Ensembles

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Last Updated: Aug 07, 2026, 10:55 AM

SIUC choir

The School of Music at Southern Illinois University has a wide variety of performance opportunities open to all university students. These opportunities include chamber ensembles, concert bands, jazz ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, opera, musical theater, and marching band.

NOTE: For Fall 2026 all SIU music majors and students enrolled in applied lessons at the 140-level and above are required to audition for Choirs, Guitar Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble, or to register for the Marching Salukis.

FALL 2026 Ensemble Audition Information

(music majors, music minors, and non-majors)

Major Instrumental Ensembles

  • Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Rossana Cauti, Conductor
  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale Wind Ensemble, Prof. Eli Gillespie, Conductor
  • Large instrumental ensemble auditions will be held Monday, August 17, 2026; Tuesday, August 18, 2026; and Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
  • A sign-up sheet will be posted on Monday morning, August 17, 2026, outside ALT 112

Monday, August 17, 2026

  • 3:00–4:00 P.M. Percussion
  • 4:00–5:30 P.M. Trumpets
  • 5:30–6:00 P.M. Horns
  • 6:00–6:30 P.M. Tubas and Euphoniums
  • 6:30–7:00 P.M. Trombones

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

  • 6:00–9:00 P.M. Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

  • 3:00–3:30 P.M. Flutes, Oboes and Bassoons
  • 3:30–4:15 P.M. Clarinets
  • 4:15–5:00 P.M. Saxophones

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: 

  • SISO/Wind Ensemble
  • Short prepared piece of your choice
  • Required excerpts (obtain a copy from your applied instructor or scan here)
  • Sight reading

First Rehearsals

  • SISO: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 7:00–9:00 P.M.
  • Wind Ensemble: Monday, August 24, 2026, 3:00–4:30 P.M.

NOTE: Music Majors and minors who do not successfully audition for Wind Ensemble or SISO will be placed in Marching Salukis, Symphonic Band, or Civic Orchestra to complete their Major Ensemble Requirement.

Studio Jazz Orchestra

  • Dr. Isaac Lausell, Director
  • Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Altgeld 117 beginning at 2:00PM.
  • A sign-up sheet will be posted on Monday morning, August 17, 2026, outside ALT 117

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Prepared music (obtain a copy from Dr. Lausell)
  • Sight reading

Join an Ensemble

Choir

2026-2027 Southern Illinois University Choirs

Audition Information

SIU students (music majors, music minors, and non-music majors) that have an interest in singing are welcome to audition, no experience necessary!

Auditions will be held on:

  • Monday, August 17th from 10:00-12:00PM and 2:00-4:30PM.
  • Tuesday, August 18th from 11-12PM and 2:00-4:30PM.

Sign up for your audition here:

The ensembles and their meeting times are:

Concert Choir: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2:00 -3:30 p.m.
Choral Union: Monday 7:00 – 9:15 p.m., Friday 1:00- 1:50

Audition requirements:

  • Vocalize from lowest to highest note
  • Sing one verse of “My Country Tis of Thee”
  • Sight read a short melody (provided)

Class lists will be posted after all auditions are completed.

  • Rehearsals will begin on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Students with required course conflicts that partially conflict with choir meeting times may audition. Otherwise, it is strongly suggested that all students clear their schedules during Concert Choir and Choral Union rehearsal times until notified of placement in a choral ensemble. Students are not guaranteed their first preference for an ensemble due to schedule conflicts. Dr. Eads will determine the appropriate ensemble placement.

Guitar Ensemble

Please email Isaac Lausell (isaac.lausell@siu.edu) with any questions about Guitar ensembles.

Jazz Ensembles

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Altgeld 117 beginning at 2:00PM.

A sign-up sheet will be posted on Monday morning, August 17, 2026, outside ALT 117.

Audition Requirements:

Please email Isaac Lausell (isaac.lausell@siu.edu) with any questions about Jazz ensembles.

Marching Salukis

There is no audition for membership in the Marching Salukis.

Seating auditions and Drumline placement will take place during the first day of band camp on Sunday, August 10th.

Those interested in Dazzler, Color Guard, and Twirler positions can access audition video requirements.

Wind Ensemble

  • Short prepared piece of your choice
  • Required excerpts (obtain a copy from your applied instructor or scan here: 

Please email Prof. Eli Gillespie, Conductor with any questions about Wind Ensemble.

Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra

Dr. Rosanna Cauti, Conductor

  • Short prepared piece of your choice
  • Required excerpts (obtain a copy from your applied instructor or scan here: