Audition Guidelines & Repertoire Lists 2017-2018 Season To schedule an audition, visit www.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo: 1. Fill out the online application 2. Get an audition appointment For questions about auditions, contact: Brian Ganan, Education and Community Engagement Manager bganan@jaxsymphony.org (904) 354-5479
March 31, 2017 Greetings to all prospective JSYO members! Thank you for your interest in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. The JSYO program was created to enrich lives by making music an essential part of the First Coast community, and to provide continuing quality music education, training and performance opportunities for the youth of Northeast Florida. The enclosed audition requirements and guidelines represent for each of our six levels of ensembles - string and full orchestras - the expected level of technical achievement for all orchestral instruments. Each ensemble s repertoire will be geared toward the achievement levels outlined below in order to provide a challenging and progressive experience for students ready to tackle them. Generally speaking, auditions will last from 5 to 10 minutes and will consist of: a solo scales (and arpeggios for some ensembles) sight-reading orchestral excerpts (for some ensembles) Please see below for each ensemble s specific audition requirements. I hope you will consider auditioning for the JSYO this spring. I promise you will find it one of the most rewarding musical experiences of your life! Best of luck! Kathryn Rudolph Director of Education and Community Engagement
FOUNDATION STRINGS I Foundation Strings I is a beginning-level string ensemble for musicians just starting their studies, and includes helping students choose an instrument. Students participate in extended rehearsals and coaching at the beginning of the season to jump start music skills, instrument technique and establish proper practice and rehearsal methods. Foundation Strings musicians meet weekly during the regular school year for coachings and rehearsals. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 1, FOA Grade E, Suzuki Method Early Book 1 Application for entrance to the Foundation Strings I program: Beginners are welcome! No formal audition is necessary but we will require you to sign up for an interview/audition time during the Spring Audition period to speak with the conductors about your experience with music and possibly get fitted for an instrument. Minimum of 2 nd grade or age 7 by September 1 st of this year. Applications are accepted on a first come-first served basis until the program has reached capacity. Consideration will also be given to instrument distribution. It is expected that students entering the JSYO Foundation Strings I program will aspire to progress on their instrument. To progress on their instrument, a private teacher is necessary; the once per week group ensemble experience alone is not enough. Students entering the Foundation Strings I program are encouraged to obtain a private teacher in conjunction with starting the program.
FOUNDATION STRINGS II Foundation Strings II is a string ensemble for advancing beginner musicians recent to orchestral playing (usually in their second year). Weekly rehearsals provide an emphasis on building a solid technical foundation. Students participate in performances throughout the year. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 1-1.5, Grade E, Suzuki Method Books 1-2 Private Lessons: All Foundation Strings II musicians are encouraged to have a private instructor. Required Materials: mute, rosin, pencils, extra set of strings, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE: Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment) VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: ALL INSTRUMENTS will play the following major scales and arpeggios as listed below. Scales and arpeggios will be played in even quarter notes using separate bows, quarter = 80. Memorization is encouraged by not required. VIOLIN Major scales/arpeggios: G (2 octaves); D (1 octave) VIOLA Major scales/arpeggios: C (2 octaves); G (1 octave) CELLO Major scales/arpeggios: C (2 octaves); G (1 octave) BASS Major scales/arpeggios: G (1 octave); D (1 octave) 3. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise. Each musician will be given time to review the piece silently prior to playing.
ENCORE STRINGS Encore strings is a string orchestra for intermediate-level musicians. Musicians in this ensemble are several years into study on a string instrument and are familiar with ensemble playing. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and perform in several concerts each season. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 2, FOA Grade D, Suzuki Method Books 3-4 Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: mute, rosin, pencils, extra set of strings, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE: Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment). VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 2 or 3, or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or 2 (2 preferred), or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1, or comparable work. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: ALL INSTRUMENTS will play two (2) scales and arpeggios from the selection listed below, chosen by the jury. Scales and arpeggios will be played in even quarter notes using separate bows. MM quarter note = 80. Memorization is encouraged but not required. VIOLIN Major scales/arpeggios: G, A, B-flat (2 octaves); C, D, F (1 octave) VIOLA Major scales/arpeggios: C, D (2 octaves); F, G (1 octave) CELLO Major scales/arpeggios: C, D (2 octaves); F, G (1 octave) BASS Major scales/arpeggios: C, G, A, F (1 octave) 3. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise. Each musician will be given time to review the piece silently prior to playing.
