The music department at CSU East Bay hopes to add a new vibe to their program by requiring prospective students to audition for a place in the program. The aim, said the department’s interim chair, John Eros, is to improve the overall quality that is characteristic of any comparable, respected music school.

“We are very excited,” said Eros. “The idea is to send a strong message to prospective students that not just anybody can come and major in music at this school.”

The goal of the department’s new audition process is not only to make CSUEB a prestigious destination for music studies, but also to help students succeed in their careers, Eros said. The final decision to require auditions was made after evaluating the poor progress of some students who clearly failed to demonstrate a high level of performance ability normally seen in music students at the four-year level. The faculty hopes auditions will give them the chance to interact with prospective students in order to immediately determine whether they meet the standards.

“It is difficult for the student and it is difficult for the teacher,” said Dann Zinn, interim director of jazz studies. “This is like an athletic career because it is very difficult to start when you are older. The essence is not the same.”

The first auditions for a place at the music department were held in February and about 55 students were not accepted into the program, Eros said. The auditions consisted of two pieces of music in which students had to perform in front of faculty members as well as be tested on music theory.

One student in the program questioned whether the new application process would help the program become stronger.

“I’m not sure if it’s going to be healthy for the program to do that since we are not the biggest program right now,” said Mathew Gangar, a senior music major who plays the bass. The department used to hold auditions for students who applied for a scholarship only. Now, with auditions for every single prospective student, everyone who passes will be automatically considered for a scholarship.

The department will hold three auditions to accept new students into the program next year. Two took place in February and April and the next is in November.

Nova Ortiz, a freshman in music, applauds the new and more rigorous standards.

“I think it’s good because that’s something that you have to do in the real world as a professional musician anyway, especially if you are looking for a job,” said guitar player Ortiz. Even under the current system, the CSUEB music department had success in preparing musicians, noted Zinn.

These are the cases of Dennis Stevens and Leboeuf Rommy, who graduated from CSUEB and have toured around the world in renowned jazz competitions and festivals playing their clarinets. The two won prestigious awards, recalled Zinn with excitement.

Now with the audition system in effect, expectations are higher. The fortunate students who made it through auditions in February are now enjoying the benefits and privileges of being part of a selective group of students.  This is the case of freshman Isabel Trevino, who went through the audition process in February with nervousness and determination. She had to play the clarinet with grace and professionalism in front of the faculty.

“I felt nervous, but I kept telling myself to go on,” recalled Trevino. “And if I messed up, I had to keep playing because I just couldn’t afford to stop in the middle of the music.”