Auditions

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is made up of highly qualified volunteer, unpaid musicians who are chosen through a two-step audition process.

The first round is a self-taped video which is submitted online and reviewed by a committee of current players. The second round is an in-person performance of the same materials for the Music Director and a committee of current players. committee at an in-person audition.

Current Openings

Videos accepted until seat is filled

Live audition will be scheduled at the candidates’ and committees’ convenience

• Second Trombone
• Principal Percussion
• Section Percussion
• Section Violin
• Section Cello
• Oboe – Section, Optional English horn
• Bassoon III/Contrabassoon

Substitute Auditions

• Substitute positions in all other string sections, Winds, Brass, Percussion & Timpani

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I audition for the BSO?

The BSO is made up of musicians who are committed to the values of Excellence, Collaboration, and Dedication. These volunteer musicians come together for Sunday evening rehearsals and concert performances throughout the year.

BSO Musicians love playing both the classic symphonic orchestral repertoire and introducing new pieces into the canon, all under the baton of Music Director Manny Laureano. Manny, along with BSO Concertmaster Michael Sutton, bring their years of experience as Minnesota Orchestra musicians to our ensemble, to encourage and strengthen BSO musicians’ and the audiences’ love of music.

Why do you ask for a video? 

We ask for videos to allow candidates to carefully prepare and submit the video that best reflects their performance ability. After reviewing videos, the committee invites musicians who will be the best fit for the BSO, to confirm their playing ability in a live audition experience.

When is the next audition?

Current Openings are listed with deadlines for open seats.

Videos for most section and substitute positions are accepted on a rolling, ongoing basis.

What should I do if I have questions that are not answered on this page? 

Complete the form on this page, or send an email to auditions@bloomingtonsymphony.org. We would love to hear from you and see a video come to our inbox!

Violin

• Mozart – Symphony No. 39, Mvt 4 (beginning to Reh B)
• Brahms: Symphony No. 4 (Quarter note = 95)
• Brahms Symphony No. 1 (leadership audition only)

Viola

• Mozart – Symphony No. 35
• Brahms – Symphony No. 4

Cello

• Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (prepare both excerpts)
• Brahms – Symphony No. 2 (prepare mm. 1-15 only)

Bass

• Beethoven – Symphony No. 5, Scherzo – Beginning to 5 after A
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4 13 after P to the end of the excerpt

Flute

• Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scherzo (2 before [P] until End)
• Dvorak: Symphony No. 8, Mvt. IV (8 before [D] until [E] with repeats
• Dvorak Symphony  No. 9 – excerpt 1
• Dvorak Symphony  No. 9 – excerpt 2
• Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé [176] until 2m after [179]

Piccolo (optional but encouraged)

• Ravel – Ma mere l’oye Third movement (soloist line)

Oboe

NOTE: No solo required. Prepare all of the following excerpts.

• Rossini: Overture to La Scala di Seta (m 6 until [3])
• Strauss: Don Juan
• Mahler: Symphony No. 3, Mvt II
• Brahms: Symphony No. 1, Mvt. I
• Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Theme) Chorale St. Antoni w/repeats; Oboe II only

English horn (optional but encouraged)

• Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture (Excerpt 1)

Clarinet

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Mvt III
• Berlioz: Symphony Fantastique, Mvt. III (3m after [43] until [44])
• Kodaly: Dances of Galanta
• Sibelius: Symphony No. 1, Mvt. III: [F] to 6 m. after [G]

Bassoon

• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique IV. March to the Scaffold mm. 49-63
• Mendelssohn – A Midsummer Night’s Dream I. Scherzo mm. 1-26
• Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade: Mvt II “The Kalendar Prince” m. 5 to Rehearsal A

Contrabassoon (prepare bassoon parts in addition)

• Ravel: Mother Goose 
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, Mvt. 4