2012-2013 Audition Requirements

2012-2013 Auditions will be held May 24-26, 2012

We will begin accepting audition applications in February 2012.  The form will be available on this webpage. If you have any questions, please call (805)543-3533 ext. 11 or e-mail staff@slosymphony.com.

The San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony is compromised of five ensembles to accommodate various levels of experience:  Super Bows, Preparatory Strings, Academy String Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, and The Concert Orchestra.  Musicians are placed in the ensemble that best matches their musical ability.

Super Bows!

Superbows is a first ensemble experience for students who have played their instruments for one year or more.  Students should be able to read notes on the A and G string and be familiar with quarter notes, eighths notes and whole notes. There is no audition necessary.  Call 543-3533 x11 for details.

Preparatory Strings

Preparatory Strings is a string orchestra for musicians who have played their instruments two years or more.  It requires reading and counting simple rhythms.  Listening and ensemble skills are stressed, providing a sound foundation for future orchestra participation.  The music literature performed includes classical, popular and folk.  This is a dynamic and challenging group that has developed significantly in the last few years. 

Preparatory Strings Requirements

All auditions for Preparatory Strings will include: scales (see below), a prepared piece at least at the level of the Bach Minuets in Suzuki Book 1 or 182 Surprise Symphony in Essential Elements Book 1 (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading of simple melodies with good pitch and rhythm.  Musicians must demonstrate accurate intonation, bowing articulations like slurs and staccato and appropriate musical style.  Good beginning technique is essential as is the ability to play at a steady tempo with others. 
Violin Scales: 1-octave D and A Major, 2-octaves G scale
Viola & Cello Scales: 1-octave D and G Major, 2-octaves C Major
Bass Scale: 1-octave G Major

Academy String Orchestra

This intermediate string orchestra consists of students with four or more years experience on violin, viola, cello, or bass.  The Academy String Orchestra performs standard music literature from Baroque through modern composers with an appreciation of musical styles for each period through sectional and full ensemble rehearsals.  Solo opportunities exist for outstanding members.   In addition to the regular rehearsal and concert schedule Academy String Orchestra musicians attend the annual 2-night "Academy in the Pines" retreat, Dated TBD. Additional fee required, but scholarships are available.

Academy String Orchestra Requirements

All auditions for the Academy String Orchestra will include scales (see below), a prepared piece at the level of Suzuki Book 3 or higher (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading at an intermediate level.  Players must have ensemble experience, demonstrating big tone, use of correct bow techniques (straight bows), good intonation, and musical style.  The music selections are becoming more advanced each year.  Musicians now should be playing in positions or ready to learn higher positions.

Violin Scales: 2-octave G, A C, D and B flat Major. 
Viola Scales: 2-octave C,D,F, and E flat Major
Cello Scales: 2-octave C, D and one of your choice
Bass Scales: 2-octave 3 different scales of your choice

Symphonic Winds

The Symphonic Winds ensemble consists of intermediate and advanced  woodwind,  brass and percussion musicians who have two or more years’ experience on their instrument.  This ensemble performs challenging works for wind orchestra.  In addition to the regular rehearsal schedule, students participate in a Symphonic Winds Clinic each spring.  Additional fee.

Symphonic Winds Requirements

All auditions for Symphonic Winds will include 5 Major key scales of your choice, a chromatic scale, a piece that shows the range of playing with which you are comfortable (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading equivalent to a Grade 3 piece.  A minimum of 2 years experience on a wind or brass instrument is required.

The Concert Orchestra

 The Concert Orchestra has been training tomorrow’s classical musicians since 1965.  Now in its 45th year, the Orchestra consists of musicians from 7th to 12th grade.  These committed young people comprise the organization’s most advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians; and perform the most difficult repertoire of the five ensembles.  In 2003, the Concert Orchestra toured Europe and in 2007 toured British Columbia.  In June 2010 the Orchestra toured to San Diego and Santa Barbara where they performed at Seaport Village and Victoria Hall. Plans are in the works for a tour to Chicago in June 2013.

The Concert Orchestra Requirements

Strings
String auditions for the Concert Orchestra will include 3-octave scales up to three flats and three sharps (A, C, D, F and G Major, B flat and E flat Major), a prepared piece of your choice (no accompanists, please), selected excerpts from a piece to be chosen by the conductor and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2011-2012 season.  All string musicians will be judged for intonation, control, tone and presence.
  
Brass & Woodwinds
Brass and woodwinds auditions for the Concert Orchestra will include 2-octave scales up to four flats and four sharps (A, C, D, E, F and G Major, A flat, B flat and E flat Major), 2-octave chromatic scales, selected excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet,  a prepared piece of your choice that demonstrates technical ability and tone quality (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2012-2013 season. 

Percussion
Percussion auditions will include two snare drum excerpts and scales on a mallet instrument (marimba, xylophone, vibes, etc.).