Orchestra Audition
Requirements

The Preparatory Orchestra is best for for musicians who have at least 1 full-year of experience in bowing techniques and reading music. They will continue to develop their individual technique and ensemble skills through rehearsals and performances, in preparation for participation in full orchestras.

The Philharmonic Orchestra is a full orchestra experience (woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings) that provides intermediate musicians the challenges to prepare for advancement into Symphony Orchestra. The focus is on developing instrumental technique, refined ensemble playing, and different musical styles.

The Symphony Orchestra offers a full orchestra experience to advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. The ensemble regularly performs works from the standard orchestral repertoire, contemporary music, and more.

Strings

Musicians will prepare a one, two, or three-octave scale of their choice (depending on the ensemble), and one solo work. The solo work should best represent the totality of your skills. This work should show elements of shifting, vibrato, and a a complement of bow technique such as spiccato, slurred bowings and brush stroke.

The excerpt may be either a solo and/or etude. Students should bring a copy of the piece for the judges (on hold for video auditions). The evaluators may stop a student mid-piece once they have heard what is necessary to determine a placement.

Sightreading will be used in in-person auditions.

Woodwinds & Brass

Woodwind and Brass players (Philharmonic and above) will prepare a two-octave scale of their choice (quarter note at about 84 BPM), and one solo work that best represents your skills. This work should be technically challenging, and also demonstrate the student’s ability to play musically and expressively.

The excerpt may be either a solo or etude. Students should bring a copy of the piece for the judges. The judges may stop a student mid-piece once they have heard what is necessary to determine a placement.

Sightreading will be used in in-person auditions.

Percussion

All interested percussionists should prepare one solo work of their choice, and perform the following:

Snare drum: Rudimental Rolls, flams, paradiddles
Mallet Instruments: Two octave major scale and arpeggio of the student’s choice
Timpani: Long roll ppp to fff and interval tuning to Perfect 4th’s and Perfect 5th’s

Musicians may also be asked to demonstrate ability on accessory instruments such as tambourine, triangle, crash and/or suspended cymbals, etc. Instruments will be provided at audition.