Auditions
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Be a part of GCTYO!
Students in grades 5-12 who play orchestral or band instruments are eligible to audition for one of our developmentally appropriate orchestras and our Jazz Orchestras. Current members must also audition each year.Â
Students may also register for our Steel Pan program. No audition or experience necessary for Steel Pan!
GCTYO Orchestras
GCTYO is made up of more than a dozen different ensembles, each with its own unique features. There are 3 full orchestras, 2 levels of string orchestras, a wind orchestra, 2 jazz orchestras, and percussion, steel pan, and chamber orchestras. There are also a focused woodwind and a focused brass ensemble. Students are placed into the ensemble that is right for their development and interest.
String Debut
For younger string players and those new to an orchestra setting
Woodwinds DebutÂ
For younger woodwind players and those new to an orchestra setting
Brass DebutÂ
For younger brass players and those new to an orchestra setting
Wind Orchestra
For wind players and saxophones to reinforce fundamental skills
Sinfonia Orchestra
Second level orchestra for string players to reinforce fundamental skills
Virtuosi Orchestra
First level full orchestra for strings and winds
Philharmonic Orchestra
Second level full orchestra for strings and winds
Principal Orchestra
Top level full orchestra for strings and winds.
Percussion Orchestra
Percussionists support all the ensembles.
Jazz Orchestras
Two jazz ensembles for both experienced and newer musicians
Steel Pan Orchestra
Learn different musical genres through the mellow sounds of steel pan drums! No experience or audition necessary for this ensemble.
Chamber Orchestra
Small orchestra for the highest level musicians
Audition Schedule
Audition registration is required! Registration fee is $25.
New students may audition for a spot in GCTYO for the 2021-22 season, which begins in September.
All returning students must audition in August. Auditions will begin August 28, 2021.
No audition is required to join Steel Pan, but registration is required.
2021-22 Season Audition dates:
Saturday, August 28, 9 AM – 5 PM – Violins only. Monday, August 30 – Thursday, September 2, 3:30 PM – 9 PM – All instruments.
Jazz auditions will be scheduled the same day as a student’s orchestra audition. Siblings will be scheduled around the same time when possible.
Families will be notified of audition date and time in mid-August.
GCTYO expects its members – string, woodwind, brass, and percussion – to remain in good standing as participants in their respective school music programs, where they exist. Private lessons alone are NOT a substitute for participation in school music programs.
Audition Information and Recommendations
Audition Information
Each student should prepare a piece or pieces that demonstrates their proficiency on the instrument. Percussionists should include snare, timpani, and mallet selections.Â
Jazz auditions are held separately. Students interested in Jazz should prepare 2 auditions, one for classical/wind and one for Jazz. Jazz musicians are required to also play in wind ensemble or a classical orchestra.
There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee to secure an audition appointment. No additional fee for a Jazz audition.
All current musicians are required to re-audition each year. Members are selected and seated by ability rather than age or grade.
Audition Dress Code: Business Casual: NO jeans, shorts sneakers or flip-flops. Dress for success and respect!
Audition Recommendations
We want you to feel relaxed and perform at your best, so we encourage you to review the following requirements and recommendations:
Scales
String players: Entry level string players must be able to play one-octave scales in the keys of C, G, D and F. Two to three-octave major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats may be asked of all other string players.
Woodwind and brass players: Entry level players must be able to play one-octave scales in concert keys up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. All other students may be asked to play two-octave scales in concert keys up to 4 sharps and 4 flats through their range.
Choose a solo you can play well. Have it well-prepared.
The adjudicator is not interested in when you started learning the solo; s/he will judge you on how well you play it. Choose a solo that shows off your ability. It should not be too easy, but if it is beyond your ability, it will hurt your audition score. Recognize that you will probably not perform your entire solo piece as audition time is limited. If the adjudicator asks you to stop, it is because s/he has heard what is needed.
Sight reading is a part of each audition.
Practice sight reading with your teacher at each lesson.
Be early for your audition
So that you can complete any necessary paperwork, warm up and be ready to do your best. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time.
Placement
GCTYO bases placement on an objective scoring process that measures scales, intonation, tone quality, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, phrasing, expression and technique on the instrument. The suggestions above serve only as guidelines. Eligibility for each orchestra/wind ensemble is ultimately determined by the student’s over all ability level and the adjudicators’ judgment as to where the student will have the best possible experience.