Click on your instrument below and select the most advanced level of audition material that you feel comfortable with and can play well. Aim for the suggested metronome markings when indicated but remember that it is always more important to play accurately, demonstrating good tone and intonation.
There is no option on the registration form to select the ensemble for which a student wants to audition. Adjudicators will know which ensemble a student has selected by the music they perform in their audition.
All auditioning musicians will be asked to sight-read a short excerpt of symphonic music. Music for sight-reading will be provided by the adjudicators at the audition. View the Audition FAQs page with information on how to prepare for the sight-reading portion.
Keep in mind that preparing material for a certain level does not ensure placement at that level. Your placement will be based on your demonstration of these standards at the audition. Your age is NOT a primary consideration.
Note: the sight-reading requirement still applies to online audition submissions.
The information below is updated for the 2026-27 Season.
Please contact us at auditions@byso.org with any questions.
Violin
Cadet String Orchestra – Entry level
Ability to read music in first position and knowledge of basic rhythms.
- Scales
- One-octave D Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave G Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) basic technique including left hand and right hand shape; (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Intermezzo String Orchestra – Intermediate Entry level
Generally 1-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Ability to read music and introductory knowledge of 3rd position, especially in 1st violin. Introductory knowledge of various finger patterns and extensions.
- Scales
- One- or two-octave D Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave G Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) technique including left hand and right hand shape, highlighting one or more skill level requirements for this ensemble (noted here: 3rd position, various finger patterns and extensions); (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro), (3) and produce a resonant tone
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Debut String Orchestra – Advanced entry level
Generally 2-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Secure knowledge of first and third position, especially for first violins.
- Scales:
- Two-octave B-flat Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave D Major scale in eighth notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates one or more of the following skills: (1) 3rd position, (2) various finger patterns and extensions.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Three-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 100, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 100, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 2 and Track 3 from WMEA Junior All State Materials.
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
Secure knowledge of third position and introductory knowledge of fifth position.
- Scales: One scale in the list should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, and the other should be played in eighth notes at quarter note = 120 (4 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 2 and Track 3 from WMEA Junior All State Materials.
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced intermediate
Secure knowledge of third and fifth positions, introductory knowledge of second position, fourth position, and some higher positions.
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 76 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Mazas #4, first four lines with quarter note = 100
- Kayser Elementary and Progressive Studies for the Violin Op. 20
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 92 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 3 & 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 7, mvt. 2, Ludwig van Beethoven – measure 75 to end only
- Track 4 – Symphony No. 2, mvt. 1, Franz Schubert – measure 25 to end only
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 108 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 3 and Track 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 7, mvt. 2, Ludwig van Beethoven (entire excerpt)
- Track 4 – Symphony No. 2, mvt. 1, Franz Schubert (entire excerpt)
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Viola
Cadet String Orchestra – Entry level
Ability to read music in first position and knowledge of basic rhythms.
- Scales:
- One-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave C Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) basic technique including left hand and right hand shape; (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Intermezzo String Orchestra – Intermediate entry level
Generally 1-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Ability to read music and introductory knowledge of 3rd position. Introductory knowledge of various finger patterns and extensions.
- Scales
- One- or two-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave C Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) technique including left hand and right hand shape, highlighting one or more skill level requirements for this ensemble (noted here: various finger patterns/extensions); (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro), (3) and produce a resonant tone
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Debut String Orchestra – Advanced entry level
Generally 2-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Secure knowledge of first position and introductory knowledge of third position.
- Scales:
- Two-octave F Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave G Major scale in eighth notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates one or more of the following skills: (1) 3rd position, (2) various finger patterns and extensions.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Three-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 100, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 100, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 2 and Track 3 from WMEA Junior All State Materials.
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
Secure knowledge of third position and introductory knowledge of fifth position.
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in eighth notes at quarter note = 120 (4 notes per bow). You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 2 and Track 3 from WMEA Junior All-State Materials.
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced intermediate
Secure knowledge of third and fifth positions, introductory knowledge of second position, fourth position, and some higher positions.
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 76 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Mazas #4, first four lines with quarter note = 100.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 108 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Tracks 3 & 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – start to end of measure 162 only
- Track 4 – Symphony No. 4, mvt. 2, Anton Bruckner – start to end of measure 62 only
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 108 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Tracks 3 and 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (entire excerpt)
- Track 4 – Symphony No. 4, mvt. 2, Anton Bruckner (entire excerpt)
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Cello
Cadet String Orchestra – Entry level
Ability to read music in first position and knowledge of basic rhythms.
