Solo Competition

Each year, the Cal Poly Symphony provides several students the opportunity to collaborate with the orchestra on our Winter Concert as performers or composers (see our Past Seasons page for examples).

Students are chosen through a competition/audition by a music faculty panel on Friday afternoon of week 7.  In 2024, this falls on November 8.

Applicants must be available for Symphony rehearsals during Winter quarter (Tuesday and Thursday, 4:40 – 6:30 p.m.), may not have won the previous year's competition, and must be in good academic standing (that is, not on Academic Probation) to apply.

Performers:

  • The student must be active in a Cal Poly Music Department ensemble or be a Music Major.
  • The student must be taking lessons with a member of the Cal Poly music faculty and have their approval to audition with the work listed on the application form.
  • Eligible works include: a movement of a concerto or similar solo instrumental work with orchestra, an opera or musical theater scene, a concert aria, or other solo vocal excerpt with orchestra.
  • It is best if the work is no longer than approximately 10 minutes (to facilitate variety in programming).  Ask the conductor regarding longer works.
  • The work must be appropriate for the Symphony in terms of instrumentation and difficulty. If you are unsure about this, please ask the conductor.
  • The orchestra parts must be easily available by purchase or rental. Research this ahead of time and ask the conductor if you need help finding this information.

Composers:

  • The student must be taking composition lessons with a member of the Cal Poly music faculty and have their approval to submit the composition for consideration.
  • It is best if the composition is no longer than approximately 10 minutes (to facilitate variety in programming).  Ask the conductor regarding longer works.
  • The work must be appropriate for the Symphony in terms of instrumentation and difficulty. If you are unsure about this, please ask the conductor.
  • Orchestral materials (parts) will be needed no later than the first day of Winter Quarter.  A score and audio file are required with the application.

To Apply:

  • Complete an Application Form (pdf). Either email it to the conductor or bring a paper copy to the Music Department Office (45-129) by 9 a.m. on Thursday of Week 6 (October 31).
  • After the application deadline, a sign-up sheet for audition times will be posted outside the Music Department Office (45-129). Sign up for an audition time.
  • Performers must meet with our department accompanist, Paul Woodring, and audition with accompaniment. Give him a copy of the piano part to your selection far in advance and meet with him before your audition. You can sign up for a rehearsal time with him by scanning the QR code outside room 113. 

    Rehearsal times with the staff accompanist are at a premium during the two weeks immediately preceding the competition. Please bear this in mind and sign up for your rehearsal time two or even three weeks in advance in order to ensure that you can meet with the accompanist.

If you have any questions, please contact the conductor: David Arrivée, Building 45, Room 214A.

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