Auditions
Audition Information
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
- Principal Trombone
- Principal Percussion
- Assistant Principal First Violin (3rd chair)
- Oboe – Section
- Bassoon III/Contrabassoon
- Section First & Second Violin (ongoing)
- Cello – Section (ongoing)
- Substitute positions in all other string sections, Winds, Brass, Percussion & Timpani
Substitute position auditions are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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!
Audition Interest Form
Audition Materials
All instruments
Prepare three minutes of a solo of contrasting sections from your instrument’s standard repertoire
View and follow the BSO Audition Instructions
Note: These instructions linked above are for all instruments. Links to instrument-specific excerpts are listed below.
Audition Materials - Strings
Violin
Mozart – Symphony No. 39, Mvt 4 (beginning to Reh B)
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 (Quarter note = 95)
Brahms Symphony No. 1
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
Audition Materials - Brass
Horn
Strauss – Till Eulenspiegel
Franck – Symphony in D minor, Mvt II
Beethoven – Symphony No. 3, Mvt III Horn II in E-flat
Von Weber – Overture to Der Freischutz Horn IV part
Trumpet
Mahler – Symphony No. 5, Mvt. I, Trumpet I
Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition – Opening Promenade
Stravinsky – Petrouchka
Beethoven – Leonore No. 2 (offstage trumpet)
Trombone – Principal
Saint-Saens – Symphony No. 3 Mvt I Excerpt from Q to R
Schumann – Symphony No. 2, Mvt IV mm1-23
Berlioz – Hungarian March 1st trombone only
Wagner – Die Walkure 2 excerpts, 1st trombone only
Hindemith – Symphonic Metamorphosis 3 excerpts, 1st trombone only
Trombone – Bass
Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 6 Bass Trombone, Mvt. 3, Excerpt 2
Mahler Symphony No. 4 – Trombone 4 Excerpt 1
Mahler Symphony No. 4 – Trombone 4 Excerpt 2
Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 5 “Resurrection” Bass Trombone (Page 5)
Excerpt 1 – Start: Allegro Maestoso after B to 11 before D
Excerpt 2 – 21 after E to 14 before G
Berlioz – Roman Carnival Overture Trombone 3, Excerpt 1, 7 after 19, through 6/8 bar