Camerata Chamber Orchestra

About

The Case Camerata Chamber Orchestra is open to all CWRU students, faculty, and community members by audition who play string instruments and desire to perform in a flexible but very high-quality string instrumental music setting. The group rehearses once per week and performs 2-4 concerts per academic year.

The repertoire performed in this ensemble is drawn from a variety of smaller chamber genres that include pieces from the baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. Some of the pieces are conducted and others are rehearsed collaboratively by the group with coaching from the director. The group collectively decides the program and many pieces use soloists from within the group. Additionally, there are opportunities for this group to collaborate with other ensembles in the Department of Music including the Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra and others.

Director: David Ellis

Instructional Format (2022-2023)

CWRU is committed to safe operations and in monitoring infection rates to make mitigation decisions. Details pertaining to operational plans can be found on the ensembles general information page. 

Details

• Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, September 6 for the fall semester and Tuesday, January 17 for spring semester

• Auditions for Fall 2022 take place during the first week of classes following this schedule:

  • Monday, August 29: MUSIC MAJORS as assigned 

  • Tuesday, August 30: Any interested non-majors

  • Wednesday, August 31: Any interested non-majors

  • Thursday, September 1: Any interested non-majors

• Auditions for Spring 2023 take place on Tuesday, January 17

 Auditions

• All orchestral ensembles require an audition once per year.
• Students may audition in the fall even if they do not plan to enroll until the spring -or- they may choose to wait and audition in the spring.
• We encourage all students  to take an in-person audition. However, students can opt for a remote audition. 
• Audition requirements are listed below (includes materials and excerpts).

Audition Requirements

• Scales: 2-3 octave Major and Harmonic Minor Scales
• Prepared piece: etude or solo piece that displays level of performance (not to exceed 3-minutes) 
• String players only: orchestral excerpts provided below

Electronic Audition Scheduling

Beginning August 5, 2022 non-music majors who play string instruments may choose their audition time during the first week of classes HERE. Music majors will receive their audition time from Dr. Horvath. All wind and percussion players should choose an audition time from the Symphonic Winds website.

Audition materials for string instruments:

• VIOLIN Audition Information AY 2022 - 2023
• VIOLA Audition Information AY 2022 - 2023
• CELLO Audition Information AY 2022 - 2023
• DOUBLE BASS Audition Information AY 2022 - 2023
• HARP Audition Information AY 2022 - 2023

FAQs

When are auditions?

Auditions take place during the first week of the fall semester. Contact the director for spring auditions. 

When is the first rehearsal?

Because auditions take place during the first week of classes and the faculty will need to staff small groups and choose repertoire, the actual first rehearsals will take place beginning the second week of classes.

How do I register for the course?

Request course permission in the Student Information System (SIS).

Course permission will be granted after an audition is completed during the first week of class.

Once you are “granted permission” you need to go back into SIS and complete your registration. Students must officially register to participate in the ensemble. 

What is the difference between registering for 0.0, 0.5, or 1.00 credit units?

Most academic ensembles (MUEN) are offered at variable credit to allow students the choice based on total credit load and personal preference. Music majors should check their academic requirements before selecting the credit amount. 

Are instruments available?

Specialty and large instruments are available on a limited basis for use by those enrolled in our academic ensembles.

Where are practice rooms?

Practice rooms are available in the Denison Hall complex (@Wade Commons) during posted open hours on a first-come, first-served basis. During Orientation week Denison Hall operates with extended hours from 8AM - 10PM.  Once the Drop/Add period is over the building will be open from 8AM - 5PM and you will need to use your Student ID to get into the building.

Is instrument storage available?

Lockers are available for music majors, minors, and non-majors who participate in an academic ensemble. Please note, due to the busy start of term, it may take us a bit to respond to all requests and we ask for your patience.

Facilities Policies and Locker Information

When does this ensemble perform?

The performance schedule and syllabus will be distributed during auditions and the first week of class.