- Scales:
- One-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave C Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) basic technique including left hand and right hand shape; (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Intermezzo String Orchestra – Intermediate entry level
Generally 1-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Ability to read music and introductory knowledge of 2nd and 4th positions. Introductory knowledge of various finger patterns and extensions.
- Scales
- One- or two-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave C Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) technique including left hand and right hand shape, highlighting one or more skill level requirements for this ensemble (noted here: 2nd and 4th position, various finger patterns, and extensions); (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro), (3) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Debut String Orchestra – Advanced entry level
Generally 2-3 years of school or private instruction. Secure knowledge of first position, which includes forward and backward extensions, and introductory knowledge of second through fourth positions.
- Scales:
- Two-octave F Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave G Major scale in eighth notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) 2nd and 4th position; (2) various finger patterns and extensions
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Three-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Kummer Etude #30, at 95 bpm
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
Secure knowledge of first through fourth positions, introductory knowledge of higher positions.
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in eighth notes at quarter note = 104 (4 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Kummer Etude #30, at 95 bpm
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced intermediate
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 60 (either 4 or 8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Exercise on Arpeggios, suggested tempo 90 to 100 bpm
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 72 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 3 and 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, Mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – start to end of measure 24 only
- Track 4 – Enigma Variations, Var. XII (B.G.B.), Edward Elgar – start to end of measure 17 only
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 88 (8 notes per bow).You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Three-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Three-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 3 and 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, Mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (entire excerpt)
- Track 4 – Enigma Variations, Var. XII (B.G.B.), Edward Elgar – (entire excerpt)
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Double Bass
Cadet String Orchestra – Entry level
Ability to read music in first position and knowledge of basic rhythms.
- Scales:
- One-octave D Major scale (start on open D) in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- One-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) basic technique including left hand and right hand shape; (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Intermezzo String Orchestra – Intermediate entry level
Generally 1-3 years of orchestra or private instruction. Ability to read music and introductory knowledge of positions, forward/backward extensions, and finger patterns.
- Scales
- One-octave D Major scale (start on open D) in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- One-octave G Major scale in half notes at quarter note = 120, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Auditionees should select a solo piece that demonstrates the following skills and concepts: (1) technique including left hand and right hand shape, highlighting one or more skill level requirements for this ensemble (noted here: position work, various finger patterns, and extensions); (2) ability to perform accurate notes and rhythms in a reasonable tempo (moderato – allegro), (3) and produce a resonant tone.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Debut String Orchestra – Advanced entry level
Generally one to two years in school orchestra or private instruction.
- Scales:
- One-octave F Major scale in quarter notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- One-octave D Major scale in eighth notes at quarter note = 86, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality that highlights one or more skill level requirements for this ensemble (noted here: position work, various finger patterns/extensions).
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 2 and Track 3 fromWMEA Junior All State Materials:
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
Solid knowledge of sharps and flats.
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in eighth notes at quarter note = 104 (4 notes per bow). You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Two-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Track 2 and Track 3 from WMEA Junior All State Materials:
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced intermediate
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 60 (either 4 or 8 notes per bow). You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Two-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Track 3 from WMEA Materials:
- Track 3: Etude Technical
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 72 (either 4 or 8 notes per bow). You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Two (or more)-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Two (or more)-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Track 3 and 4 from WMEA Materials:
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – start to end of measure 24 only
- Track 4 – Symphonie Fantastique, Mvt. 2, Hector Berlioz – start to end of measure 28 only
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales: One scale should be played in quarter notes at quarter note = 60, the other should be played in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 88 (8 notes per bow). You may decide which articulation you would like for which scale, but both articulations must be demonstrated.
- Two (or more)-octave major scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Two (or more)-octave minor scale of your choice, ascending and descending.
- Etude: Tracks 3 and 4 from WMEA Materials
- Track 3 – Symphony No. 35, mvt. 4, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (entire excerpt)
- Track 4 – Symphonie Fantastique, Mvt. 2, Hector Berlioz – (entire excerpt)
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Flute
Premiere Orchestra / Overture Ensemble
Scales: Should be memorized, played ascending and descending, and played in eighth notes at a tempo of quarter note = 80 – 110 beats per minute:
- One Major Scale of your choice, in two octaves – tongued
- One Minor Scale of your choice, in two octaves – slurred
- A Chromatic scale, demonstrating your fullest controlled range possible, preferably 3 octaves (or at least from the lowest D on the flute through the 3rd octave Bb)
Etudes: Prepare the “Dance Etude”, “Song Etude” and “Rhythmic Etude” (tracks 2, 3, and 4) from the WMEA Junior All-State Band Audition Materials.
