Participation Information

Most ensembles require an audition once per year for both new and returning members.

• Auditions take place during the first week of fall semester classes
• A fall audition covers the full academic year
• New members may also audition at the start of the spring semester

All new and continuing music majors will receive assigned audition times for the first Monday of classes.

• The audition schedule is typically posted in this section about two weeks before the start of the fall semester

Follow the appropriate 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)

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:

• University Chorale
• Case Glee Club
• Spartan Marching Band

Note: The Spartan Marching Band begins one week early during orientation. Visit the SMB page for pre-season information.

To ensure equitable access and maintain the quality of our school-owned harp instruments, the following policy must be adhered to by all harp students at Case Western Reserve University.

Audition Requirements for Symphony Orchestra
All harp students wishing to participate in CWRU Ensembles must follow the established audition guidelines for the Case/U. Circle Symphony Orchestra. This includes preparing the required repertoire and attending the scheduled audition sessions as outlined in the orchestra's audition information.

Registration for Private Lessons
To gain access to school-owned harp instruments, students must be registered for private harp lessons through the Department of Music. Prior to registration, students must contact Jody Guinn, Harp Faculty, at jguinn4277@aol.com for approval.

Students should fill out the Secondary Lessons: Policies and Pre-Registration Form to complete the lesson enrollment process. This ensures that all necessary arrangements are made, and students have the instructional support needed for their studies.

Instrument Use and Care
Students granted access to school-owned harps are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the instruments. Any damage or issues must be reported immediately to the Nicholas Strawn, Performance and Operations Assistant, at nas158@case.edu.

Students must request building and storage access for the harp by emailing Nicholas Strawn (nas158@case.edu). This step ensures that students have the necessary access to the facilities where the instruments are kept, allowing for secure and convenient use.

By adhering to these guidelines, harp students can fully participate in the university's music programs while ensuring that our instruments remain in excellent condition for future students.

Enrollment permissions 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.

Most ensembles offer variable credit (0.00 to 1.00 units), allowing you to participate without exceeding the 19-credit semester limit.

Visit our Current Resources FAQ for details about building access, practice rooms, and instrument storage lockers.

Explore our Facilities and Polices Hub for additional resources.

Before the First Week of Class

All current CWRU students may enroll in applied music lessons for academic credit through the Joint Music Program (JMP), with instruction provided by faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).

Use the Policies & Pre-Registration Form for Secondary Lessons to request enrollment in:

MUAP 131 — Undergraduate music majors requesting a secondary instrument or voice, music minors, and non-majors
MUAP 531 — Graduate students enrolled in degree programs outside of music

Submit one form per semester, even if requesting lessons on multiple instruments or voices.

Instructional fee: $750 per semester per 1.00 credit unit for music minors, non-majors, and graduate students outside of music.