Auditions

Each student should prepare a piece or pieces that demonstrates their proficiency on the instrument. Percussionists should include snare, timpani, and mallet selections.

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.

We do not hold auditions for Steel Pan. Only registration is required. 

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: Avoid jeans, shorts, sneakers, or flip-flops. Dress for success and respect!

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; they 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 they have heard what is needed.

Sight reading is a part of each audition.

Practice sight reading!

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 is ultimately determined by the student’s overall ability level and the adjudicators’ judgment as to where the student will have the best possible experience.

When you audition for GCTYO, you are auditioning for a spot within our program in general. You do not audition for a specific orchestra, and we do not have a list of pieces that will qualify you for a specific orchestra.

You will be asked to play scales and a prepared piece and to do some sight reading. 

After the audition is complete, our artistic staff determines the appropriate placement based upon your overall skill level and musicianship.