PREMIERE STRINGS Premiere Strings is comprised of string players at an intermediate and advancing level. Musicians attend weekly rehearsals and in-depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, and perform several concerts each semester. Members also participate in a day-long retreat to focus on team-building and ensemble playing. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 3 & 4, FOA Grade C & B, Suzuki Method Books 3-5 Skills: musicians should be able to demonstrate an advancing proficiency in bow division, martelé, spiccato, slurs, beginning use of vibrato, shifting and position work, more complex rhythmic patterns and syncopation, clear tone, accurate intonation, dynamic contrast, maturity and self-discipline. Members of the orchestra should know how to tune his/her own instrument by the second semester of the season. Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: mute, rosin, pencils, extra set of strings, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice. Advancement: Musicians who spend two years in Premiere Strings are expected to advance to a higher level JSYO orchestra. Some orchestral repertoire will require skills beyond the requirements in this document. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. REQUIRED ETUDE: Available to download at www.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo. Memorization is not required. VIOLIN Wohlfahrt: Op. 45, Bk. 2, #37 (fingerings and bowings as indicated). Quarter note = 76-84 VIOLA Wohlfahrt: Foundation Studies for Viola, Bk. 1, #10 (end at letter C). MM quarter note = 69 CELLO Schroeder: 170 Foundation Studies for the Cello, #30 (Op. 48, No. 6) (through downbeat of measure 29/ fingerings and bowings as indicated). MM quarter note = 66-76 BASS Simandl: New (Old) Method, Volume 1, #6. MM quarter note = 105-115 2. SOLO PIECE (Optional): Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment). Memorization is not required. VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 4 or 5, or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 3 or 4, or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 2 or 3, or comparable work.
3. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: ALL INSTRUMENTS will play two (2) scales and arpeggios from the selection listed below, chosen by the jury. - All scales and arpeggios must be MEMORIZED. - Any rhythmic pattern is acceptable (tempo equivalent to playing eighth notes at MM quarter note = 80). - Fingerings: Fixed (in position) OR with shifting (preferred). - Return musicians are strongly encouraged to play more octaves than the minimum requirements below. VIOLIN Major scales/arpeggios: G, A, B-flat, C, D (2 or more octaves) A-flat, E-flat, F (lower octave; 1 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: G, A, D (2 or more octaves) VIOLA Major scales/arpeggios: G, A, B-flat, C, D (2 or more octaves) A-flat, E-flat, F (lower octave; 1 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: G, A, D (2 or more octaves) CELLO Major scales/arpeggios: C, D, G, A, F (2 or more octaves) B-flat, E-flat (1 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: G, D (2 or more octaves); A, C (1 or more octaves) BASS Major scales/arpeggios: F, G, A (2 or more octaves) C, D, E-flat (1 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: C, D, E (1 or more octaves) 4. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise. Each musician will be given time to review the piece silently prior to playing.
REPERTORY ORCHESTRA (STRINGS) Repertory Orchestra consists of intermediate and advancing students, typically in middle and high school. This full orchestra performs standard works from the orchestral literature. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and in-depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, performing several concerts each semester. Repertory Orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in chamber music and to perform side-by side with the Jacksonville Symphony. Members also participate in a day-long retreat to focus on team-building and ensemble playing. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 4, FOA Grade B, Suzuki Method Books 6-8 Skills: musicians should be able to demonstrate an advancing proficiency in bow division, detaché, martelé, marcato, staccato, spiccato, louré, slurs, developing use of vibrato, shifting and position work, increasingly complex rhythmic patterns and syncopation, clear tone, accurate intonation, increased facility of dynamic contrast, maturity and selfdiscipline. Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: mute, rosin, pencils, extra set of strings, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE: Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment) demonstrating shifting, dynamic contrast and various bow technique such as detached, slurred and hooked bowings. Memorization is not required. VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 5 or 6 (6 preferred), or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 5 or 6 (6 preferred), or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 4, or comparable work. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: ALL INSTRUMENTS will play two (2) scales and arpeggios from the selection listed below, chosen by the jury. - All scales and arpeggios must be MEMORIZED. - Correct and accurate intonation is of utmost importance. - Scales and arpeggios should be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. - Tempo: MM quarter note = 80.
