2026-2027 Auditions

Welcome!

Performing in Bailey Hall

2026-2027 Auditions

The Cornell Wind Symphony (Music 3631, 1 credit) is an auditioned ensemble open to all members of the Cornell campus community. The ensemble typically includes 60 members ranging from first-year to doctoral candidates, and most students have majors other than music.

The Wind Symphony rehearses Monday (4:45-6:30 p.m.) and Wednesday (4:45-6:45 p.m.) in Lincoln Hall and performs two concerts each semester. Click the Performances tab to view upcoming concert dates, repertoire, and previous concert programs. In 2025-2026, the Wind Symphony performed with the world-class reed quintet Splinter Reeds (November) and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels (March). Abels is perhaps best known for his soundtracks for the Jordan Peele films Get Out, Us, and Nope.

To audition for the Wind Symphony, register on this page and prepare the following excerpts.

  • Don’t worry about playing “perfectly”. Simply do your best.

  • Dress informally and comfortably.

  • Prepare by listening to at least one quality recording of the audition excerpts.

  • In addition to wind and percussion instruments, the Wind Symphony has openings for double bass, piano, and harp.

We strive to make auditions simple, straightforward, and stress-free. If you have any questions, please contact Professor James Spinazzola, jms862@cornell.edu.

All auditions will be held in Lincoln Hall B20. We look forward to seeing you soon!

James Spinazzola, DMA
Director of Winds
Barbara & Richard T. Silver Associate Professor of Music
jms862@cornell.edu

1) Complete the following information form

2) Find your audition group

Audition dates and times coming soon!

3) Schedule your audition

Click the following button to book your audition (coming soon!).

Please make every effort to sign up in your instrument group. If you are unable to do so, book a “conflict and overflow” time.

4) Prepare the required music

Performing with Igor Corcuera Cáceres, principal conductor, National Orchestra of Cuba

Woodwinds and Brass

Prepare the required excerpts and the following scales.

  • Woodwinds: A chromatic scale, slurred, through your full comfortable range; and three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible. (Any tempo and style are fine.)

  • Flutes: If you wish to audition for both flute and piccolo, sign up for only one audition slot and bring both instruments.

  • Brass: Three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible. (Any tempo and style are fine.)

Double Bass, Piano, & Harp

Prepare the required excerpts.

Percussion

Cornell percussion instruments will be available for individual practice beginning with the first day of new student orientation. After signing up for your audition, you will receive an email with details. Please contact Dr. James Spinazzola (jms862@cornell.edu) with any questions.

If you wish to play percussion but are unfamiliar with one or more of the required instruments, prepare those with which you are comfortable.

Required Audition Excerpts (posted by June 1, 2026)

Piccolo:
Flute:
Oboe:
Bassoon:
Clarinet:
Bass clarinet:
Saxophone (all):
Horn:
Trumpet:
Trombone:
Euphonium:
Tuba:
Percussion:

Harp:
Piano:
Double bass: