Northern Iowa Junior Orchestra

String students in grades 6 - 8 or at least age 10. Exceptional 5th graders may audition. Members should also be involved in and in good standing with their respective school orchestras (if available) and attend all NIJO rehearsals, concerts, and tour.

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:

• Prepared solo excerpt, 2-3 minutes
• Sight Reading given on site
• Scales
  • VIOLINS 1 and 2 -- G and B-flat major, 3 octaves if wanting to be considered for 1st violin, 2 octaves if only 2nd violin
  • VIOLA and CELLO -- C and E-flat major - 2 octaves
  • BASS -- E and D major - 1 or 2 octaves

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:

Online registration opens July 1 and is required prior to audition. Contact Cathy Craig at cathy.craig@uni.edu for audition time. (Alternate audition times can be arranged.)

NIJO auditions will be held on Friday, September 4th, 2026 in the afternoon at Russell Hall at UNI. All prospective and former members of NIJO must audition. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Limited space is available for warm-ups prior to the audition. 

Rehearsals:

• 5:30 - 7:00 Fridays in Russell Hall, room 116 (unless otherwise specified)
• CALENDAR TBA
• Bring pencils for taking notes.
• Cello & bass students should bring rock stops.
• If you are sick, do not attend rehearsal. Please notify director of any absences.
• Hard copies of the music will be provided at first rehearsal, but digital copies will be available. Please bring your music to all rehearsals.

Tour:

• APRIL 14, 2027 - tour sites TBA 

Concerts:

• December 6, 2026 - Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
• April 18, 2027 - Davis Hall, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Fee:

• Fee for the year is $400 and is non-refundable after music has been issued.  
• 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.