Orchestral Audition Requirements

Junior Orchestra Program
The Junior Orchestra Program offers five ensembles for string players 7-15 years of age:

• Preparatory Strings
  Ben Neumann , Conductor
• Pre-Chamber Strings A & B
  Ben Neumann , Conductor
• Chamber Strings
  Ben Neumann , Conductor
• Junior Strings
  Jeremy van Dieman, Conductor

The audition committee will place the candidate in the appropriate ensemble, based on the technical and musical skills demonstrated during the audition, in addition to orchestral experience.

Auditions are for the Junior Orchestra Program, not one specific ensemble. Placement is entirely at the discretion of the Junior Orchestra Program Coordinator (Ben Neumann) and ensemble directors. Students are placed in the ensemble that best suits their needs, and should be flexible regarding placement.

2012 audition dates:
May 22 - 24; May 28 - June 1 for Preparatory, Pre-Chamber A & B, and Chamber Orchestras
May 30 - June 1 for Junior Strings Orchestra 

Auditions are 10 minutes long and may be videotaped.

Please be prepared to play:

• Two contrasting pieces (unaccompanied);
• Skills in legato, spiccato, staccato, rhythm, shifting, etc., will be observed;
• Two scales of your choice (major or minor); should show current level of achievement;
• Sight reading (supplied by audition committee).

Please Note: Students auditioning for the Academy program do not need to schedule a separate orchestra audition.

Online Orchestra Audition Request Form

Conservatory Strings
John Thompson, Conductor

2012 audition dates:
May 14 -15, May 28

Minimum Age: 12. Auditions are 12 minutes long and may be videotaped.

New Students:

• Play two contrasting pieces of music of student's choice, 7 minutes total, unaccompanied;
• Play one three-octave scale, demonstrating legato and spiccato (two or four repeated notes) bowings, and arpeggio of student's choice;
• Sight reading.

Students (including students taking Academy auditions) currently in Conservatory Strings:

• Play passages from the current season's orchestral repertoire;
• Play one three-octave scale, demonstrating legato and spiccato (two or four repeated notes) bowings, and arpeggio of student's choice;
• Sight reading.

Online Orchestra Audition Request Form

Calgary Youth Orchestra
Edmond Agopian, Conductor

For audition requirements for the CYO, please click here.

Online Orchestra Audition Request Form