Are you a non-Conservatory major in a degree program outside of music, theatre or dance who would like to audition for band, orchestra, jazz or choir? You may be eligible for one of our Roo Boost Ensemble Scholarships! By simply completing the audition process, you will be considered for these limited awards. If you are nominated for the award, you will be contacted with further instructions. Please contact Conservatory Admissions with any questions!
With opportunities spanning from jazz to ballet to choral conducting, explore the Conservatory's ensembles to find where you belong. Review requirements and find out how to audition for placement within Conservatory ensembles.
Auditions for Fall production opportunities will take place on Sept. 8 and 9, starting at 6 p.m. We will be filling roles in our December production, Dead Man's Cell Phone, as well as other performing events throughout the semester. Auditions for Spring performances will take place in November, date TBD. Please email Dr. Collin Vorbeck for more information.
Our Dance division offers a plethora of classes for non-majors who would like to participate. Please reach out to Christina Burton directly to learn more.
All students enrolling in Chamber Music CONSVTY 305A and 5305A must complete the online form by Aug. 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Piano/Strings/Winds: ALL members of a proposed group must individually complete the form. Video submissions for Piano/Strings/Winds are submitted via the online audition sign-up form below. If you are a graduate student, enroll in Section 5. Undergraduate students enroll in Section 6.
Brass: Graduate students enroll in Section 6. Undergraduate students enroll in Section 7.
Percussion: Graduate students enroll in Section 7. Undergraduate students enroll in Section 8.
Saxophone: Graduate students enroll in Section 8. Undergraduate students enroll in Section 9.
Information forms and video submissions are due by Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Short piece or movement(s) of your choice, demonstrating your lyrical and technical playing or singing abilities. Accompanists are not required and will not be provided.
Chamber music is an essential and vital component of artistic growth and collaborative music making at UMKC Conservatory. Students coach weekly with the Conservatory’s exceptional chamber music faculty and perform in both on-campus and off-campus venues.
Students are encouraged to form their own groups and/or suggest repertoire. Requests are subject to approval, but are welcome and accommodated when possible.
*Incoming Freshmen do not enroll in Chamber Ensembles in their first year according to the degree plans. They should consult with their advisor and studio teacher with questions about chamber music in their degree.
Contact Karen Savage for more information.
Choral auditions for 2025-2026 will take place in person in Grant Hall at the following dates and times.
Come sing with us. Bring a friend or make new friends!
Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 (Grant Hall Room 122)
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 (Grant Hall Room 122)
Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 (Grant Hall Room 331A)
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 (Grant Hall Room 331A)
Conservatory majors must sign up for an audition time slot. If you cannot attend any of these audition times, please email Dr. Jennifer Sengin.
UMKC Choirs welcome all non-majors to “walk-in” for a placement hearing. We want to meet you! Come by to get a cookie and a smile. We encourage you to sign up for your audition time in advance by filling out the following survey.
2025-2026 UMKC Choral Audition Sign-Up
There is a place for you to sing at UMKC! We look forward to hearing you.
Choral ensembles include:
Contact Dr. Jennifer Sengin for more information.
Sincerely,
Small and large jazz ensemble placements will take place Monday, Aug. 25 and Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center (4949 Cherry St), Room 125. These placement auditions are open to all UMKC students, but are required for jazz majors.
Sign up for a Jazz Ensemble placement time slot. All students auditioning should prioritize signing up for a time slot on Monday, Aug. 25. If all time slots have been taken, students should sign up for any vacant spots on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Please print and complete the Jazz Ensemble Placement form prior to your audition and arrive outside of PAC Room 125 at least five minutes in advance of your scheduled time with your completed form in hand and your instrument assembled.
Be prepared to play jazz tunes and sight read. Non-improvisors may play an excerpt that demonstrates their musicianship in addition to sight reading. No phones or real books will be allowed, all music must be memorized.
*UMKC reserves the right to audio and/or video record all placement auditions*
Sign up for a Jazz Ensemble placement.
Jazz Ensembles include UMKC Small Ensembles and the UMKC Jazz Orchestra.
Contact Carl Allen for more information. Want more information about UMKC Jazz Studies? Check out our Jazz Studies page.
Auditions will be held virtually for Fall 2025.
Video submissions will replace live auditions this year and will be submitted via the online information form below. Please submit the information form and your video audition by Friday Aug. 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The submissions portal will be accessible starting July 25, 2025 at 12 a.m.
Students interested in participating in the Campus Band are not required to perform an audition. Please complete the UMKC Campus Band 2025-2026 Interest form if you are interested in participating in Campus Band for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Mob Pep Band is Kansas City’s premier athletic band — a paid per service ensemble that performs primarily at Kansas City men’s and women’s basketball games. In addition to our athletic appearances, The Mob frequently performs at events around Kansas City, both on UMKC’s campus and beyond. Past performances include Kansas City Royals games, Sporting KC matches, UMKC’s Kansas City Chiefs Partnership Celebration and more!
Review audition information for The Mob 2025-2026 if you're interested in joining.
Audition based ensemble opportunities for woodwinds, brass and percussion include:
Explore the UMKC Conservatory Bands website for more information.
Email bands@umkc.edu for more information.
String audtions will be held virtually for Fall 2025.
Video submissions will replace live auditions this year and will be submitted via the online information form below. Please submit the information form and your video audition by Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The submissions portal will be accessible starting July 25, 2025 at 12 a.m.
(CONSVTY 302 / CONSVTY 3502) — 0-1 credit
Meets Monday and Wednesday, 1:15-3:45 p.m.
Experience the power and intensity of performing in one of the Conservatory’s premier large ensembles. The Conservatory Symphony Orchestra presents 6–7 exhilarating concerts throughout the academic year and serves as the orchestra for the acclaimed UMKC Conservatory Opera production. Students dive into advanced orchestral repertoire through focused, high-energy rehearsals designed to challenge and inspire.
(CONSVTY 305H) — 1 credit
Meets Monday and Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m.
Join a dynamic and versatile ensemble that brings standard orchestral masterpieces to life in 4–6 performances annually. The Conservatory Philharmonic Orchestra is a vital platform for both performers and graduate orchestral conducting majors. With its collaborative environment and diverse repertoire, this ensemble offers an enriching musical experience that supports both personal growth and ensemble excellence.
Contact Dr. Christopher Kelts, Director of Orchestras.
