Audition -Winds & Brass
PREPARING FOR YOUR AUDITION
Select and prepare for the most advanced orchestra or ensemble 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 ensemble with detailed instructions for your audition.
Serenade Winds
Serenade Winds is LYO’s youngest full woodwind and brass ensemble. Serenade Winds was developed to help prepare students for the eventual playing demands of LYO’s advanced orchestras and ensembles. Serenade Winds students have only been playing a few years but are committed to advancing in their musical journey. Serenade Winds rehearse on Sunday afternoons at Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS).
1. Scales. Candidates should prepare 1-2 octave scale of the student’s choice. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm, and good intonation.
2. Excerpts. Download the Horizons Winds and Brass Ensembles 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 Winds
Concert Winds is LYO’s intermediate full woodwind and brass ensemble. Most students in Concert Winds have been playing for several years and are typically middle school and young high school students. Concert Winds creates more playing opportunities for woodwind and brass students who are advancing towards Philharmonic Orchestra. Concert Winds rehearses on Sunday afternoons at Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS).
1. Scales. Candidates should prepare 1-2 octave scale of the student’s choice. Candidates should strive to perform the required scales with a healthy tone, steady rhythm and good intonation.
2. Excerpts. Download the Concert Winds 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 and Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Philharmonic Orchestra is LYO’s intermediate symphonic orchestra (formerly called Repertory Orchestra). This a woodwind and brass student’s first opportunity to play alongside string instrument musicians. Woodwind and Brass Students are automatically dual-enrolled in Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This educational model creates woodwind, brass and string sectional coachings each and every rehearsal. 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, and good intonation.
2. Excerpts. Download the 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, and good intonation.
2. Excerpts. Download the 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.
