Audition Packet

Audition Packet 2017 2018 GeorgiaYouthSymphony.org

Dear Musician, Welcome to the GYSO 2017 2018 auditions! We re excited to have you be a part of the GYSO family for the upcoming season. Enclosed in this packet, you will find everything you need for your upcoming audition. Whether you re auditioning for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, there s no reason to be nervous. We re looking forward to hearing you perform! In the next few pages you will find: Ensemble descriptions Audition requirements Audition locations by instrument -Audition building locations and parking maps FAQ Audition excerpts Let us know if you have any questions and good luck on your upcoming audition! Sincerely, Zac Evans, M.M Education and Outreach Coordinator Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra

GYSO Ensembles Symphony Orchestra Directed by GSO conductor Dr. Timothy Verville, the Symphony Orchestra is the most advanced orchestral ensemble in the GYSO program. Symphony performs professionallevel works from a variety of classical eras. Recent performances have included works of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Haydn, Beethoven, and Mahler, as well as newly commissioned works. Symphony also performs with professional soloists from the Atlanta area. Symphony members are also eligible to participate in the GYSO Concerto Competition. Symphony strings are generally playing 3 octave scales in all major and minor keys and solos from the standard concerto and sonata repertoire. They possess a controlled and varied vibrato and can produce a wide variety of bow strokes both on and off the string. Winds are comfortable in all major and minor keys and can play a full-register chromatic scale. Horns and trumpets are able to play (though perhaps not sight-read) all transpositions. Violas, cellos, bassoons, and trombones are familiar with alternate clefs. Most woodwinds are comfortable with at least one auxiliary instrument. Ensemble members typically range from 10 th - 12 th grade. Symphony rehearses on Sundays from 3-5:30 PM at Kennesaw State University. Philharmonia Directed by Dr. Eric Hawk, Philharmonia performs professional-level and advanced educational works for full orchestra. Recent performances have included works of Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Bizet, Telemann, and Bernstein. Philharmonia students are also eligible to compete in GYSO Concerto Competition. Philharmonia strings are generally playing 2 or 3 octave scales (up to 7th position) and solos from Suzuki book 5 and up. They use vibrato consistently and have facility with some off-the-string bow techniques. Winds are comfortable in all major keys and can play a full-register chromatic scale. Trumpets and horns are comfortable in some of the most common transpositions. Violas, cellos, bassoons, and trombones are developing familiarity in alternate clefs. Some woodwinds can play auxiliary instruments. Ensemble members typically range from 8 th - 11 th grade. Philharmonia rehearses on Sundays from 2-4:30 PM at the Marietta Performing Arts Center. Camerata Directed by Dr. Nathaniel Parker, Camerata is the youngest full orchestra in the GYSO program. Camerata repertoire consists of educational works, including original compositions for student orchestra and transcriptions of pieces from the classical canon. Camerata strings are generally playing 2 or 3 octave scales (up to 5th position) and solos from Suzuki books 3 and 4. They are starting to establish vibrato. Camerata winds are generally comfortable in keys from 4 flats to 2 sharps, know the difference between concert and written pitch, and can play a two-octave chromatic scale. Ensemble members typically range from 6 th - 8 th grade.

