The West Jordan Symphony is holding open auditions for vocal soloists for our 28th annual "sing-along" performance of Handel's Messiah. The performance will be held on Sunday, December 18th, at 7:00 PM at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan.

Soloists should prepare one aria from Messiah. Recommended pieces are listed below.

• Soloists may audition unlisted pieces, but there is no guarantee that the piece will be selected for performance.

• Multiple soloists will be selected to give as many qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra as possible. As such, the piece with which you audition may not be the piece you are selected to sing.

  • We will confirm piece selections with the soloists before finalizing the performer list.

• Soloists must be available to attend rehearsals on select Saturday mornings between 9:00 – 11:30 AM from November 5th through December 10th

  • Soloists will be invited on a per-week basis and are not expected to attend all rehearsals during this time-frame.

• Soloists must also available for the dress rehearsal on December 17th, which will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Final selection is subject to soloist interest/availability, orchestral preparation, and the discretion of the Music Director and Board.

Recommended Solos:

2. Comfort ye my people (Tenor)
3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (Tenor)
5. Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts (Bass)
6. But who may abide the day of His coming (Bass)
8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)
9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto/Chorus)
14 a,b. There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano)
15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano)
16. And suddenly there was an angel (Soprano)
19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd (Alto)
20. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Duet Alto/Soprano)
23. He was Despised (Alto)
30. Behold and see if there be any sorrow (tenor or soprano)
45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)
47. Behold, I tell you a Mystery (Bass)
48. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)

Auditions will be held on the following dates in the cultural hall of the LDS chapel at 3407 West 9625 South | South Jordan, UT 84095.

• Saturday, October 8th, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

• Saturday, October 15th, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Alternate dates or times can potentially be arranged at the discretion of the Music Director and Board

Please RSVP by e-mailing wjsymphony@gmail.com indicating your name, which piece you are interested in singing at the audition, and on which of the two days you will be attending.

A pianist will be available for accompaniment.

Note that the West Jordan Symphony is a community symphonic orchestra fully run and staffed by volunteers. We greatly appreciate the time and skill of all the soloists volunteering their talents for this performance!

The West Jordan Symphony is holding open auditions for vocal soloists for our 28th annual "sing-along" performance of Handel's Messiah. The performance will be held on Sunday, December 18th, at 7:00 PM at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan.

Soloists should prepare one aria from Messiah. Recommended pieces are listed below.

• Soloists may audition unlisted pieces, but there is no guarantee that the piece will be selected for performance.

• Multiple soloists will be selected to give as many qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra as possible. As such, the piece with which you audition may not be the piece you are selected to sing.

  • We will confirm piece selections with the soloists before finalizing the performer list.

• Soloists must be available to attend rehearsals on select Saturday mornings between 9:00 – 11:30 AM from November 5th through December 10th

  • Soloists will be invited on a per-week basis and are not expected to attend all rehearsals during this time-frame.

• Soloists must also available for the dress rehearsal on December 17th, which will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Final selection is subject to soloist interest/availability, orchestral preparation, and the discretion of the Music Director and Board.

Recommended Solos:

2. Comfort ye my people (Tenor)
3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (Tenor)
5. Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts (Bass)
6. But who may abide the day of His coming (Bass)
8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)
9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto/Chorus)
14 a,b. There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano)
15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano)
16. And suddenly there was an angel (Soprano)
19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd (Alto)
20. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Duet Alto/Soprano)
23. He was Despised (Alto)
30. Behold and see if there be any sorrow (tenor or soprano)
45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)
47. Behold, I tell you a Mystery (Bass)
48. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)

Auditions will be held on the following dates in the cultural hall of the LDS chapel at 3407 West 9625 South | South Jordan, UT 84095.

• Saturday, October 8th, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

• Saturday, October 15th, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Alternate dates or times can potentially be arranged at the discretion of the Music Director and Board

Please RSVP by e-mailing wjsymphony@gmail.com indicating your name, which piece you are interested in singing at the audition, and on which of the two days you will be attending.

