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.
ROUND 1 Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9:00am - 6:00pm, 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 must participate in Round 1? New applicants (not in AYPO during the 2011-2012 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 qulaify 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.
Round 1 Requirements for Preparatory Level (AYSE and AYCO) Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass: scales C, G, F major, c and g melodic minor (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), solo piece, and sightreading. Applicants should choose a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring two copies of their solo piece: 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 and Clarinet: scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
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 (three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts, and sightreading. Flute and Clarinet: scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading.
ROUND 2
June 4-17, 2012 [Schedule]
Note: participation in Round 2 does not guarantee placement in an orchestra.
Who must participate in Round 2? New applicants (not in AYPO during the 2011-2012 season) on the Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, and Percussion. If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 2 and does not qulaify, 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, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Harp, and Percussion. If applicant auditions at the advanced level in Round 2 and does not qulaify, 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 (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts (provided to applicants in May), solo piece, and sightreading. Applicants should choose a solo piece representing the highest level of performance, without compromising quality, and should bring two copies of their solo piece: 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 and Brass: scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading. 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 mallots and snare drum
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 (three octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), assigned excerpts, and sightreading. Woodwind and Brass: scales in all keys up to three sharps and three flats (two octaves, tempo quarter note = 120), plus chromatic scale (as extensive as possible), assigned excerpts, and sightreading. 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: assigned excerpts, possible sightreading on mallots and snare drum
New applicants (not in AYPO during the 2011-2012 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 qulaify for Round 2, the applicant might be offered the opportunity to audition at the preparatory level in Round 2.
