John J. Cali School of Music
Wide view of orchestra

Kaleidoscope Auditions

KALEIDOSCOPE 2026

FRI, OCT 2 + SAT, OCT 3 @ 7:30 PM

PERFORMER AUDITION INFORMATION
SOLO – DUO/TRIO/QUARTET + CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

The Cali School’s 2026-27 season opening concert, Kaleidoscope, features two performances of the same program: Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 @ 7:30 pm. (Note a 7:30 pm concert both nights).

Auditions for the 2026 program for student and faculty solos, duos/trios/quartets, and chamber ensembles will be held in-person in Leshowitz Recital Hall on Tuesday, April 28 between 12 – 3:30 pm. Audition timeslots will be available via Sign-up Genius once applications have closed. Please note the requirements below.

2026-27 juniors, seniors, graduate students & faculty are eligible to apply.

  • You must audition with the specific repertoire you wish to perform for Kaleidoscope.
  • Repertoire must have been successfully performed in a previous public setting (e.g., recital, jury, Cali Midweek, etc.) by end of SP26 semester. Kaleidoscope may not be your first experience with this repertoire.
  • Students – please discuss repertoire choice with your studio teacher first and be sure they support your application. Studio teachers (or their proxy) are asked to attend the Tech-Dress Rehearsal (Wed, Sep 30 @ 2 – 4:30 pm) to give critical artistic feedback prior to the first concert.
  • Both concerts will be livestreamed.

Repertoire selection info:

  • Kaleidoscope is a “showcase” celebration of the Cali School, with multiple styles and genres featured. Virtuosic/entertaining music is therefore highly desirable. Performance quality must be excellent.
  • Factor in audience attention span and background noise during stage changeovers which will occur behind the curtain while you’re performing.
  • Preferred duration @ 4 minutes. Note: pieces shorter than 3 minutes are typically not helpful; solos in excess of 5 minutes discouraged (must be ‘exceptional’).
  • Please be specific/accurate with the duration, indicating the number of minutes and seconds for your music (example: 4:40 = 4 mins 40 secs). Please, do not guess timing.
  • Consider cutting repeats or modifying an introduction to reduce duration if performance time is an issue.

Staging Requirements: Due to large ensemble changeovers on the main stage during your performance, some noise from behind the curtain will be inevitable (though we endeavor to keep it minimal). Plan accordingly.

  • Stage proper will be utilized by the major/large ensembles only.
  • Performances without piano are highly desirable to facilitate program variety & utilize house locations other than the pit (e.g. mezzanine and orchestra balconies)
  • Basic amplification equipment is possible. Please describe your needs fully on the audition form. If selected, you’ll coordinate your needs further with Andy Dickerson for the tech-dress and concerts.

Kasser Tech-Dress Rehearsal: If selected for the concert, you are required to attend the Tech-Dress Rehearsal on the Wednesday, September 30 between 2 – 4:30 pm. There are no exceptions. If you are unable to participate in the Tech-Dress Rehearsal you will not be selected for the program.

Audition form deadline: 5 pm Friday, March 27, 2026, via email.

Please complete information carefully, specifically:

  • Which large ensembles you anticipate performing in so we can avoid personnel conflicts on the program.
  • Save your Audition Form as a Word Doc or PDF with the following format: LAST NAME/ENSEMBLE – Kaleidoscope 2026
  • Email your Audition Form to Gab Guida (guidag1@montclair.edu) and copy Dr. Buchanan (buchananh@montclair.edu). In your email, please include your name/ensemble name, and indicate if it is a vocal or instrumental application.

AUDITION TIMELINE & PROCESS:

  • Fri, March 27 (by 5 pm): Audition Application Form deadline
  • Wed, Apr 8: Live audition timeslots available via Sign-up Genius (link emailed to you by Dr. Buchanan/Gab Guida)
  • Tue, Apr 28: Live auditions in Leshowitz
  • If selected for Kaleidoscope 2026, you will be notified by Dr. Buchanan via your MSU email address by May 13. You will be required to “accept” the offer within 3 days. If you do not, your place will be given to another performer.

Questions? Contact the appropriate organizing faculty:

Kaleidoscope 2026 – Performer Audition Info Kaleidoscope 2026 Application (Solo – Duo – Chamber)