VIOLIN Major scales/arpeggios: G, A, B-flat, B, C (3 octaves) D, E-flat, E, F (2 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: G, A, B, C (3 octaves) VIOLA Major scales/arpeggios: C, D, E-flat, E, F (3 octaves) G, A-flat, A, B-flat, F (2 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: C, D, E, F (3 octaves) CELLO Major scales/arpeggios: C, D, E-flat, E, F (3 octaves) G, A-flat, A, B-flat (2 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: C, D, E, F (3 octaves) BASS Major scales/arpeggios: F, G, B-flat (2 or more octaves) Melodic minor scales/arpeggios: D, E, A (1 or more octaves) 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS: Available to download at www.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo. String players auditioning for Repertory Orchestra must prepare Excerpt #1. Memorization is not required. 4. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise. Each musician will be given time to review the piece silently prior to playing.
PHILHARMONIC (STRINGS) Philharmonic consists of some of the most advanced and pre-professional students in Northeast Florida. Members in this full orchestra range from high school through college, performing challenging works in the standard orchestral literature. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and in-depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, performing several concerts each semester. Philharmonic students have the opportunity to participate in chamber music, the Young Artists Concerto Competition and to perform side-by side with the Jacksonville Symphony. Members also participate in a 3-day weekend retreat to focus on team-building and ensemble playing as well as touring opportunities. Comparable levels ASTA Grade 5-6, FOA Grade A Skills: musicians should be able to demonstrate an advanced proficiency in bow division, detaché, martelé, marcato, staccato, spiccato, louré, slurs, proficient use of vibrato, shifting and position work, complex rhythmic patterns and syncopation, clear tone, accurate intonation, facililty of dynamic contrast, maturity and self-discipline. Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: mute, rosin, pencils, extra set of strings, portable music stand and metronome/tuner for home practice. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE: Play a solo selection of his/her choosing with a minimum technical proficiency of FOA Grade A or ASTA Level 6 (without accompaniment). Memorization is not required. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: ALL INSTRUMENTS will play two (2) scales and arpeggios from the selection listed below, chosen by the jury. - All scales and arpeggios must be MEMORIZED. - Correct and accurate intonation is of utmost importance. - Scales and arpeggios should be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. - Tempo: MM quarter note = 80. VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO BASS All major/melodic minor scales/arpeggios (3 octaves) All major/melodic minor scales/arpeggios (3 octaves) All major/melodic minor scales/arpeggios (3 octaves) All major/melodic minor scales/arpeggios (2 octaves)
3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS: Available to download at www.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo. String players auditioning for Philharmonic must prepare ALL excerpts provided. Memorization is not required. 4. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise. Each musician will be given time to review the piece silently prior to playing.
REPERTORY AND PHILHARMONIC (WOODWINDS, BRASS, HARP, KEYBOARD) REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Repertory Orchestra consists of intermediate and advancing students, typically in middle and high school. This full orchestra performs standard works from the orchestral literature. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and in-depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, performing several concerts each semester. Repertory Orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in chamber music and to perform side-by side with the Jacksonville Symphony. Members also participate in a day-long retreat to focus on team-building and ensemble playing. Comparable levels FBA Grade 4. PHILHARMONIC Philharmonic consists of some of the most advanced and pre-professional students in Northeast Florida. Members in this full orchestra range from high school through college, performing challenging works in the standard orchestral literature. Students participate in weekly rehearsals and in-depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, performing several concerts each semester. Philharmonic students have the opportunity to participate in chamber music, the Young Artists Concerto Competition and to perform side-by side with the Jacksonville Symphony. Members also participate in a 3-day weekend retreat to focus on team-building and ensemble playing as well as touring opportunities. Comparable levels FBA Grade 5 and up. Both Repertory Orchestra and Philharmonic include Woodwind and Brass instruments. Skills: musicians should be able to demonstrate an advanced proficiency in breath control and phrasing in legato, marcato, staccato, slurs, proficient use of vibrato with clear and projecting tone, complex rhythmic patterns and syncopation, accurate intonation, facililty of dynamic contrast, maturity and self-discipline. Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: mute (as appropriate for instrument), pencils, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice as well as in-rehearsal sectional work. Woodwind and Brass auditions will consist of the following four (4) elements: 1. SOLO PIECE: REPERTORY Play a solo selection or concerto movement of his/her choosing with a minimum proficiency of FBA Grade 4 or higher (without accompaniment). Memorization is not required.
