To ensure that the quality of the program remains high, all applicants (new and current) take part in a competitive audition process each spring consisting of two rounds. Acceptance into AYPO is based on 1) musical ability as demonstrated in the auditions and 2) the specific needs of each orchestra. Annual open auditions ensure that the most qualified young instrumentalists have the opportunity that this orchestral training program provides and also ensure that AYPO presents high quality orchestras.
Applicants must decide to audition for either the introductory of the preparatory level orchestras (AYDO), one of the 2 more advanced preparatory level orchestras (AYSE and AYCO) or one of the two symphonic level orchestras (AYSO and AYP) based on the requirements. If an applicant auditions on two instruments, he/she will only be accepted on one, at the discretion of the artistic and administrative staff and based on the needs of the orchestra. Applicants in Round 1 should note the dates for Round 2 so as to be available should they qualify. Applicants are scheduled according to the instruments they play and must adhere to the audition time assigned by AYPO. Contact AYPO with specific, unavoidable conflicts with the audition schedule for DVD auditions.
WHO AUDITIONS IN WHICH ROUND
ROUND 1:
New Applicants at either the Preparatory or Symphonic level (not in AYPO during the 2014-2015 season): Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Clarinet. AYDO applicants audition only in Round 2.
Current AYDO, AYSE, and AYCO musicians (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Clarinet) who wish to move up to one of the Symphonic level orchestras (AYSO and AYP).
ROUND 2:
New Applicants auditioning for AYSE, AYCO, AYSO, or AYP (not in AYPO during the 2014-2015 season): Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, Percussion, Piano.
New and current AYDO Applicants auditioing for AYDO.
Current AYDO, AYSE, and AYCO musicians who wish to audition for AYSE and AYCO on all instruments.
Current AYSE, and AYCO musicians (Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, Percussion, Piano) who wish to move up to one of the Symphonic level orchestras (AYSO and AYP).
Current AYSO and AYP musicians who wish to re-audition for the Symphonic level orchestras on all instruments.
All musicians who auditioned in Round 1 and were asked to continue to Round 2.
ROUND 1 AUDITIONS
Saturday, April 25, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. [Schedule]
Note: Round 1 is a "blind" audition in which there will be a curtain between the auditioning musician and the judges. The musician will not be allowed to communicate directly with the judges and there will be a volunteer who will communicate on his/her behalf.
Round 1 Requirements, Preparatory Level (AYSE and AYCO)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales C, G, F major, c and g melodic minor (rhythm: scales should be played in quarter notes in two octaves, with the quarter at a tempo of 120 bpm; bowings: ascending - 2 slurred, 2 martelé and descending - 4 slurred), sight reading, and a solo piece (less than 5 min). Applicants should choose a solo representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places.
FLUTE / CLARINET: scales in all major and harmonic minor keys up to three sharps and three flats in two octaves (rhythm: for all octaves, quarter note (tonic) followed by eighth notes at a tempo of 100 bpm; articulation: legato tongue up and down), assigned excerpts (online), and sight reading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: musicians interested in also auditioning on Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, or Bass Clarinet should prepare the assigned excerpts (online).
Round 1 Requirements, Symphonic Level (AYSO and AYP)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales G, A, and B major, e, f#, and g melodic minor (rhythm: scales should be played in quarter notes in three octaves, with the quarter at a tempo of 120 bpm; bowings: ascending - 2 slurred, 2 martelé and descending - 4 slurred), assigned excerpts (online), and sight reading.
FLUTE / CLARINET: scales in all major and harmonic minor keys up to three sharps and three flats in three octaves and chromatic scale as extensive as possible (rhythm: for all octaves, quarter note (tonic) followed by eighth notes at a tempo of 100 bpm; articulation: legato tongue up and down), assigned excerpts (online), and sight reading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: musicians interested in also auditioning on Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, or Bass Clarinet should prepare the assigned excerpts (online).
ROUND 2
June 13-21, 2016 [Schedule]
Note: participation in Round 2 does not guarantee placement in an orchestra.
Round 2 Requirements, Preparatory Level (AYDO)
ALL AYDO Applicants: scales, see below, (rhythm: single quarter notes at 100 bpm; bowings: separate martelé ascending and 2 slurred descending), assigned excerpt (online), sight reading, and a solo piece (less than 3 min). Applicants should choose a solo representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places.
VIOLIN: C, G major, g minor (2 octaves), D, B-flat major (1 octave minimum)
VIOLA, CELLO: C, F major, d minor (2 octaves), G, D, B-flat major (1 octave minimum)
BASS: C, G, D major, g minor (1 octave)
Round 2 Requirements, Preparatory Level (AYSE and AYCO)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: assigned excerpts (online), sight reading, and a solo piece (less than 5 min). Applicants should choose a solo representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places; this may be the same solo as in Round 1.
WOODWINDS / BRASS: all major and harmonic minor scales in keys up to three sharps and three flats in two octaves and chromatic scale as extensive as possible (rhythm: for all octaves, quarter note (tonic) followed by eighth notes at a tempo of 100 bpm; articulation: legato tongue up and down), assigned excerpts (online), and sight reading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: musicians interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, or Contrabassoon should prepare the assigned excerpts(online).
HARP: assigned excerpts (online), two-octave scale in key of the candidate's choice (hands together doubled at the octave). Applicants auditioning on lever harp are only eligible for AYSE, and should prepare a solo piece of their choice (in place of excerpts). Applicants should choose a solo representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places.
PERCUSSION: assigned excerpts (online), possible sight reading on mallets & snare drum.
PIANO: symphonic level only.
Round 2 Requirements, Symphonic Level (AYSO and AYP)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: assigned excerpts (online), sight reading, and a solo piece (less than 5 min). Applicants should choose a solo representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places.
WOODWINDS / BRASS: all major and harmonic minor scales in keys up to three sharps and three flats (rhythm: for all octaves, quarter note (tonic) followed by eighth notes at a tempo of 100 bpm; articulation: legato tongue up and down), plus chromatic scale as extensive as possible, assigned excerpts (online), and sight reading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: musicians interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, or Contrabassoon should prepare the assigned excerpts (online).
HARP: assigned excerpts, three-octave scale and arpeggio (hands together doubled at the octave, in the candidate's choice of key). NOTE: applicants auditioning on lever harp are only eligible for AYSE.
PERCUSSION: assigned excerpts (online), possible sight reading on mallets and snare drum.
PIANO [Piano FAQ]: assigned excerpts (online), sight reading, and two minutes of a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality. The applicant should bring one copy of their music for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). Solos can be either a complete piece, or a portion of a larger piece.
