Strings and band classes, previously non-audition-based, will require auditions starting in the 2026-’27 school year. This new change is the result of record-breaking course registrations from students that exceeded class capacities.
“It was a necessity for the enrollment that we had,” Robert Thalhuber, band teacher, said. “Band had 80 course requests, and first of all, we can’t fit 80 people in this room. Second, if we could, we would have to worry about decibel levels and safety issues. There were multiple reasons that led to this decision.”
Although strings face the same issue, the class will take a more limited approach, requiring auditions for only certain instruments.
“There will be no auditions for violas and bases, but [there will be] for cellos and violins,” Julia Kim, strings teacher and head of the Music Department, said. “This is mostly because more people are auditioning for cellos and violins. The norm is that this class doesn’t audition, but it was just because of the situation.”
The change may also affect the atmosphere of the strings program, with some students expecting a more competitive environment.
“I think it will make strings a lot more competitive now that it has inevitably become audition-based,” Ian Kim (10), passionate violist, said. “It also gives a lot more credibility to the viola section because a lot of people are competing for violin spots, and some are turning to the viola section.”
The decision to adopt the policy was primarily based on practical concerns such as space, safety, and ensemble balance. Rather than trying to make the classes more selective, the auditions were chosen as the fairest and clearest way to respond to next year’s enrollment pressures.
“We had to choose auditions as the fair way to accomplish this goal,” Mr. Thalhuber said. “I wanted it to be safe regarding hearing, and I wanted it to be transparent so students can understand the ramifications, understand what’s expected of them, and have a fair assessment. Picking musicians randomly would not be fair, and it’s also for the ensemble’s balance that we want to take into consideration.”
