Auditions
Auditions will be held each fall. Both new and returning musicians will be required to audition. New members entering the program in the second semester will be required to audition in January. A non-refundable fee of $5.00 is charged for each audition (per student, per instrument).
The Music Director will conduct auditions, with assistance from qualified adjudicator(s). The format of the audition will include scales, prepared performance pieces, and sight reading from orchestral excerpts. No accompaniment is necessary nor allowed during the audition. The auditions will be in private. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance and orchestral placement by letter shortly following the auditions. The judges comments regarding the audition will be provided to each student.
General Audition Questions
- When should I arrive for my audition? Be sure to arrive at the audition site at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time so that you may register, receive your audition room assignment, and warm up. Neat dress is appreciated.
- How long is an audition? String, woodwind and brass auditions last approximately 7 minutes. Percussion auditions are approximately 15 minutes.
- When will I recieve my results? Placement results for the Fall auditions will be announced by mail the week before rehearsals begin. Placement results for the Winter auditions (new members only) will be sent by mail or phone during the week fo the auditions in January. Please do not call or e-mail in advance for results.
- What does it cost to be in SVYS? Please check here for the current tuition rates.
Audition Judging Criteria
- Prepared Solo Pieces: You will be evaluated on your musicality, note and rhythmic accuracy, intonation, technique, tone, and overall performance impression. Prepare one unaccompanied selection (or two shorter selections) displaying your technical and expressive facility. Choose your selection with guidance from your instrumental teacher. The music should show what you can do well. Bring one additional copy of your music for the adjudicators' reference. Solos need not be memorized.
- Scales: You will be evaluated on accuracy, range and number of octaves, evenness of tempo, and tone. Preferably, your scales should be memorized.
- Sight Reading: You will be evaluated on note accuracy, musicality, intonation, rhythm, and evenness of tempo. You will be asked to play musical excerpts from orchestral repertoire. Prepare by sight reading every day!
- Percussionists: Based on the three basic audition requirements listed above, you will be asked to demonstrate your skills on bells, xylophone or marimba. In addition, you will play a solo piece on any percussion instrument, and sight-read on snare drum, mallet instruments, or timpani. All percussionists will be asked to demonstrate proficiency on the snare drum. You must bring your own snare drum and mallets. Four timpani, bells, and marimba will be provided.
Orchestra Assignment and Seating
All qualified students will be offered placement in the appropriate SVYS orchestra as space permits. The SVYS artistic staff will consider these factors when making seating assignments:
- Audition evaluations: (orchestra assignments are primarily based upon ability, not on age or prior SVYS participation)
- Creating the best educational setting for individual members and the SVYS program as a whole
- The need for strength and balance within the sections and among the orchestras
- The student's maturity and leadership ability
Assignment of each student to one of the orchestras, and seating within each orchestra, is the responsibility of the Music Director, whose decisions are final. Prior participation in the SVYS program does not guarantee placement. SVYS encourages all musicians to take pride in how well they play, how much they learn, and in their contribution to the sound of the orchestra, regardless their placement.
Preliminary seating assignments will be given at the first rehearsal. The Concertmaster will be designated by the Music Director, and may be changed for any concert. The Music Director may rotate seating for educational purposes at any rehearsal, and may change seating assignments at any time during the year. Concert seating order will be announced at the dress rehearsal. Significant concert solos may be awarded to any member of a section by the Music Director.
Section principal chair titles will not be assigned. The musicians' names will be printed alphabetically within each instrumental section in the concert program.
Questions regarding seating should be addressed to the Music Director.
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