FAQ

PUWE has a very modest time commitment compared to other large ensembles – we rehearse once weekly as a full group, and Section Leaders host optional sectional rehearsals throughout the week.

This lower time commitment makes it very easy to be involved in PUWE and other extracurricular activities simultaneously. Many of our members are involved in other music groups, including the Orchestra, Sinfonia, Creative Large Ensemble, African Music Ensemble, and more.

PUWE performs one full concert each semester, usually in Richardson Auditorium. PUWE also occasionally schedules several other smaller concerts throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, trips to music festivals, and holiday concerts. For up to date information about the current season, please see our Events page.

In addition to our full concerts, PUWE also sponsors one chamber concert each semester, which are coordinated by the Music Director and Section Leaders. These are optional for members, and feature self-formed chamber groups performing repertoire of their choosing.

PUWE is open to all musicians who want to join: Auditions are primarily used for part placement, and we have no limits to the number of members we accept. We’re committed to making PUWE a fun, low-stress environment where musicians of all levels can enjoy making music together.

If you’re unsure about your ability handle our repertoire, feel free to reach out to puwe@princeton.edu to speak with a PUWE representative about your musical experience.

All PUWE members audition at the beginning of the year, and these auditions are what part assignments are based on for the fall semester. In the spring, the parts rotate in order to give as many members as possible the opportunity to play more challenging parts. Individual parts may also shift for individual pieces as instrumentation allows, at the discretion of the Music Director and the relevant Section Leader(s).

If you ever feel dissatisfied with your part assignment, please speak with your Section Leader(s) and the Music Director to work out a solution. We want you to enjoy the parts you play!

Yes! PUWE is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion players. PUWE also has several spots reserved for string bassists and keyboard players, as repertoire permits.

PUWE auditions are held every fall during the first week of classes. Audition registration for the 2025-2026 season is currently open until September 1st, and information about how to audition may be found at the Join Us tab.

If you miss the fall audition period, it is also possible to join throughout the year. Email puwe@princeton.edu with the subject line “Audition Request – [INSTRUMENT]” to schedule an audition.