2025-2026 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 (4:45-6:25pm) and Wednesday (4:45-6:45pm) in Lincoln Hall and performs two concerts each semester. Click the Performances tab to view upcoming concert dates, repertoire, and 2025-2026 highlights, including a collaboration with the world-class wind quintet Splinter Reeds (November), our second community-engaged performance tour of Cuba (tentatively scheduled for January 11-17), and our collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels (March). Abels is perhaps best known for his sountracks for the Jordan Peele films Get Out, Us, and Nope.

Wind Symphony and Orchestra auditions are held concurrently. Register on this page and prepare the following excerpts if you wish to be considered for the Wind Symphony. If you wish to be considered for the Orchestra, register on the orchestra website and prepare the excerpts shown there. If you wish to be considered for either ensemble or do not have an ensemble preference, register on either page and prepare either set of excerpts (not both).

• Please 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.

• The Wind Symphony also has openings for double bass, piano and harp.

We strive to make auditions simple, straightforward, and, hopefully, fun! If you have any questions, 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

UPDATE: We will host an optional informational Zoom meeting at 6:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 30. If you have signed up for an audition slot, you will automatically receive the Zoom link via your CU email address.