To qualify, students must have played their instruments a minimum of two years or more.  Some prior ensemble training or experience in a performing group is also desirable.  Due to the nature of this group, it is recommended that the minimum age of new students be 9 years old.  It is strongly recommended that all members be studying their instrument with a private teacher.

Students should be prepared to play:

• An unaccompanied solo (does not have to be memorized)
• One of the following major scales: C, D, A, F, B-flat, or E-flat
• A selection of music chosen by the Conductor/Director at the time of the audition by sight-reading it

Students will be evaluated for:

• Solid tone and correct posture
• Ability to read notes accurately
• Counting basic meters (6/8, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4) including dotted notes; syncopation; rests; key signatures; and accidentals
• Demonstrating simple articulation techniques, including a combination of staccato and legato bowing and tonguing.
  
  Strings
  • Must have solid knowledge of 1st position
  • Cello/Bass: 1st-4th positions
  • First violin: 1st-3rd positions and vibrato

Woodwind/Brass

• Demonstrate both high and low registers

Percussion

• Proper snare drum technique (please plan to bring your own snare drum and sticks for the audition)
• Some knowledge of: bass drum and auxiliary instruments (bells, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, etc.)

Audition Results and Placement

Students will be notified of the audition results as soon as possible following the auditions.  Students successfully completing an audition are offered membership in one or more of the groups.  Upon payment of tuition, materials fees and completion of required forms, the student’s place in the group becomes permanent for the current season. 

If openings occur during the season in any group, auditions for the openings will be held at the discretion of the conductor/Director.  Current member of the orchestras have an equal opportunity to audition for openings as do qualified students from outside the organization.  Members selected to fill vacancies in a group after the normal auditions will be placed to fill specific vacancies in the section.  Membership in one of the orchestras does not automatically insure acceptance into another.

Each member’s placement in the group will be based upon auditions and input from qualified professional musicians.  The Conductor/Director determines the placement in each section to best fulfill the needs of the group and changes in position or rotation of parts may occur at any time during the year.  Members who do not perform to acceptable standards, as set by the Conductor/Director, may be reassigned or asked to discontinue membership.

Principals or section leaders are selected by the Conductor/Director and are responsible for demonstrating leadership in the following areas:

• Musical proficiency of and leadership within their section
• Modeling positive behavior
• Reporting concerns to the Conductor/Director or staff.

To inquire about the Symphony's music education programs, call Lana Ramos at (707) 546-7097 ext. 225.

To find out about sponsoring music education and concerts call Connie Wolfe at (707) 546-7097 x214.