Membership in the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestras (SRSYO) and in the Summer Music Academy’s ensembles and orchestras is achieved through competitive auditions. These auditions are approximately 10 to 15 minutes in length.
Past participation including attendance, commitment and attitude may be taken into consideration at the time of auditions. Auditions are for acceptance as well as placement. Mid-season auditions may occur at the discretion of the Music Director.
All auditions require that scales, sight-reading and a prepared solo piece be performed without accompaniment. The prepared piece should be an excerpt from the standard repertoire, a solo work or etude, and should demonstrate present level of accomplishment. Several ensembles also have specific music selections students are required to present as part of their audition. (Please ask for the specific selections when scheduling an appointment.) It is preferred that a fast technical passage as well as a slow lyrical passage be played at the audition. The selection does not need to be memorized. Percussionists must prepare and etude on the snare drum, timpani (if possible), and the orchestral bells.
To Make an Audition Appointment call: (707) 546-7097 x225.
Auditions: Are required for any student wishing to enroll in any of the String Orchestras or Wind Ensembles, Big Band Jazz Ensemble, or the Academy Orchestra.
Auditions consist of
1. Solo (unaccompanied)
2. Demonstration of scales and arpeggios
3. Sight reading
Please call (707) 546-7097, ext. 225 for audition appointment.
For String Orchestra A or Wind Ensemble A, students need to have been playing their instruments for at least one year and have basic music reading skills. The auditions require the ability to play a one-octave major scale of the player’s choice (additional keys may be requested by the conductor). First violins must be able to play in 1st to 3rd position and with vibrato, while second violins must be able to play in 1st position. Cello/Bass players must be able to play in 1st to 4th positions. Woodwinds and brass should be prepared to demonstrate both high and low registers. Percussionists should have ability to read music and know proper technique for snare drum and timpani.
A separate forty-five minute Music Appreciation or Beginning Music Theory class (determined by student age) is included as part of the tuition.
For String Orchestra B, Wind Ensemble B, Summer Strings, Chamber Winds, and Academy Orchestra, students must be able to play a 2-3-octave scale (as instrumental range permits) with arpeggio. Strings must be able to play into higher positions (cellos in tenor clef), have sophisticated bowing technique and the use of vibrato. Woodwinds and brass players should also be familiar with double tonguing. Percussionists should have ability to read music and know proper technique for snare drum, timpani and mallet instruments.
Jazz Ensemble - If you are interested in participating in the Jazz Ensemble, a separate audition with a prepared jazz solo is required. Woodwinds and brass players should also be familiar with double tonguing. Percussionists should have ability to read music and know proper technique for snare drum, timpani and mallet instruments. Upright bass, electric guitar and piano players are especially being sought. Call with any specific questions regarding Jazz Ensemble auditions.
Enrollment: Summer Music Academy enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis, particularly for the string classes. However, eligibility, seating and part assignments for the instrumental ensembles (string orchestras, wind and jazz ensembles and the Academy Orchestra) are determined in part by auditions, which will be held in late May/early June 2007. Placement is determined by age and skill level with consideration taken for balance and instrumentation.
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Preparatory Orchestra
Discovery Orchestra
Youth Orchestra
Young People's Chamber Orchestra |