A pianist will be available for accompaniment.

Note that the West Jordan Symphony is a community symphonic orchestra fully run and staffed by volunteers. We greatly appreciate the time and skill of all the soloists volunteering their talents for this performance!

This concert provides an opportunity for local musicians to perform a musical number of their choosing as part of a small ensemble (solo, duo, trio, quartet, etc.) as part of a larger concert. The symphony is also open to performing one or two large ensemble concerti.

The Solo and Ensemble Concert will take place Saturday, March 19, 7 PM at the Viridian Event Center (West Jordan Library). The Viridian does have a piano available for performance use.

Ensembles that wish to perform should be prepared to audition on Saturday, January 22, 10 AM at West Jordan City Hall (in the Community Room, i.e., where we normally rehearse). Ensemble pieces should be no longer than 10 minutes in duration. Note that ensemble members are expected to prepare for this concert outside of normal rehearsal time. (Example Solo and Ensemble programs from March 2020, and March 2019.)

Soloists wishing to perform a symphony-backed concerto must notify us by e-mail (wjsymphony@gmail.com) with the details of the concerto by Saturday, January 8th. Soloists are responsible for providing the music for the symphony to use for the performance. Concerto soloists will audition on the same day and time as the other small ensembles.

We understand there are only a couple weeks to prepare for the audition, perfection is not expected or required--the audition should convince the panel that the ensemble has a strong enough foundation that, with two months, they will be able to perform in March.

Finally, we would appreciate an RSVP (wjsymphony@gmail.com) if an ensemble knows what they're planning on playing, if possible, so we can allocate enough time for the panel. Walk-ups are welcome, too.

Details about the Solo and Ensemble Concert and auditions are available here.

Soloists wishing to perform a symphony-backed concerto for the March Solo and Ensemble concert must notify us by e-mail (wjsymphony@gmail.com) with the details of the concerto by Saturday, January 8th. Soloists are responsible for providing the music for the symphony to use for the performance. Concerto soloists will audition on the same day and time as the other small ensembles.

The symphony is holding open auditions for vocal soloists for our 26th annual "sing-along" performance of Handel's Messiah (the performance will be held on Sunday evening, 7 PM, December 15, 2019, at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan)!

Soloists should prepare an aria he or she would like to perform from the following list. Selected soloists will perform with the West Jordan Symphony; multiple soloists will be selected as to give several qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra.

*Pieces to be performed this year are:*

1. Sinfony (symphony-only)

2. Comfort ye my people (Tenor)

3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (Tenor)

4. The Glory of the Lord (Chorus)

5. Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts (Bass)

6. But who may abide the day of His coming (Alto)

7. And He Shall Purify (Chorus)

8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)

9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto/Chorus)

12. For unto us a Child is born (Chorus)

13. Pastoral Symphony (symphony-only)

14 a,b. There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano)

15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano)

16. And suddenly there was an angel (Soprano)

17. Glory to God (Chorus)

19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd (Alto)

20. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Duet Alto/Soprano)

22. Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus)

23. He was Despised (Alto)

24. Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Chorus)

26. All We Like Sheep (Chorus)

38. How beautiful are the feet of Him (Duet Alto/Chorus)

42. He That Dwelleth in Heaven (Tenor)

43. Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor)

44. Hallelujah (Chorus)

45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)

47. Behold, I tell you a Mystery (Bass)

48. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)

53. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (Chorus)

Auditions will be held at West Jordan City Hall (8000 S Redwood Road) in the 1st Floor Community Room, Saturday, November 2nd at 11:30 AM.

If you’d like to perform as a solo or small ensemble (duet, trio, quartet, small chamber group) today’s the day to audition! After our normal rehearsal 9-11:30, Music Director Denisse will listen to interested groups perform an excerpt (ideally the piece your group is performing at the concert on March 24). Notifications will be sent later about groups chosen to perform.

The symphony is holding open auditions for vocal soloists for our 25th annual "sing-along" performance of Handel's Messiah (the performance will be held on Sunday evening, 7 PM, December 16, 2018, at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan)!

