Northern Iowa Junior Orchestra

String students in grades 6 - 8 or at least age 10. Exceptional 5th graders may audition.

Level:

Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass students need to be able to read and play in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions.  (Approx. Suzuki Book 4 for violin and book 3 for viola, cello, & bass or equivalent)

Audition requirements:

Online registration prior to audition.  Click here.  Students will be asked to play a prepared solo, G and Bb scales--3 octaves for violin, 2 octaves for all others and sight read.  Accompanists are not required for this audition. Contact Cathy Craig at cathy.craig@uni.edu for an audition time if you do not receive a time within 24 hours of submitting your online registration. School orchestra membership is required unless circumstances require special considerations of the NIJO director. Submit details in writing at the time of audition in the comment section of the registration form.

Auditions:

NIJO auditions will be held on Sept. 20, 2024 at Russell Hall at UNI. All prospective and former members of NIJO must audition. All will be notified in person, by phone or email the results after all auditions have been completed or at the time of their audition. An alternate audition time can be arranged. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Preregistration is required.  Limited space is available for warm-ups prior to the audition. Contact Cathy Craig at cathy.craig@uni.edu for audition time.

Rehearsals:

• 5:30 - 7:00 in Russell Hall, 116 (unless otherwise specified)
• Fall, 1st Friday of each month (Oct.4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6) Starting January 10, every Friday until the concert except during UNI Spring break (March 21). Final rehearsal will be Sat April 26, 2025 from 9:30 - noon in Davis Hall.
• Bring pencils for taking notes.
• Bring a music stand. 
• Cello & bass students should bring rock stops.
• If you are sick, do not attend rehearsal. 
• For a complete list of rehearsals, treat providers (updated after audition results) and dates of interest, a link will be provided by Mr. Lafrenz after auditions results are finalized

Tour:

• April 23, 2025---Usually Wednesday before the concert --concert tour  locations to be announced
• Tour info sheet, permission form (required) and school absentee form (optional) will be emailed to students in late March.  Concert:
• April 27, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Davis Hall in Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Fee:

• Invoices will be emailed in the month following the audition. Please wait to pay any fees until you receive payment instructions.
• Preferred method of payment-Credit or Debit Card.  Cash is also an option but must be delivered in person to the cashier in Gilchrist Hall. Please have your invoice with you if you choose this method.   
• Fee for the year is $200 and is non-refundable after music has been issued.