Thank you for your interest in our Chamber Ensembles: Classical and Jazz Combos class! Please complete the following form for placement in the group best suited to their instrument and experience level. Please answer each question honestly and as thoroughly as possible where applicable. 

Please read on for the Chamber Ensembles: Classical and Jazz Combos description: 

This class offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions of both classical chamber music or jazz in a small ensemble setting. Whether performing in string quartets, brass or woodwind quintets, jazz combos, or duos, students will develop their musicianship through close collaboration, listening, and interpretation. With guidance from experienced music educators and professional performers, students will experience the intimate nature of chamber music while improving their technique and musicality on their instruments.

Throughout the course, students will strengthen their ensemble skills, focusing on tone, phrasing, harmony, improvisation, and group dynamics. Classical groups will emphasize technical precision, expressive playing, and score interpretation, while jazz groups will delve into improvisation, song forms, and the historical context of jazz standards. Students will rehearse and perform a wide range of repertoire , gaining confidence as both individual players and collaborative musicians.

This class is ideal for advanced beginner to intermediate instrumentalists who are passionate about deepening their musical knowledge, versatility, and performance experience. Open to brass, woodwind, orchestral strings, piano, percussion, and guitar, this course welcomes students with a strong foundation and a desire to explore the structure of classical music or the creative freedom of jazz.

Completion of a short form is required to place your child accurately in a group based on jazz or classical interest and skill level.

Submission Rules:  

Submit 4-7 works of arts for your portfolio. You may select pieces that were created using any material in any form. They may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The reviewing committee is interested in portfolios that demonstrate a variety of work and art mediums. However, we will not accept AI-generated art.  

Digital artwork can be submitted as a .png or .jpeg file. Physical artwork* should be scanned or photographed and submitted as a .png, .jpeg, or .pdf file. For Digital Art please identify the software used to create the artwork in the "List Materials" section of your application (ex: Adobe Suite programs, Sketchbook, Procreate, Corel PaintShop, Clip Studio Paint, Blender, etc.).   

Submit your Artist Statement: Discuss your choice of subject and materials, motivation, and influences. Your video should be no longer than three (3) minutes. If you are unable to create a video, you may upload a written explanation of up to 500 words (either is equally acceptable). 

Our Music Merit Scholarship Program is open to young instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 2–12. 

Audition results will be shared on a rolling basis but not more than three weeks after auditions. 

AUDITION & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants should prepare about 5-10 minutes of solo music. NYSSMA pieces are acceptable, although specific pieces are not required. Students may be asked to play scales and/or perform sight reading. Students should not play band or orchestra pieces from school.  

Students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and must be able to read sheet music. Students must also submit a teacher recommendation letter. Letters can be emailed directly to enrollment@usdan.org. Teachers can use our recommendation letter tips for help writing their letters. 

Students are not required to enroll in camp before their audition but are encouraged as classes may fill up before final decisions are released.  

HOW TO APPLY 

Students should complete the brief application below and complete an audition. Students can choose to audition live on campus or virtually via Microsoft Teams. Auditions can be scheduled once the application is submitted using the link on the confirmation page. Alternatively, applicants can submit a pre-recorded audition with their application. Please note, preference will be given to students who choose to do a live audition, either on campus or virtually. 

Please create an account to access the audition form. Please complete the form and upload a video.  This video will serve as your audition.  

Strict Deadline for submission: two weeks from the date of your email

If you have any trouble, please email enrollment@usdan.org.

Usdan Audition FAQ’s
How fast should I play each selection?
Please pick a tempo that you can perform each selection to the best of your ability. It is more important to play accurately than fast.
What if I can’t play something?
The purpose of these etudes/excerpts is to correctly place you in an ensemble. Do your best and demonstrate to the best of your abilities.
Why was I given such a short time to prepare?
We want to see not only your technical facility on the instrument but also your reading ability. This will help us place you in an ensemble that will be most appropriate. We purposely do not want to give you months to work on the materials.
Can I play something additional for my audition?
You MUST perform the audition materials Usdan has supplied. If you wish to play an additional piece, please keep it under 3 minutes in length. This is completely optional and not required.
Please remember, this is to make sure you are placed in the correct ensemble. This will help make sure you have an enjoyable and rewarding summer!