These are some of the questions we get asked most often at the beginning of the year so hopefully they will answer any questions you might have.

Do I need to audition to join EUMS?

If you’re a…

Wind or brass player: you’ll need to audition, but the good news is that you can audition for both orchestras at the same time!

String player: if you’re interested in joining Symphony Orchestra, you’ll need to audition but you’re welcome to join Sinfonia audition-free.

Percussion player: your ‘audition’ will be more of an informal chat with our lovely conductors – so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a load of percussion instruments.

Singer: great news! Our Chorus is completely audition-free so anyone can join!

What will my audition involve and when will I hear back from you?

Our auditions last around 10 minutes. For the first half, you’ll need to prepare a short piece of your own choice lasting no longer than 5 minutes (we recommend around Grade 8 level). Then in the second half, you’ll be given a short piece of sight-reading.

We contact everyone to let them know the result of their audition on the evening of Sunday 16th (the last day of auditions) so make sure your phone is not on silent that day!

When do the ensembles rehearse?

Symphony Orchestra rehearses every Monday from 6:30-9:30pm;

Chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm;

Sinfonia rehearses on Saturdays from 10:30am-1:30pm.

I play the guitar – can I join EUMS?

Sadly, no. Being a society made up of a chorus and two orchestras, we only accept orchestral instruments. This means that unfortunately players of guitar, bass, saxophone, piano and any other instruments you wouldn’t normally find in an orchestra can’t join on those instruments.

The good news is that EUMS is just one of many music societies in the university! Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra, Edinburgh University Wind Band and Edinburgh University Brass Band are just a few other music societies that you can try if we don’t accept your instrument!

How do I sign up for practice rooms access?

Practice room passes are available to buy through the music department for £50 a year. If you’re interested, you can get more info at https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/facility/music-practice-rooms-and-instruments

These passes sell out fast though, so be quick!

How can I sign up for music lessons?

Unfortunately, we don’t offer any music lessons, but the music department may have some more information regarding teachers in the area. You can contact them on music@ed.ac.uk for help!