Music & Theatre Auditions

Every opportunity with JBU Music & Theatre begins with an audition. Scholarships start at $3,500 per year for majors and $1,000 per year for minors.

2022/23 Scholarship Audition Days

• September 12
• October 10
• October 29
• November 7
• January 23 
• February 20
• March 6
• April 24

Audition guidelines

Voice auditions

• Perform two songs in contrasting styles in any language. Classical art songs, musical theatre selections, contemporary commercial music and worship music are all acceptable audition selections.
• Complete a brief vocal and aural skills assessment (scales and arpeggios, pitch matching and recall).

Piano auditions

• Perform two prepared selections from traditional literature, representing contrasting style periods. One of the prepared selections may be an arrangement of a praise and worship song or traditional hymn.
• Prepare four major and four harmonic minor scales.
• Sight-read a short excerpt.
• Complete a brief aural skills assessment.

Instrumental auditions

• Perform two contrasting selections.
• Prepare major scales through four sharps and four flats demonstrating the full range of the instrument.
• Sight-reading a short excerpt.
• Complete a brief aural skills assessment.

NOTE: Bass players, guitar players, and set drummers may send a recording consisting of a demonstration of playing in contemporary styles and improvising. Recorded excerpts from ensembles such as jazz bands, combos, and worship teams may be included to demonstrate abilities in ensemble playing.

Theatre auditions

• Perform a two-minute monologue. (Technical theatre students do not need to prepare a monologue.)
• Music Theatre minors only: perform one musical theatre song.
• Completion of the theatre scholarship application.

How to schedule your audition

Step 1

Register for a Preview Day (preferred) or an Individual Visit. Preview Days will include special showcase performances by students and faculty in Music & Theatre. You won’t want to miss it!

If you have been invited to a Scholarship Competition, you may audition during that event.

Step 2

Request an audition.

Ensemble auditions

Ensemble auditions take place during orientation at the beginning of the semester. Learn more about JBU's music ensembles.

Choir

Perform one song in any style, any language. Complete a brief vocal and aural skills assessment.

Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band

Prepare one instrumental selection. Appropriate material may include selections prepared for solo and ensemble competitions. Prepare to play scales and demonstrate sight-reading ability.

Chapel bands

Complete the Chapel Band application. Audition dates and information are released the first week of the Fall semester.