Camerata rehearses on Sundays from 3-5:30 PM at Kennesaw State University. Sinfonia Directed by Whitney Tinley, Sinfonia is the youngest orchestra in the GYSO program. Sinfonia performs educational works, both original compositions and transcriptions, for string orchestra (no wind instruments). Sinfonia students are generally playing 1 or 2 octave scales and solos from Suzuki books 1 and 2. First violins may play in 1st and 3rd positions. Players tend to have some familiarity with multiple hand positions. Ensemble members typically range from 4 th - 7 th grade. Sinfonia rehearses on Sundays from 2-3:30 PM at the Marietta Performing Arts Center. Percussion Ensemble The Percussion Ensemble provides advanced high school and middle school percussionists with the opportunity to develop and improve ensemble skills on a wide variety of instruments under the guidance of John Lawless. In addition to performing works from the published percussion ensemble repertoire, students also have the opportunity to write works for the ensemble. Percussion rehearses on Sundays from 5:30-7:00 PM at Kennesaw State University. Jazz Ensemble Directed by Sam Skelton, the GYSO Jazz Ensemble performs in wide variety of jazz styles, performing both educational works and well known arrangements from jazz legends. Members also have opportunities to perform in a combo setting. The instrumentation is a standard big band (saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums). Jazz rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM at Kennesaw State University. GSO Youth Chorus Under the direction of GSO Chorus director Bryan Black, the GSO Youth Chorus is focused on the educational and physical/musical development of young singers. In addition to providing supplemental instruction that supports ongoing activities in classrooms, the youth chorus program is unique in providing students with music theory and sight-singing training which are crucial to advanced vocalist development. Youth chorus members have the opportunity to participate in distinguished performances. These include stand-alone concerts and select participation with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and in masterworks with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. The eligible age range for the youth chorus is rising 6th graders-12th grade. The chorus rehearses on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Marietta Performing Arts Center.

String Audition Requirements Sinfonia Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: G major and D major (1 or 2 octaves) Excerpts: D only Camerata Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: Violin G major, D major, C major, A major (1 or 2 octaves) Viola/Cello/Bass G major, D major, C major, F major (1 or 2 octaves) Excerpts: C and D Philharmonia Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: All strings All major scales from 2 flats to 3 sharps (2 or 3 octaves) Excerpts: B and C Symphony Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: All major scales from 4 flats to 4 sharps (2, 3 or 4 octaves) Excerpts: A and B NOTE: Neither an accompanist nor memorization is required

Wind Audition Requirements Camerata Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: All major scales from 3 flats to 1 sharp (1 or 2 octaves), chromatic (1 or 2 octaves) Excerpts: C only Philharmonia Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: All major scales from 4 flats to 2 sharps (1 or 2 octaves), chromatic (1 or 2 octaves) Excerpts: B and C Symphony Solo: 2-3 minute piece of your choice Scales: All major scales from 4 flats to 4 sharps (1,2, or 3 octaves), chromatic (full range) Excerpts: A and B (If there are two A excerpts for your instrument, prepare both.) NOTE: Neither an accompanist nor memorization is required

Jazz Audition Requirements Winds Solo: 2-5 minute solo (in any style, jazz or classical) Scales: Any 2 scales (blues scales may be used) Sight Reading Piano/Guitar Solo: 2-5 minute solo (in any style, jazz or classical) Scales: Any 2 scales (blues scales may be used) Chord Change Reading Sight Reading Drums Drummers will be asked to keep time in two contrasting styles. Two separate auditions are required for percussion and jazz drums. Percussion Audition Requirements Percussionists should prepare solos or etudes on two different instruments. A keyboard instrument and timpani are preferred. Note that two separate auditions are required for percussion and jazz drums. Chorus Audition Requirements Prepare a 2-3 minute solo (folk tune, hymn or art song) and provide a copy for the staff accompanist. The audition will also include pitch memory and evaluate vocal range.

Audition Location Auditions are held at Kennesaw State University in the Wilson Annex and the Music Building. There will be a check in table inside both buildings to help you find your way to your warm-up and audition rooms once you arrive for your audition. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your audition. This will allow time to find the audition room and warm-up properly. Audition Location by Instrument Please check your confirmation email for the location of your audition. MU107 = Music Building, Room 107 MU109 = Music Building, Room 109 WA2080 = Wilson Annex, Room 2080 WAPS= Wilson Annex, Percussion Studio

Audition Locations Parking **All auditions take place at Kennesaw State University s main campus Wilson Annex (WA) - Parking Lot E Music Building (MU)- Parking Lot D To view a detailed map of KSU s Arts District visit: http://kennesaw.edu/maps/docs/kennesaw_arts_district_map.pdf To view a detailed map of the entire KSU campus visit: http://kennesaw.edu/maps/docs/kennesaw_2d_map.pdf