PHILHARMONIC Play a solo selection or concerto movement of his/her choosing with a minimum proficiency of FBA Grade 5 or higher (without accompaniment). Memorization is not required. 2. SCALES: Auditions for both ensembles require the chromatic scale as well as major scales/arpeggio. All scales and arpeggios must be MEMORIZED. CHROMATIC SCALE (Repertory and Philharmonic): A chromatic scale covering the range for their instrument as listed below in the specific requirements. - The scale should be performed in even sixteenth notes. - The scale will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable. - Minimum tempo: MM quarter note = 80. FLUTE 3 octaves from C OBOE 2 octaves from D ENGLISH HORN 2 octaves from D CLARINET 3 octaves from E BASS CLARINET 3 octaves from E ALTO SAX 2 octaves from F BASSOON 3 octaves from B-flat HORN 2 octaves from F TRUMPET 2 octaves from C TROMBONE 2 octaves from B-flat BASS TROMBONE 2 octaves from B-flat TUBA 2 octaves from B-flat MAJOR SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS: Minimum tempo: MM quarter note = 80. Scales are to be performed in a minimum of 2 octaves where possible. Students who wish to play a 3rd octave may do so. Scales must be performed in complete octaves. The scale pattern is a quarter on the starting pitch and every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The arpeggio pattern is a quarter note on the starting pitch and on every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The scales will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable (i.e. All-State style). REPERTORY PHILHARMONIC NINE MAJOR SCALES and ARPEGGIOS (through 4 sharps and flats). Scales will be performed chromatically, in the following order of keys (transposed OR concert pitch): G - Ab - A - Bb - C - D - Eb - E - F TWELVE MAJOR SCALES and ARPEGGIOS. Scales will be performed chromatically, in the following order of keys (transposed OR concert pitch): G - Ab - A - Bb - B - C - Db - D - Eb - E - F - Gb 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS: Available to download at www.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo. Memorization is not required. REPERTORY Wind/brass players must prepare Excerpt #1. PHILHARMONIC Wind/brass players must prepare ALL excerpts provided.
4. SIGHT-READING: Students will be given one sight-reading exercise prior to his/her assigned audition time and will be assigned a practice room in which to work. No teacher or parent will be allowed to assist. Each musician will then play this exercise as part of the audition. WOODWIND AUXILIARY INSTRUMENTS (Repertory and Philharmonic): Musicians may audition on auxiliary instruments (piccolo, english horn, bass clarinet) in addition to their major instruments. Only a chromatic scale and excerpt(s) are required on these instruments for the audition. Skill playing these doubling instruments will be considered extra credit toward consideration of a musician s application. HARP (Philharmonic Only): Harp players should audition with: a) a solo of their own choosing that best represents their technical and musical abilities b) and the provided orchestral excerpts for their instruments. ALTO SAXOPHONE AND KEYBOARD (Philharmonic Only): Players will be auditioned AS NEEDED. Fill out an application and we ll contact you with specific directions for a video audition when our repertoire requires your instrument. No live auditions will be assigned for these instruments at this time. REPERTORY AND PHILHARMONIC (PERCUSSION) Percussionists must audition on snare, marimba/xylophone and timpani. Applicants are expected to provide their own music, sticks and mallets at the audition. JSYO will provide instruments, but applicants are welcome to bring their own snare drum if desired. Skills: musicians should be able to demonstrate an advanced proficiency in complex patterns and syncopation, accurate intonation in tuning timpani, facililty of dynamic contrast, maturity and self-discipline. Private Lessons: musicians are required to attend private lessons on a regular basis. Required Materials: full range of sticks and mallets as required, pencils, portable music stand, metronome/tuner for home practice as well as in-rehearsal sectional work. The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE: REPERTORY Three solos total; one snare, mallet, and timpani which is polished and shows your technical and musical capabilities. Timpani solos must be on two to three drums. The audition panel may not listen to the entire solo due to time constraints.
PHILHARMONIC Three solos total; one snare, mallet, and timpani which is polished and shows your technical and musical capabilities. Timpani solos must be on three to four drums and should include one tuning change. The audition panel may not listen to the entire solo due to time constraints. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS (Marimba/Xylophone): All scales and arpeggios should be played at a tempo of MM quarter note = 80. All scales and arpeggios must be MEMORIZED. BOTH ENSEMBLES 1 major scale/arpeggio: student s choice (2 octaves) 1 minor scale/arpeggio: student s choice of melodic or harmonic (2 octaves) 3. RUDIMENTS SNARE Long snare roll going from loud to soft and back to loud. Applicants are expected to use concert style (closed/buzzed) snare drum rolls. TIMPANI Long timpani roll going from soft to loud and back to soft. 4. SIGHT-READING: Sight reading may not be asked on all instruments. SNARE MALLETS TIMPANI 1 rhythmic excerpt for snare 1 melodic excerpt for mallets 1 timpani excerpt