Let your music shine at Case Western Reserve University! Make music a meaningful part of your college experience, connect with fellow musicians, and perform in incredible venues like the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Invite friends and family to enjoy a variety of performances on campus and throughout University Circle, and encourage them to join our mailing list to stay updated on concerts and events.
Join An Ensemble
Each year, hundreds of students from across the university perform, collaborate, develop new skills, and build community through music at CWRU. Our ensembles offer meaningful artistic and educational experiences for students of all majors, as well as qualified community members.
Whether you are a vocalist, instrumentalist, or simply looking to continue developing your skills, the Department of Music offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved. Continue below to learn more about participating in ensembles, private lessons, or beginner group classes.
Getting Started
New students are encouraged to attend the Music Ensemble Overview during Discover Week to meet faculty, learn about ensemble offerings, and ask questions before auditions begin.
Auditions
Most ensembles welcome both new and returning members through an annual audition process. Auditions are held during the first week of fall semester classes, and a successful fall audition covers participation for the entire academic year. Students who are new to campus or unable to audition in the fall may also have the opportunity to audition at the beginning of the spring semester, depending on ensemble needs and available openings.
Note: The Spartan Marching Band begins one week early during orientation. Auditions required for drumline only. Review the pre-season packet for more information.
Follow the audition guidelines based on your instrument or voice:
- Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion — Symphonic Winds
- String and Harp — Case/U. Circle Symphony Orchestra (including placement in Camerata Chamber Orchestra)
- Voice — Concert Choir
- Piano — Keyboard Ensemble (required for piano majors)
- Chamber Music — String/Piano Chamber Music or Mixed Chamber Music (requires concurrent enrollment in either Symphony Orchestra or Symphonic Winds)
Who Must Audition?
All instrumental music majors are required to audition each year for placement in their primary large ensemble, either Symphonic Winds (SW), or Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra (CUCSO).
Audition Dates & Times
- String & Winds – Monday, August 24, 2026 (as assigned)
- Percussion – Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (sign up for an audition time on the Symphonic Winds webpage)
Wind Players: Wind students who plan to participate only during the spring semester must still audition in the fall. All wind assignments are made at the beginning of the academic year.
Changing Your Audition Time: If you cannot attend your assigned time, it is your responsibility to arrange a time swap with another student. Student email addresses are provided to help coordinate schedule changes.
Prepare for Your Audition: Please visit the Symphonic Winds and Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra webpages for audition requirements, required excerpts and materials, and additional audition information.
Questions?
- Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra: Dr. Kathleen Horvath (kah24@case.edu)
- Symphonic Winds: Dr. Ryan Scherber (rvs@case.edu)
Fall 2026 Music Major Instrumental Ensemble Audition Schedule
Audition procedures vary for:
- Historical Performance Practice — Baroque Orchestra, Baroque Chamber Ensembles, Baroque Dance, Early Music Singers, Collegium Musicum
- Popular Music Ensemble
- Jazz Ensemble I
- Jazz Ensemble II
- Klezmer Music
- Percussion Ensemble
Some ensembles are open to all participants without an audition, including:
- Enrollment permissions for ensembles (MUEN) are granted in the Student Information System (SIS) following a successful audition or after the first class meeting.
- Once course permissions have been granted, students should return to their SIS account to register for the appropriate MUEN course.
- The Drop/Add Period ends on the 2nd Friday of the semester.
Did you know? Most ensembles offer variable credit (0.00 to 1.00 units), allowing you to participate without exceeding the 19-credit semester limit.
Explore our Facilities & Polices page for additional information about building access, practice rooms, instrument access and care, storage lockers, room reservations, and more.
Private Lessons for Non-Majors
All current CWRU students may enroll in applied music lessons for academic credit with instruction provided by faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).
Learn How to Sign Up for Private Lessons