Solo: Prepare a one-minute excerpt from your solo literature that best shows your artistry, technique, and musical skills. Repertoire might include Sonatas by Handel or Telemann, or be selected from the National Flute Association’s Intermediate Solo Repertoire Guide.
Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia / Flute Choir
Scales: Should be memorized, played ascending and descending, and played in eighth notes at a tempo of quarter note = 90-120 beats per minute:
- One Major Scale of your choice, in two octaves – tongued
- One Minor Scale of your choice, in two octaves – slurred
- A Chromatic scale, demonstrating your fullest controlled range possible, preferably 3 octaves (or at least from the lowest D on the flute through the 3rd octave Bb)
Etudes: Prepare the “Dance Etude”, “Song Etude” and “Rhythmic Etude” (tracks 2, 3, and 4) from the WMEA Junior All-State Band Audition Materials.
Solo: Prepare a one-minute excerpt from your solo literature that best shows your artistry, technique, and musical skills. Repertoire might include Sonatas by Handel or Telemann, or be selected from the National Flute Association’s Intermediate Solo Repertoire Guide.
Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia / Flute Orchestra/ Youth Symphony
Scales: Should be memorized, played ascending and descending, and played in sixteenth notes at a tempo of quarter note = 72-80 beats per minute:
- One Major Scale of your choice, in two octaves – tongued
- One Minor Scale of your choice, in two octaves – slurred
- A Chromatic scale in 3 octaves using WMEA HS Wind and Percussion audition track 1 as a model (use link below)
Etudes: Tracks 2, 3, and 4 from WMEA Audition Materials.*
*Flutists who would like to audition on piccolo and have their own piccolo should also prepare the Piccolo excerpt (Track 5) from WMEA Audition Materials.
Solo: Prepare a one- to two-minute excerpt from your solo literature that best shows your artistry, technique, and musical skills. Repertoire may be selected from the standards of the French Conservatory; the National Flute Association Repertoire guide system: Levels G – J, (found on NFA website in the member’s only section or www.leonardgarrison.com/applied-repertoire); or the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) Level 7 (or higher); or ABRSM Grade 6 (or higher).
Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Oboe
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare tracks 2, 3, and 4 from the WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Track 4: Rhythmic Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Etudes: Prepare Tracks 2 from WMEA Audition Materials.
- Track 2: Henri Brod, Methode de Hautbois, No. 26
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Etudes: Prepare Tracks 3 and 4 from WMEA Audition Materials.
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- Track 3 – Serenade for Winds, Op. 7, Richard Strauss
- Track 4 – Konzert C-Dur für Oboe und Orchester, KV 314, mvt. 1 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Clarinet
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare tracks 2, 3, and 4 from the WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Track 4: Rhythmic Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare track 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 3: Camille Saint-Saëns, Clarinette Sonate, Op. 167, Mvt. I
-
- *Clarinetists who would like to audition on bass clarinet and have their own bass should also prepare the Bass clarinet excerpt (Track 2) from WMEA Audition Materials:
- Track 2: Cello Suite No. 1, Gigue, Mvmt. VII, Johann Sebastian Bach
- *Clarinetists who would like to audition on bass clarinet and have their own bass should also prepare the Bass clarinet excerpt (Track 2) from WMEA Audition Materials:
Clarinetists auditioning on bass clarinet will also be expected to double on B-flat clarinet if accepted into Philharmonia.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (three octaves, if possible) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare tracks 2, 3, and 4 from WMEA Audition Materials
-
- Track 2: 40 Studies for Clarinet, No. 23, Cyrille Rose
- Track 3: Clarinette Sonate, Op. 167, mvt. 1, Camille Saint-Saëns
- Track 4: Clarinet Sonata No. 1, Op. 120, mvt. 4, Johannes Brahms
*Clarinetists who would like to audition on bass clarinet and have their own bass should also prepare the Bass clarinet excerpt (Track 2) from WMEA Audition Materials:
-
-
- Track 2: Cello Suite No. 1, Gigue, Mvmt. VII, Johann Sebastian Bach
-
Clarinetists auditioning on bass clarinet will also be expected to double on B-flat clarinet if accepted into Youth Symphony.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Bassoon
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Tracks 2 and 3 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare tracks 2, 3, and 4 from the WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 2: Dance Etude
- Track 3: Song Etude
- Track 4: Rhythmic Etude
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare track 4 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 4: Johann Ernst Galliard, Six Sonatas for Bassoon, Sonata 3, Mvt. II
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Prepare tracks 4 & 5 from WMEA Audition Materials
- Track 4: Johann Ernst Galliard, Six Sonatas for Bassoon, Sonata 3, Mvt. II
- Track 5: Julius Weissenborn, Bassoon Studies, Op. 8, Book II, No. 15
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Bassoonists auditioning for Youth Symphony will be expected to be fluent in reading tenor clef.
