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 at the preparatory level (AYSE and AYCO) or advanced level (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.
ROUND 1 Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Kilmer Middle School [Schedule]
Note: this is a "blind" audition. There will be a curtain between the auditioning musician and the judges. The musician will not be allowed to communicate directly with the judges (there will be a volunteer who will communicate on his/her behalf).
Who participates in Round 1?
New applicants (not in AYPO during the 2012-2013 season) on the Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, and Clarinet. All other new applicants proceed to Round 2. If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 1 and does not qualify for Round 2, the applicant might be offered the opportunity to audition at the preparatory level in Round 2.
Current AYSE and AYCO musicians on the Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, and Clarinet who wish to move up into one of the advanced level orchestras (AYSO and AYP). If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 1 and does not qulaify for Round 2, the applicant might be offered the opportunity to audition at the preparatory level in Round 2.
All other musicians please see below for Round 2 information.
Round 1 Requirements for Preparatory Level (AYSE and AYCO)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales C, G, F major, c and g melodic minor (scales two or three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), sightreading, and a brief solo piece (less than 5 minutes). There are no assigned excerpts at Round 1. Applicants should choose a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring two copies: one for the applicant and one for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). The judges may start and stop the applicant in several places.
FLUTE / CLARINET: all major and harmonic minor scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (scales two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: those interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, or Bass Clarinet should prepare the assigned excerpts.
Round 1 Requirements for Advanced Level (AYSO and AYP)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales G, A, and B major, e, f#, and g melodic minors (scales three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
FLUTE / CLARINET: all major and harmonic minor scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (scales two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: those interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, or Bass Clarinet should prepare the assigned excerpts.
ROUND 2
June 3-16, 2013 [Schedule]
Note: participation in Round 2 does not guarantee placement in an orchestra.
Who participates in Round 2?
New applicants (not in AYPO during the 2012-2013 season) on the Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, Percussion, and Piano. If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 2 and does not qualify, the applicant might be offered the opportunity to audition at the preparatory level.
Current AYSE and AYCO musicians who wish to re-audition for the preparatory level orchestras (AYSE and AYCO) on all instruments.
Current AYSE and AYCO musicians who wish to audition for the advanced level orchestras (AYSO and AYP) on the Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, Percussion, and Piano. If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 2 and does not qualify, the applicant might be offered the opportunity to audition at the preparatory level.
Current AYSO and AYP musicians who wish to re-audition for the advanced level orchestras (AYSO and AYP) on all instruments.
All other musicians who auditioned and passed Round 1.
Round 2 Requirements for Preparatory Level (AYSE and AYCO)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales C, G, F major, c and g melodic minor (scales two or three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts (provided to applicants in May), sightreading, and a brief solo piece (less than 5 minutes). Applicants should choose a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring two copies: one for the applicant and one 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 (scales two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: those interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, or Contrabassoon should prepare the assigned excerpts.
HARP: assigned excerpts, 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. Lever harp applicants should prepare a solo piece of their choice (in place of excerpts).
PERCUSSION: assigned excerpts, possible sightreading on mallets and snare drum
PIANO: no preparatory level; advanced level only (see below)
Round 2 Requirements for Advanced Level (AYSO and AYP)
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS: scales G, A, and B major, e, f#, and g melodic minors (scales three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
WOODWINDS / BRASS: all major and harmonic minor scales in keys up to three sharps and three flats (scales two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS: those interested in also auditioning on the Piccolo, E-Flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, or Contrabassoon should prepare the assigned excerpts.
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 (see above for the preparatory level requirements)
PERCUSSION: prepare the assigned excerpts, possible sightreading on mallets and snare drum
PIANO [Piano FAQ]: prepare the assigned excerpts and two minutes of a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality. The applicant should bring two copies of their solo piece: one for the applicant and one for the judges (with the prepared measures marked). Solos can be either a complete piece of two minutes in length, or a two-minute long portion of a larger piece.
