Become a part of our Tradition of Excellence
2008-2009 season Auditions begin April 6, 2008
AUDITIONS TIMELINE
February 16 ........... Applications Available
February 23 .............. Violin Preliminaries*
March 1 ........................ Excerpts Available
March 15 ................... Application Deadline
March 28 ..... Audition Schedule Announced
April 6 ............. Auditions begin (schedule)
audition tips
Making the Decision to Audition
The WYSO commitment includes attending Saturday morning rehearsals throughout the school year, performing in several concerts, and possibly missing one or two days of school for in-state school tours. Youth Orchestra members make an even larger commitment due to more concert dates and touring. Discuss the WYSO commitment with your family and how it will impact your school work, family time, friends and other extracurricular activities.
Audition Preparation
- Read all of the information! Call or e-mail the WYSO office with any questions.
- Revisit the eligibility requirements to determine for which orchestra(s) you should audition.
- Discuss with your private teacher and/or school music teacher all the criteria and skill levels for the orchestra that is best suited to your current abilities.
- Turn in your application by the due date.
- Make a plan for how and when you will practice.
Practice Tips
- All areas of the audition (Scales, Solo, Excerpts, and Sight Reading) are important!
- Practice with a metronome for even tempo and accurate rhythms.
- Scales: Prepare all scales required at the orchestra level for which you are auditioning. Maintain an even tempo throughout each scale.
- Solo: Choose the best two minutes of a solo of your choice (three minutes for percussion).
- Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts assigned at the orchestra level for which you are auditioning. If available, obtain a recording of each work so you can learn the context of the excerpts.
- Sight reading: Work with your teacher on a variety of sight reading materials.
Day of the Audition
- Put your best foot forward when auditioning. “Sunday best” clothing is most appropriate.
- Make sure your instrument is in top shape. Bring extra strings or reeds just in case.
- Checklist: instrument and accessories, your solo music, two photocopies of your solo music
- for the judges, printed scales (for strings) and excerpts from WYSO, map to the audition.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your audition so you have plenty of time to check in and warm up. Auditions usually run on schedule. If parking is a problem, have a parent drop you off first. Registration is in Room 1621, Humanities Building.
- Be outside the assigned audition room five minutes before your scheduled audition. A judge will indicate he or she is ready to begin the audition. Please do not play your instrument in the halls as the sound may interfere with other auditions.
During the Audition
- When you enter the room, state your name for the judges and hand them your photocopied solo music and orchestra choice form (winds only).
- Before your solo, state the title, composer and movement (if applicable).
- Count through all rests in the excerpts. The rests are part of the music!
- Take about 20 seconds to look at the sight reading excerpts before you begin to play. Think about the tempo in your head. Choose a slower tempo for improved accuracy rather than one that is too fast. If you make a mistake, keep going!
- Audition time is limited so come prepared! Make the best of every minute you have.
- Do not ask the judges for any results during the audition. Results will be mailed to you.
