Audition Requirements
New This Year: Auditions will be submitted via video. See audition application for instructions.
Memorization is NOT required. Auditions should be played without accompaniment.
Covid-19 UPDATE: We understand that the pandemic has affected lessons and audition preparation. Please use these requirements more as a guide. Consult with your private teacher to see if slight alterations may be appropriate (i.e. substitute a scale of your choice for the highest scale, shorten your etude or solo excerpt, etc.).
Strings (All Orchestras)
Scales, the highest level that you are able to perform (see chart below)
Etude of your choice, excerpt 2 minute max. Memorization not required.
Solo of your choice, excerpt 3 minute max
Winds/Brass (Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras)
Scales, the highest level that you are able to perform (see chart below)
2 shorter contrasting etudes (or excerpts from etudes) that showcase both the technical/articulation strengths and lyrical/expressive qualities. These excerpts can be taken from solo literature. Time Adjustment: Please prepare a maximum of 4 minutes total for your etudes.
Solo of your choice, excerpt 3 minute max
Percussion (Symphony Orchestra only)
Etudes: Prepare one etude or excerpt from an etude of your choice on snare, timpani, or a mallet instrument andone of the following instruments: tambourine, triangle, or crash cymbals.
Solo of your choice, excerpt 3 minute max
**If necessary we can arrange an in-person audition at our office downtown. We will provide timpani, xylophone, snare, triangle, and crash cymbals only. Please contact Janette Brown to schedule in-person auditions.
Harp (Symphony Orchestra only)
Scales and arpeggios as extensive as possible
Solo of your choice, excerpt 3 minute max
Scales
Orchestra | Instrument | Scales | Number Octaves |
Concert | Violin/Viola/Cello |
D Maj & F Maj |
2 |
Concert | Bass |
D Maj & F Maj |
1-2 |
Philharmonic & Symphony | Violin |
A Maj, C Maj, Eb Maj |
3 |
Philharmonic & Symphony | Viola |
D Maj & F Maj, A Maj |
3 |
Philharmonic & Symphony | Cello |
D Maj & F Maj, A Maj |
2-3 for Philharmonic, 3 for Symphony |
Philharmonic & Symphony | Bass |
G Maj, E Maj, & F Maj |
2 for Philharmonic, 3 for Symphony |
Philharmonic & Symphony | Winds/Brass |
1 chromatic, 2+ octave scale (Please play to the extent of your range) + 2+ octave scale of conductor choice. (Prepare through 3 sharps and 3 flats) |
Note: listed are the max requirements for Symphony Orchestra. Please prepare to the best of your ability |
Symphony | Harp | As extensive as possible | As extensive as possible |