Audition Information

All students wishing to join the NJSYO must audition. Auditions may include any combination of the following:

(a) scales,
(b) a solo piece demonstrating the student’s ability level, and
(c) sight reading.

The requirements for scales are listed below according to instrument.

Preparatory String Orchestra

Basic Skills

• Students must be in the second grade or higher in September.
• Completion of a method book such as Essential Elements for Strings 2000, Strictly Strings, All for Strings, etc.
• Ability to read music without writing in note names or basic fingerings.
• Must be familiar with rhythms including quarter, eighth, half, whole and dotted notes.
• Ability to count in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time.

Scales

Violin: 2 octaves: G, A; 1 octave: Bb, C, D, F
Viola: 1 octave: Bb, C, D, F, G
Cello: 1 octave: Bb, C, D, F, G
Bass: 1 octave: G

Violinists will be expected to play one 2 octave scale and one 1 octave scale listed above. All others will be expected to play two 1 octave scales.

Solo Piece

Solo piece must be an actual solo for your instrument, not an orchestra part. Solo should demonstrate the student’s ability and be a minimum of 32 measures long including repeats. Suggested examples include Bach Minuets, 1, 2, and 3, solos found at the end of Suzuki Book 1 and the solos in the beginning of Suzuki Book 2.

Other similar solos are accepted.

Sight Reading

Sight reading will be provided and will be part of an orchestra piece similar to those that will will be played at this level. Students will be given a stated amount of time to visually review the piece with playing their instruments. Students will then play the part to the best of their ability.

Concert Youth Orchestra

Violins

Scales: Pick one major and one minor from the following:

3 octaves: G major;
A minor 2 octaves: A, Bb, C, D, Eb, E, F major;
G, B, C, D, E minor 1 octave: F-sharp minor

Solo

Two short contrasting pieces (one fast, one slow). Solo pieces should be of difficulty comparable to Vivaldi’s A minor Concerto, first movement.

Violas and Cellos

Scales: Pick one major and one minor from the following:

3 octaves: C major
2 octaves: D, Eb, E, F, G, Ab, A, Bb major; C, D, E, G, A, B, F-sharp minor

Solo
Two short contrasting pieces (one fast, one slow). Solo pieces should be of difficulty comparable to Bourree from Bach’s third suite (BWV 1009).

Bass

Scales
Two scales of your choice (one major, one minor), both 2 octaves.

Solo
One or two solo piece(s) of your choice.

Winds/Brass

Scales
Two scales of your choice (one major, one minor), both 2 octaves.

Solo
Two short contrasting solo pieces (one fast, one slow) that best demonstrate your ability.

Percussion

Demonstration of the knowledge of and ability to perform various rhythmic patterns.  You will be graded on rhythmic stability, good sound, and dynamic contrasts.

Senior Youth Orchestra

Winds , Brass, Percussion

Major scales shall be played in complete octaves as dictated by the range chart (see below). The required diatonic scales for all instruments are six sharps and six flats and shall be played in the pattern of a quarter note followed by six eighth notes. Chromatic scales shall be played in complete octaves within the given range of the instrument as defined in the range chart. Scales shall be played either slurred or tongued as indicated by the judges. Percussionists shall perform separate technical requirements in lieu of the scale requirements. A solo piece demonstrating the student’s ability.

Violin

3 octaves: G, A, Ab, Bb, C 2 octaves: D, Eb, E, F
Solo piece should be of difficulty comparable to Handel Sonata in F Major or Suzuki Book 6

Viola

Solo piece should be of difficulty comparable to Telemann Concerto

Cello

3 octaves: C, D, Eb, E, F 2 octaves: G, Ab, A, Bb
Solo piece should be of difficulty comparable to Tchaikovsky Chanson Trieste or Brevel Sonata

Bass
2 octaves: E, F, G, Ab, A, Bb, C, D

Chamber Ensemble

Violin
3 octaves: G, A, Ab, Bb, C 2 octaves: D, Eb, E, F

Viola
3 octaves: C, D, Eb, E, F 2 octaves: G, Ab, A, Bb

Cello
3 octaves: C, D, Eb, E, F 2 octaves: G, Ab, A, Bb

Bass
2 octaves: E, F, G, Ab, A, Bb, C, D
A solo piece demonstrating the student’s ability level

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