Soloists should prepare an aria he or she would like to perform from the following list. Selected soloists will perform with the West Jordan Symphony; multiple soloists will be selected as to give several qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra.

*Pieces to be performed this year are:*

1. Sinfony (symphony-only)

2. Comfort ye my people (Tenor)

3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (Tenor)

4. The Glory of the Lord (Chorus)

5. Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts (Bass)

6. But who may abide the day of His coming (Alto)

7. And He Shall Purify (Chorus)

8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)

9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto/Chorus)

12. For unto us a Child is born (Chorus)

13. Pastoral Symphony (symphony-only)

14 a,b. There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano)

15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano)

16. And suddenly there was an angel (Soprano)

17. Glory to God (Chorus)

19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd (Alto)

20. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Duet Alto/Soprano)

22. Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus)

23. He was Despised (Alto)

24. Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Chorus)

26. All We Like Sheep (Chorus)

38. How beautiful are the feet of Him (Duet Alto/Chorus)

42. He That Dwelleth in Heaven (Tenor)

43. Thou Shalt Break Them (Tenor)

44. Hallelujah (Chorus)

45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)

47. Behold, I tell you a Mystery (Bass)

48. The Trumpet Shall Sound (Bass)

53. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (Chorus)

Auditions will be held at West Jordan City Hall (8000 S Redwood Road) in the 1st Floor Community Room, Saturday, November 3rd at 11:30 AM.

Small group auditions for March's Solo and Ensemble concert. Please come prepared to play an excerpt of the piece you'd like to perform for the concert (solos, duets, trios, etc.). If you'd like to perform a concerto with the symphony, please be prepared to provide the music.

Vocal soloist try-outs for the Messiah start right after rehearsal.

The symphony is holding open auditions for vocal soloists for our upcoming 24th annual sing-along performance of Handel's Messiah on Sunday evening, December 17, 2017!

Soloists should prepare an aria he or she would like to perform from the following list. Selected soloists will perform with the West Jordan Symphony; multiple soloists will be selected as to give several qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra.

Pieces to be performed this year are:
1. Sinfony (symphony-only)
2. Comfort ye my people (Tenor)
3. Ev'ry valley shall be exalted (Tenor)
4. The Glory of the Lord (Chorus)
5. Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts (Bass)
6. But who may abide the day of His coming (Alto)
8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto)
9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto/Chorus)
12. For unto us a Child is born (Chorus)
13. Pastoral Symphony (symphony-only)
14 a,b. There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano)
15. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano)
16. And suddenly there was an angel (Soprano)
17. Glory to God (Chorus)
19. Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd (Alto)
20. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Duet Alto/Soprano)
22. Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus)
24. Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Chorus)
38. How beautiful are the feet of Him (Duet Alto/Chorus)
44. Hallelujah (Chorus)
45. I know that my Redeemer liveth (Soprano)
53. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain (Chorus)

Auditions will be held at the West Jordan Community Arts Center (1970 W 7800 S, West Jordan UT) on Saturday, November 11th at 11:30 AM.

Our annual Solo and Ensemble Concert is on Friday, March 24th! Auditions for small group pieces (e.g. solos, duos, trios, quartets, etc.) will be held Saturday, February 25th at 11 AM (right after rehearsal), at the West Jordan Community Arts Center.

Those wishing to audition a concerto requiring the full West Jordan Symphony must have their piece pre-approved by the music director (wjsymphony@gmail.com) no later than February 11th. Approval is also contingent on having parts provided and on-hand for the other instruments so the symphony can begin rehearsing.
 

Our annual Solo and Ensemble Concert is on Friday, March 24th! Auditions for small group pieces (e.g. solos, duos, trios, quartets, etc.) will be held Saturday, February 25th at 11 AM (right after rehearsal), at the West Jordan Community Arts Center.

Those wishing to audition a concerto requiring the full West Jordan Symphony must have their piece pre-approved by the music director (wjsymphony@gmail.com) no later than February 11th. Approval is also contingent on having parts provided and on-hand for the other instruments so the symphony can begin rehearsing.
 

