Spring 2026
UT San Antonio Symphony Orchestra Auditions

General Information

The UT San Antonio Symphony Orchestra is open to all students, including music majors and non-majors. All the new members and returning members who want to audition for the concert master/section leader seat must sign up for audition spots and attend an in-person audition at the start of the Spring semester.

  • Spring 2026 String Auditions:
      January 20 | 10:00 AM–6:30 PM | Location: ART 3.01.28  

If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, please contact Asieh Mahyar, the Director of the Orchestra, at asieh.mahyar@utsa.edu to arrange an alternative time or to submit a recorded audition. 

 

 Winds, Brass, and Percussion Players must audition through the UTSA Bands audition process. Visit: www.utsabands.org/auditions for more details.

Ensemble Information

The orchestra rehearses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 PM. There will be a sound-check/dress rehearsal from 6:00-7:00 PM before each performance.  

Before auditioning, all string players must register for the ensemble.

Spring String Audition Material


Violin
Music Majors:
  • A 2- 3 minute solo excerpt (concerto, sonata, other solo work) of your choice. 
  • All of the excerpts listed below are required to be prepared for the audition day. The audition faculty will choose selections to be played. The audition packet can be accessed here.
    • Johann Strauß - Die Fledermaus Overture: Measures 1-12, Measures 19-40
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to Candide: Measures 94-112
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to West Side Story: Measures 69-76 and Measures 8-92
    • Johann Strauß - Die Fledermaus Overture: Measures 75-110 (Optional: Only if auditioning for Concert Master position)
  • A short sight-reading excerpt will be provided at the audition.
Non-Music Majors:
  • Select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a chosen solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are highly encouraged to perform the music-major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.
Viola
Music Majors:
  • A 2- 3 minute solo excerpt (concerto, sonata, other solo work) of your choice. 
  • All of the excerpts listed below are required to be prepared for the audition day. The audition faculty will choose selections to be played. The audition packet can be accessed here.
    • Johann Strauß - Die Fledermaus Overture: Measures 18, Measures 316-335
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to Candide: Measures 83-118
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to West Side Story: Measures 69-72, Measures 83-108
  • A short sight-reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.
Non-Music Majors:
  • Select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a chosen solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are highly encouraged to perform the music-major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.
Cello
Music Majors:
  • A 2- 3 minute solo excerpt (concerto, sonata, other solo work) of your choice. 
  • All of the excerpts listed below are required to be prepared for the audition day. The audition faculty will choose selections to be played. The audition packet can be accessed here. 
    • Johann Strauß - Die Fledermaus Overture: Measures 316- Allegro Moderato
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to Candide: Pick up to Measures 260-277
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to West Side Story: Measures 105-134
  • A short sight-reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.
Non-Music Majors:
  • Select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a chosen solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are highly encouraged to perform the music-major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.
Double Bass
Music Majors:
  • A 2- 3 minute solo excerpt (concerto, sonata, other solo work) of your choice. 
  • All of the excerpts listed below are required to be prepared for the audition day. The audition faculty will choose selections to be played. The audition packet can be accessed here. 
    • Johann Strauß - Die Fledermaus Overture: Measures 351-365
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to Candide: Measures 153-168
    • Leonard Bernstein - Overture to West Side Story: Measures 100-144
  • A short sight-reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.

Non-Music Majors:
  • Select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a chosen solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are highly encouraged to perform the music-major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.

 

Contact Asieh Mahyar, Director of the UT San Antonio Orchestra, at asieh.mahyar@utsa.edu.
Contact Nicole Cherry, Violin Professor and String Area Coordinator, at nicole.cherry@utsa.edu.