Commercial Music Ensemble Auditions — Autumn
The Commercial Music Ensembles at Ohio State are open to all Ohio State students, regardless of major.
Gospel Choir
Course Details
MUSIC 2208.16/7208.16
Class time: T/R • 5:20–6:15 p.m.
Please consult Class Search to confirm course meeting times and locations.
A non-auditioned group for students of all majors who enjoy or are curious about singing gospel music. Singers develop skills within the framework of a strong aural tradition and explore techniques of improvisation as well. The group rehearses a wide variety of gospel literature and performs for the community at least once per semester.
There is no need to be an advanced singer to be a member. If you are a musician (piano, bass, guitar, drums, etc.) consider joining as a member who can accompany the choir.
Music majors may participate in this group for Small Ensemble credit only, and music education majors are especially encouraged to do so.
There is no audition for the Gospel Choir. Add the course to your schedule and attend class.
Questions? Email Milton V. Ruffin, director, at ruffin.2@osu.edu.
Ohio Show Band
Course Details
MUSIC 2208.06
Class time: M/W • 6:30–8:45 p.m.
The Ohio State Show Band is a contemporary music ensemble that performs tour-quality shows with musical styles from R&B, gospel, and pop to neo-soul, contemporary Christian and fusion, while incorporating vocalists, automated lighting, production sequences, dance, video sync and the latest computer-based production software.
The Ohio Show Band will present their autumn show — “Anita and Stevie: The music of Anita Baker and Stevie Wonder” on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.
Auditions for autumn semester are for the following musicians. One member of the class/ensemble will also serve as Production Assistant.
- 4–6 singers
- Trumpet
- Alto Sax
- Tenor Sax
- Trombone
- Guitar (lead)
- Guitar (rhythm)
- Keyboard
- Drums
Auditions for Singers — Virtual
The Audition Registration Form and SignUpGenius form to schedule your audition time are currently closed. They will open in July.
Step 1 — Complete and submit an audition form — required.
Registration for vocal auditions will open in July.
Step 2 — Prepare a video of you singing two (2) songs in a style of your choice with a backing track. The video can be recorded with your phone in any comfortable location. Be sure that the sound and video are clear. The submission can also be of you singing a solo in a previously recorded concert.
Step 3 — Upload your video to YouTube. Email as an unlisted YouTube link to Professor Shawn Wallace at wallace.376@osu.edu.
Auditions for Instrumentalists — In Person
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 26 from 4–8 p.m.
Step 1 — Sign up for an audition time in SignUpGenius.
Registration for Ohio Show Band instrumental auditions will open in July.
Step 2 — Prepare the following:
Horns: Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trombone
- Full-range chromatic scale, ascending and descending
- F Major scale and D Major scale, 2 octaves ascending and descending
- You will be asked to sight read
- Prepared pieces, to be performed with a metronome ("Sir Duke" and "Caught Up in the Rapture" music is provided below)
Rhythm Section: Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Drums
- Rhythm players (except drummers) will improvise over a blues progression in a key of their choice. This will be performed with a backing track.
- Rhythm players will also be evaluated on the ability to read rhythms and chords.
- Drummers will demonstrate the ability to play with a click track with headphones.
Questions? Email Shawn Wallace, director, at wallace.376@osu.edu.