Vocal soloist try-outs for the Messiah start right after rehearsal.

Come audition with a Messiah aria. Selected soloists will perform with the West Jordan Symphony. Multiple soloists will be selected as to give several qualified performers a chance to sing with the orchestra. Performance will be the evening of December 18, location: Salt Lake Valley TBA.

Community members are encouraged to audition for a slot in the upcoming solo and ensemble performance sponsored by the West Jordan Symphony. This concert is all about the small ensemble works (solos, duets, trios, etc.). Also, up to two chamber groups will be selected, too. (If you are auditioning as a concerto that requires the full symphony, you'll be required to provide the music.)

This concert is slated for the evening of March 19th.

From Director Shane Mickelsen:

I’d like to hear you on the 23rd. We’ll break into sectionals for 30 minutes or so and I’ll hear you at that time. :)

I love getting to know you all better. I’d like to hear you prepare the following passages. I will listen to you privately, things will go great. 

I hope to accomplish three things:

    1) Get to know you better.

    2) Situate the 1sts and 2nds and hear about whether or not you prefer a chair system or a rotation system. (If we did rotation, then we would rotate everyone except principals/concertmaster).

    3) Select a Concertmaster. Let me know about the traits you’ve appreciated in a good concertmaster, and whether or not you’d like to be considered for that position.

Please prepare the following:

Die Hebrides - Mendelssohn:

Measures 57 - 69

Begin measure 57 on a down bow. 1st violins observe the hooked bowing markings in measure 60 by separating the E and F# but playing both on an up bow. I’m looking for you to observe all written crescendos and decrescendos. 

In measure 62 please observe the "sF” by increasing both bow speed and vibrato as you approach the F#. 

1st violins, I suggest that on the second beat of 62, you plant 1st finger on the B natural, begin to slide 1st finger upward; as you approach the F# land your 3rd finger on the string like an airplane and let 3rd finger continue the slide up to F#. This will free your first finger to then return to the C# and D natural from the end of 62 going into 63. I have attached a fingering digram just in case it helps. As far as bowings are concerned, I prefer the way that I indicated in the 8-bar attachment: Start down bow, and observe the slurs - ignore the music’s bow markings in this section.

2nd violins, in measure 62 your instructions are similar to those of the 1sts, but you will remain on the A string for measure 62 and the first 2 beats of 63.

In bar 64, observe the piano dynamic marking.

Bar 67, observe the dolce marking mezzo-piano. This needs to sound sweet, curious, and innocent. 

Play bar 68 at mezzo-forte.

Play 69 at mezzo-piano diminuendoing into the pianissimo.

One Bar Before Rehearsal B until Rehearsal C

What I’m looking for is energy and a non legato style. I want to see a violinist who moves the music and is unafraid to move with it. Let those first few measures determine the articulation style for the rest of the segment: bow each 16th, and make the quarter notes sound marcato (space on both sides.) I’m looking for agility, intonation, style, and your ability to put your audience at ease.

Measures 144 - 164 (7th measure of D until E)

Bar 149 - Feel the first Bb of the measure as the resolution of the previous two measure (in relation to the remainder of 149 it should feel like an eighth rest as if it were played by another instrument and YOUR melody begins on the & of 1.)

Play each note short, but add staccato emphasis (bow stops, grit) to beat 2: 8th 16th 16th where the staccato dots are written out. Keep the piano dynamic marking.  (sempre is Italian for "always" so when you see sempre pp it just means “keep playing it at pianissimo.”)

in 153 you again play on beat 1. Play it as a resolution of the previous beat (played by woodwinds) but think of it as separate from the rest of 153; play it, but in relation to the remainder of 153, it must feel like a rest. On the down beat, all you are doing is adding color to the woodwinds resolution.

Same instructions apply to the staccato notes.

Play the triple pizz. stops as you wish.

Observe crescendos. :)

Vocal solo auditions for the Messiah performance in December.

Auditions for solo and small ensemble pieces for the end-of March performance!