Audition FAQ 1. Which ensemble should I audition for? Check the ensemble descriptions and see which ensemble you d fit in according to expectations for ensemble members. Auditions are held so that we can place you in the ensemble that fits you best. While we have different scale and excerpt requirements for each orchestra, but playing an audition for a certain orchestra does not guarantee placement in that orchestra; it merely makes you eligible for it. If you have previously participated in GYSO, we recommend auditioning for either the ensemble you were in last year or the next ensemble up. 2. Do I need to have my audition music memorized? Memorization is not necessary. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible. 3. When does GYSO rehearse and when does the program start and stop? GYSO rehearses once a week on Sundays (Wednesdays for Jazz). The GYSO season adheres to the local academic calendar as closely as possible with respect to holidays and vacations, starting in August and ending in May. Our complete calendar and rehearsal schedule for the current year is on our calendar page. 4. Do I need to dress up for the audition? Dressing up is not mandatory. Most people wear dressy-casual, comfortable clothes to the audition. 5. When do I apply for financial aid? After you are accepted into one of the orchestras, you can apply at any time prior to the deadline on the financial aid form on our

forms page. Financial aid only covers the tuition (or a portion of the tuition); it does not cover the $25 application fee. Students must reapply for financial aid every year. 6. When and how will I find out the results of the audition? You will not receive any audition results over the phone or on the website. Results will be emailed to your primary email provided by June 15. Under NO circumstances will results be given over the phone prior to the conclusion of auditions. 7. Do current GYSO students have to audition? Yes. All interested students must audition for the program. Those that have previously participated in GYSO will be assured a spot their previous ensemble as long as they participate in the May Auditions. If a student must schedule a later audition, their spot will not be reserved and they may audition for remaining spots. 8. Do I need to participate in my school ensemble, provided that one exists? Yes. Students are exempt from policy if their school does not have a music program. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact: Zac Evans, Education and Outreach Coordinator zevans@georgiasymphony.org

EXCERPTS GYSO Audition Excerpts - Violin D. Mozart Variations, arr. Ruth Siegler, m. 1-16 C. Johann Pachelbel, Canon in D

B. Gustav Holst, St. Paul's Suite, 1st mov. A. Tchaikovsky,Marche Slav,Op.31, m.148-176 (downbeat) * *If the range is too high, you can take down the octave where needed.

GYSO Audition Excerpts - Viola D. Mozart Variations, arr. Ruth Siegler, m. 9-24

C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 33-47 B. Sibelius, Valse Triste, m. 138-160

A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, m. 148-168 GYSO Audition Excerpts - Cello

D. Mozart Variations, arr. Ruth Siegler, m 9-24 C. J.S. Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1 st Mov. B. Gustav Holst, St. Paul's Suite, 1st mov.

A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpts marked with brackets GYSO Audition Excerpts - Bass

D. Mozart Variations, arr. Ruth Siegler, m. 52-63 C. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Serenade for String Orchestra, 3 rd mov. B. Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet Overture, excerpt marked with brackets

A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpts marked with brackets GYSO Audition Excerpts - Flute C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 33-47

B. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, 4 th mov. A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets

GYSO Audition Excerpts - Oboe C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 48-58 B. Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, m. 43-56

A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav,Op.31,excerpts marked in brackets GYSO Audition Excerpts - Clarinet

C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 33-47 B. Rossini, Barber of Seville Overture, m. 93-104 (Clarinet in Bb) A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpts marked in brackets

GYSO Audition Excerpts - Bassoon

C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 33-46 B. Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, m. 75-87 A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets GYSO Audition Excerpts - Trumpet

C. Gustav Holst, Jupiter from The Planets B. Franz von Suppé, Leichte Kavallerie Overture A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets (Trumpet in Bb) GYSO Audition Excerpts - French Horn

C. Edvard Grieg, Morgenstimmung from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 B. Gustav Holst, Jupiter from The Planets A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets

GYSO Audition Excerpts - Trombone C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 72-79 B. Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, m. 166-177 A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets

GYSO Audition Excerpts - Tuba C. Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 Finale, m. 1-16 B. Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, m. 166-177 A. Tchaikovsky, Marche Slav, Op.31, excerpt marked in brackets