Horn
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability.
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Trumpet
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
-
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Trombone
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts:
- Lyrical Etude (Andantino con moto)
- Technical Etude (No. 3, Poco Allegro)
- Lyrical Etude 2 (No. 43, Veloce) – play from beginning of line 3 until the fermata in line 5
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Tuba, Euphonium or Baritone
Overture Ensemble – Entry Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- There will only be time for adjudicators to listen to 1-2 minutes of music, so make sure you choose a section that best represents the widest range of your ability!
- Sight-reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Premiere Orchestra – Intermediate
- Scales: Should be memorized, played ascending and descending, and played in eighth notes at a tempo of quarter note = 80 beats per minute:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least one octave) in eighth notes at quarter note = 80, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Sinfonia – Advanced Intermediate
- Scales:
- One-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- One-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (two octaves if possible) in eighth notes at quarter note = 90, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Philharmonia – Advanced technical abilities
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in eighth notes tongued at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in eighth notes slurred at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Full-Range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in eighth notes at quarter note = 108, ascending and descending.
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Youth Symphony – Advanced musicianship
- Scales:
- Two-octave major scale of your choice in sixteenth notes tongued at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Two-octave minor scale of your choice in sixteenth notes slurred at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Full-range chromatic scale (at least two octaves) in sixteenth notes at quarter note = 72, ascending and descending.
- Excerpts: Track 4 (for TUBA) from WMEA Audition Materials:
-
- Track 4: Concerto in E-flat for Horn K. 447, mvt. 3 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Solo: Short solo piece that best shows your technique and musicality.
- Sight-Reading: You will be asked to sight read.
Percussion
Sinfonia & Premiere Orchestra
Prepare the 2023 WMEA Junior All-State Band mallet and snare drum audition tracks. Focus on accuracy before speed.
Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and Percussion Ensemble
Students who audition into Percussion Ensemble also perform with Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Premiere orchestras. Percussion Ensemble focuses on their own music in separate rehearsals, then joins these two orchestras for 2-3 rehearsals prior to a performance. The expectation at this level is that each player can comfortably play both snare drum and mallet parts.
Please prepare a short snare drum piece as well as a short mallet piece. You may refer to the WMEA Audition Materials as examples. The audition will also include scales and sight reading on both snare drum and mallets.
If you have any questions about what to prepare, please email percussion@byso.org.
Piano
Piano auditions will not be accepted for the 2026-27 Season. Please email admin@byso.org with any questions.
Harp
Note: Placement does not guarantee participation. Not all orchestral pieces require harp, so participation is dependent on the music chosen for each quarter of the BYSO academic year. Students who successfully place in one of the ensembles will be notified if participation is available prior to each quarter.
BYSO will consider students who play lever or pedal harps. In general, the repertoire for the advanced ensembles (Philharmonia and Youth Symphony) requires access to a pedal harp.
Prepare the following:
- Scales:One major and one minor scale of your choice in one octave (or two octaves if possible), ascending and descending
- Excerpt (for consideration in Philharmonia or Youth Symphony): Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, mvt. II, rehearsal Q-end.
- Solo: A short 2-3 minute excerpt from a solo of your choice.
The works below are recommendations for possible solo pieces. They are not requirements. Select the solo repertoire piece by using the recommended works list below as a guide, in consultation with your private teacher.
Bach: Sonata for Harp in G Major
Fauré: Impromptu for Harp
Handel: Concerto in B-Flat Major
Hindemith: Sonata for Harp
Rota: Sarabande e Toccata
Salzedo: Variations on a Theme in Ancient Style
- Sight-Reading: No sight reading required for the 2026-27 Academic Year.
