Large Ensemble Auditions

This page of the website serves to help students sign-up online for Large Ensemble Auditions.

For all other audition information or to apply for classes, private lessons, chamber music and more please visit the Apply to NEC Prep page.

Spring Large Ensemble Auditions

Every May, NEC Prep holds auditions for Large Ensemble placement for the following school year. For specific audition dates for this year please visit the spring dates page. The audition type a student is eligible for is determined by the student’s grade in school and by the student’s instrument(s).

Once students have created their account there will be a drop down menu of suggested audition types for those specific students. Please do not create a new account if you are currently enrolled in a large ensemble or if you have auditioned in a previous year. If you are currently enrolled in a large ensemble or have auditioned before you can log in to your account using the login in the upper right corner of this page or by clicking here. The username is usually the student’s email address. If you have forgotten your password you can reset it by clicking the forgot your password link.

Choosing Spring Audition Types

For wind and brass players we recommend that students take both an orchestra audition and a MYWE (wind ensemble) audition. There are often limited spaces for wind and brass players in the large ensemble program and by auditioning for both wind ensemble and orchestra, there will be a greater chance that NEC will be able to admit the student to a group. Brass students are also encouraged to audition for Youth Brass Ensemble or Trombone Choir. Additionally, all students are eligible to audition for Baroque ensembles and/or choruses. Interested jazz students can also use this sign in to audition for the Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Use the following links to find out more about specific audition types, audition dates and audition requirements.

Fall Large Ensemble Seating Auditions

Each fall, students who are already members of specific groups can use this site to sign up for their seating auditions. Limited openings for specific large ensembles may still be available for students who missed the Spring Auditions. To learn more about those opportunities, please visit the Apply to NEC Prep page.

Please note: Not all large ensembles require seating auditions. Please check the Fall Seating Audition dates page to learn more about your specific large ensemble.

What is a Fall Seating Audition?

Almost all orchestras require seating auditions. Seating auditions are for students who were placed in specific groups through the Spring Audition process. They are an opportunity for students to play directly for the conductor of their assigned group and are also used to determine seating and part(s) assignments for the coming school year. Each orchestra or large ensemble has specific audition requirements for their groups. Please visit the Fall Audition requirements page to review these specific Fall Seating Requirements for your group.

Still have questions about Large Ensembles?

Contact Lisa Husseini via email or call her at 617.585.1128. Students and parents can also call the NEC Prep Hotline at 617.585.1160 during office hours to speak with an available team member.

For information about Private Lessons, Chamber Music, Theory Placement, Piano Seminars, Fall Ensemble Entrance and all other placement auditions please visit the Apply to NEC Prep page.