Learn more about our:
Placements for 2025-26 academic-year ensembles will be held in person on Sunday, June 8 for the following programs:
- Large Ensembles (Orchestras and Wind Ensembles)
- Chamber Music (quartets, trios, etc.)
- Guitar Orchestra
- Jazz and Popular Music Ensembles
If you are not able to audition on June 8, but would still like to be considered for our programs, please email hcdaud@hartford.edu.
Jazz and Global Music Ensembles may require a follow-up after our initial placement day. The directors of the program will reach out to you after the placements have concluded.
How to Sign Up for Placements
Placements are by appointment only; follow the directions below when accessing the form:
- Select the type of placement you will be signing up for. (“Bassoon Placements”, “Violin Placements (Room A)”, etc.)
- If you are auditioning on multiple instruments, you will need to sign up for multiple appointments.
- Select one of the available times for June 8.
- Answer the questions on the form.
- Please ensure all contact information is accurate when filling out the form, as we will be using it to communicate your ensemble placement and registration information.
- Click “Confirm Appointment” at the bottom of the page.
Instrumental Placements
PLACEMENT requirements:
Students will be asked to perform each of the following:
- Scale of the student’s choice
- Solo of the student’s choice
- A brief sight-reading excerpt
Tip for selecting repertoire:
Students are encouraged to select a scale and solo piece that best demonstrates their abilities. A slightly less advanced piece performed well is preferred to a more difficult piece that is still “in progress”.
Youth Chamber Music
(Strings, Winds, Brass, and Piano)
2025 in person large ensemble auditions will be video-recorded to assist with Chamber Ensemble placement.
Students interested in Chamber Ensembles are strongly encouraged to be actively taking private lessons on their instrument.
Questions about our Chamber Ensemble program can be sent to HCD Chamber Music Department Chair Melinda Daetsch at daetsch@hartford.edu.
Adult Chamber Music
No audition required. To inquire, please send a brief bio of your lessons and playing experience to Melinda Daetsch at daetsch@hartford.edu.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Those interested in a Jazz and Global Music ensembles should follow the instructions to sign up for an in-person audition. If you are interested in Jazz and Global Music or have any questions, please email rgoldstei@hartford.edu.
Jazz and Global Music audition videos must demonstrate technical skill on your instrument or voice, preferably in the style of music you want to study. Please limit your audition video to two songs and two scales, along with a brief improvisation, if appropriate.
Learn More
The Hartt School Community Division joins together more than 750 of the region's most dedicated young musicians to work with distinguished conductors in 13 large instrumental ensembles. Students of all ages have the opportunity to receive rigorous ensemble training in a vibrant and supportive environment. These ensembles enjoy a myriad of performance experiences including collaborations with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, appearances at music festivals, and tours.
Students who play the following instruments are encouraged to audition: Bass, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Harp*, Oboe, Percussion, Piano*, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, and Voice.
*Harp and piano auditions are only for jazz, chamber ensembles, and the Hartt Preparatory Academy.
DO I NEED TO MEMORIZE MY SOLO?
While memorization is welcome, it is not required for the placement audition. Those who memorize and those who do not will be adjudicated the same.
DO I NEED TO PLAY WITH AN ACCOMPANIST?
While private instruction provides well-rounded resources and experiences, it is not necessary for the placement audition into our large ensembles, chamber ensembles, or jazz/global programs.
DO I NEED TO BE A COMMUNITY DIVISION STUDENT OR TAKE PRIVATE LESSONS TO AUDITION?
No. While we believe that private study provides the resources and experience students need to develop into well-rounded musicians, it is not necessary to audition for our large ensemble or jazz program. For our chamber music program, it is strongly encouraged that students are actively taking private lessons.
DO ALL STUDENTS NEED TO AUDITION EVEN IF THEY WERE IN AN HCD ENSEMBLE DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR?
All students need to audition/re-audition to ensure proper ensemble placement. We recognize that students continue to grow as musicians and the placement audition is a great opportunity for our faculty to see the students’ growth.
Choral ensembles do not require an audition. For more information, click here.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE I AUDITION FOR?
No, students audition for our ensemble program, rather than individual ensembles. After Placement Day, ensemble directors will carefully review the results and place students accordingly to ensure a fair and quality experience for all. Ensemble placements are considered final.
WHAT ARE YOUR ABSENCE POLICIES FOR ENSEMBLE ATTENDANCE ONCE YOU ARE ACCEPTED?
We expect that students will attend every rehearsal and performance. This attendance demonstrates responsibility, punctuality, and dependability. The Hartt Community Division allows for a maximum of 3 absences per performance cycle.
While this is true, we do understand that life happens. The Hartt Community Division allows for a maximum of 3 absences per semester. Additionally, we highly encourage our students’ families to communicate any expected absences when possible.
MY CHILD IS A SUZUKI STUDENT OUTSIDE OF THE HARTT SCHOOL COMMUNITY DIVISION. MAY THEY STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE SUZUKI ENSEMBLES?
Yes, students who participate in a Suzuki program outside of HCD are welcome to contact the director, Emmett Drake, to discuss membership in one of the Suzuki program orchestras.
WHAT DO I DO IN THE CASE THAT MY STUDENT IS UNHAPPY WITH THEIR ENSEMBLE PLACEMENT?
We place students in ensembles after careful consideration by adjudicators and ensemble conductors. Students who do not wish to participate in their assigned ensemble should notify our office staff as soon as possible.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR ENSEMBLES?
Once you are placed, visit our online registration page to register. Registration opens on August 1. We ask that you please register as soon as possible. Failure to register prior to the start of ensembles may result in an additional late fee or may result in the student losing their ensemble placement.
IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND PLACEMENT DAY, IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN AUDITION?
If you are unable to attend placement day, you may submit a video of your scale and piece to hcdaud@hartford.edu. Once our faculty has reviewed your video, you will receive an email regarding your placement.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY PLACEMENT DAY AUDITION?
There is no attire expectation for Placement Day. Students should wear what makes them feel most comfortable.
HOW DOES MY CHILD FIND OUT WHICH ENSEMBLE THEY ARE PLACED IN?
You will receive an email from the Hartt Community Division with your Placement Day result.
Questions?
Please contact us at 860.768.4451 or hcdaud@hartford.edu.