Audition - Strings
PREPARING FOR YOUR AUDITION
Select and prepare for the most advanced orchestra whose excerpts you can play well. In most cases, a student’s school and/or private teacher can make a good recommendation. If you have questions or need additional support, never hesitate to reach out to us at info@lyo.org
Below is a description of each orchestra with detailed instructions for your audition.
Serenade Orchestra
Serenade Orchestra is LYO’s youngest five-part string orchestra. Serenade Orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons at our St. Matthews rehearsal venue.
1. Scales. Candidates should prepare a 1-2 octave scale of the student’s choice. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm, good intonation, and smooth bow changes.
2. Excerpts. Download the Serenade Orchestra placement excerpts below. All students must play excerpts #1 and #2. If you want to be considered for a principal chair position, you must also play #3.
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra is LYO’s intermediate full-string orchestra. Most students in Concert have been playing their instrument for a few years and are ready for a greater challenge. Most students in Concert Orchestra are middle and high school students. Concert Orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons at our St. Matthews rehearsal venue.
1. Scales. Candidates should prepare a 1-2 octave scale of the student’s choice. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm, good intonation, and smooth bow changes.
2. Excerpts. Download the Concert Orchestra placement excerpts below. All students must play excerpts #3 and #4. If you want to be considered for a principal chair position, you must also play #5.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra is LYO’s intermediate symphonic orchestra (formerly called Repertory Orchestra). This a string student’s first opportunity to play alongside woodwind, brass and percussion students. Most students in Philharmonic Orchestra have been playing for several years and are typically young high school students. Advanced middle school students often are placed here as well. Philharmonic Orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons at Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS).
1. Scales. Candidate should perform both a 2-3 Octave Major and 2-3 Octave Minor scale of the students’s choice. Click here to view the suggested scale format. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm, good intonation, and smooth bow changes.
2. Excerpts. Download the Philharmonic Orchestra placement excerpts below. All students must play excerpts #5 and #6. If you want to be considered for a principal chair position, you must also play #7.
3. Solo Selection. Candidates should perform a 1-2 minute excerpt of a solo piece that demonstrates current level of ability.
Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra is LYO’s flagship symphonic orchestra. LYO’s most advanced students are placed in Symphony. Students are typically advanced high school students. Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Sunday afternoons at Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS).
1. Scales. Candidate should perform both a 3 Octave Major and 3 Octave Minor scale of the students’s choice. 2 Octave scales are acceptable for double bass candidates. Click here to view the suggested scale format. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm, good intonation, and smooth bow changes.
2. Excerpts. Download the Symphony Orchestra audition excerpts below. All students must play excerpts #7 and #8. If you want to be considered for a principal chair position, you must also play #9.
3. Solo Selection. Candidates should perform a 1-2 minute excerpt of a solo piece that demonstrates current level of ability.
