AUDITIONS...

The purpose of the audition process is to ensure that students are placed in the ensemble that will provide an opportunity for musical growth. Any young musician though 12th grade may audition. String audition for orchestra placement; due to the limited number of spots, wind and percussion players audition for entrance and strings for placement. Auditions determine placement for the entire season; students who wish to join mid-season will audition at the time of entrance. Everyone must audition each year, regardless of previous participation in the Woodbury Youth Orchestra program.

AUDITION GUIDELINES

Auditions consist of a prepared solo, scales, and sight-reading. All wind and percussion players should be able to read notes and have a basic understanding of the relationship between concert pitch and the transposition of their own instrument. Percussionists should be prepared to audition on snare drum, timpani, mallets; instruments will be provided, but students are asked to bring their own sticks and mallets.

Musicians will be evaluated on tone, musicianship, level of technical development, posture, intonation, and general performance. Additional areas may include bow technique, vibrato, shifting, and articulation. Students of all developmental levels are ecouraged to audition even if they are not familiar with some of the above techniques or scales listed below.

Students should choose a prepared solo which showcases both technique and musicianship. Selections which are either too easy or too difficult will not adequately demonstrate the student's ability. The prepared solo does not need to be memorized, but scales should be played from memory. Two copies of the prepared solo should be given to the adjudicators. All auditions are closed to parents and the public.

SUGGESTED SCALES

Violin - C, G, D, A, and B flat major; G and A minor

Viola & Cello - C, G, D, F, and E flat major; C and D minor

Bass - C, G, D, A, and F major; D and A minor

Winds - Chromatic, B flat, F, A, D, and C concert scales

SCHEDULING AN AUDITION

Auditions are held over a period of several days each fall. Spring auditions will be scheduled at the end of the season for current students. Additional auditions may be available during the season for specific instrumentation openings.

To schedule an audition, please call the WYO phoneline at (651) 255 - 6772.

AUDITION FEE

A $25 non-refundable audition fee is due at the time of the audition.