no matter degree

Jazz Students For placement in jazz ensembles and combos

Harp

Guitar

Auditions are a requirement of the Faculty of Music and assigned appointments must be kept.

Important Information for Arts & Science Students

MUS 120Y1 & MUS 220Y1: Classical and Jazz Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles I and II

MUS120/220 Audition Schedule

*Notes

Application Process

Audition Requirements

After the Audition

Placement Audition Questions?

Ensemble Rehearsal Calendars

Opera Undergrad

Ensemble Managers

General Ensemble Policies

Attendance & Punctuality

Musicianship & Preparation

Participation

Performing Engagements