The Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony

Audition Requirements

Principal Orchestra

1)  Scales:

a)  A one octave chromatic scale.

b) A major scale of your choice, played well, in tune, in the following rhythm:  

 2)  A fast piece or movement of your choice that demonstrates your technical ability.   

a)  Strings – ability to play up through fifth position. Suggested repertoire: Suzuki Level 5 or higher or equivalent. 

b)  Winds & Brass – Suggested Repertoire: A Concerto or Sonata

c)  Percussion – Ability to read and play concert snare repertoire in several time signatures.  Timpani experience preferred.

3)  A slow piece or movement of your choice that will demonstrate your tone quality and vibrato.

4)  Sight Reading

 Symphonette

1)  A two-octave scale of your choice in quarter note rhythms.

2)  A fast piece of your choice that demonstrates your technical ability.

a)  Strings – ability to play comfortably in the third position. Suggested repertoire: Suzuki Level 3 or higher or equivalent. 

b)  Winds & Brass – Suggested Repertoire: Lesson Book 2 or higher.

c)  Percussion – Ability to read and play concert snare repertoire.

3)  A slow piece of your choice that demonstrates your tone quality and developing vibrato.

a)  Strings – Bow Control.  Suggested Repertoire: Suzuki Level 3 or equivalent.

b)  Winds & Brass – Suggested Repertoire: Lesson Book 2 or higher.

i)  **Solo music preferred.  Musicians are encouraged to ask present music teacher for advice on which piece to play for your audition.

4)  Sight Reading

Debut Orchestra

Students who are auditioning should have a basic familiarity with note reading skills.  Musician should prepare a one-octave scale of your choice and a piece from your lesson book or ensemble music that you are comfortable playing.  The selection should demonstrate your level of achievement.  You are encouraged to ask your present music teacher for advice on which piece you should play for your audition.