The Audition Process The first step in becoming a member of one of the top ensembles at Purdue University is to Audtion!

Step 1
Submit your information online!

-Tell us who you are and schedule an audtion date.
-Someone from PMO will contact you!

Step 2
Prepare!

-When you arrive for your audition, pleae bring two letters of recommendation and a copy of your resume. You do NOT need to submit these documents in advance. Your resume should highlight musical background, extra-curricular activities, positions held, and your skill-sets. Acceptable letters of recommendation include musical directors, voice teachers, or other professional references.

-Learn and perform two songs! -Most students choose to do an upbeat tune and a ballad to show versatility, as well as vocal range. There is no set criteria as to what you can or can’t sing, so just show us your own style and personality!

-Please bring any musical instrument to can play.

-Bell auditions will include sight-reading.

When are Auditions for PMO?

Auditions for all Purdue Musical Organization varsity level performance opportunities will be held at the PMO studio during February, March, April, June, and early July. We are seeking a limited number of highly committed student performers (singers, instrumentalists, drummers, bass players, and sound techs) to join us in a professional level entertainment enterprise.

Where are auditions held?

Auditions are held in The Elliott Hall of Music.

What do we look for in an Audition?

  • We look for stage presence; you don’t have to be a soloist to perform a song.
  • Prepare 2 brief contrasting pieces (one of them should probably be up tempo to show your versatility).
  • Be prepared to perform a portion of a song (e.g. – just the first or second verse, or the song without repeats).
  • We may only ask to hear one, or a portion of both of these songs.

How can I get a first hand look at PMO?

You can come to one of our shows. Also, we’d love to have you visit one of our rehearsals:

Ensemble Rehearsal Days Rehearsal Times
Glee Club Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Purduettes Mon-Fri 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Purdue Bells Tues, Thurs 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM
All Campus Chorale Tues 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Heart & Soul Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM

How Can I Prepare For my Audition?

When you arrive for your audition, please bring two letters of recommendation and a copy of your resume. You do NOT need to submit these documents in advance. Your resume should highlight musical background, extra-curricular activities, positions held, and your skill-sets. Acceptable letters of recommendation include those from musical directors, voice teachers or other professional references.

Be ready to perform several songs for your PMO Audition which demonstrates your flexibility. Most people audition slow songs, so you might also have contrasting fast or up-tempo tunes. Also, consider auditioning material that you think we might be able to use during a show.

An accompanist will be provided for your PMO Audition (no accompaniment tapes, please).

Bell Auditions are primarily sight-reading, so no prior song preparation is required.

Any musical instrument you play. If you are drummer, bass player, guitarist, fiddler (not violinist), we are very interested.

Instrumentalists are used regularly in our performances. If you play it well, we may be able to use you! Don’t hesitate to bring your instrument to play for us.

Song Selection

There is no set criteria relative to style or song selection (you can perform any type of song). However, performing songs we might be able to use in a PMO show may be very useful.

What is the appropriate dress for a PMO Audition?

  • Men – slacks, collared shirt, shoes
  • Women – Slacks or skirt, blouse, shoes

Is it possible for PMO Auditions to come to me?

Teachers, if you have several students you would like to recommend for an audition and/or a PMO Scholarship opportunity, your high school may be eligible to become a regional PMO audition site. Please contact Derrick Williams to discuss this possibility.

Ready to audition? Schedule your audition today!