Audition Requirements

 

     Any member wishing to advance to the Symphonic Youth Orchestra must be recommended by the Intermediate Class instructor; the member will then be required to audition.  The criteria for advancement are as follows (all groups will be required to sight read, play a prepared number and scales):

Symphonic (Advanced)

Strings

All strings players are required to play a prepared piece from Suzuki Book 3 and a sight reading excerpt.

  • Violin - G major scale, three octaves; Bb major scale, two octaves; G minor scale, two octaves

  • Viola and Cello - C major scale, three octaves; F major scale, one octave; C minor scale, two octaves

  • Bass - D major scale, one octave; G major scale, two octaves; A minor scale, one octave

    Wind

All wind players are required to play a prepared piece and a sight reading excerpt.

  • Flute - Concert E major scale, two octaves; concert A major scale, two octaves

  • Bb Clarinet - Concert D major scale, three octaves; concert A major scale, two octaves

  • Bass Clarinet - Concert D major scale, two octaves; concert A major scale, two octaves

  • Trumpet - Concert G major, two octaves; concert A major, two octaves

  • Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba - Concert G major, two octaves; concert A major, two octaves

  • Percussion - Ability to play a variety of rhythms in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 time signatures. (Snare players also need to be able to play a roll.)

Intermediate Strings

Advancement to the Intermediate Strings is by instructor recommendation and audition. Members must first be recommended by the Bridge Class instructor before auditioning. The audition includes sight-reading, rhythm reading, a prepared piece, and required scales. Advancement is based on performance in these areas.

Violin

  • Scales - G major, D major, and F major (1 octave)

  • Prepared Piece - Hunter’s Chorus or Long, Long Ago (Theme and Variation) from Suzuki Violin Volume 2

  • Rhythm Reading - An exercise from the rhythm packet will be selected at random. Students should aim to use counting syllables accurately while keeping a steady tempo.

  • Sight Reading - An excerpt will be presented to the student during the audition.