THE WORCESTER YOUTH ORCHESTRAS FOUNDED IN 1947
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 symphony orchestra Audition RequiremenTs


1) 3 Scales (2 major, 1 minor) with Arpeggios
2) 2 Prepared Solo Excerpts


A sight reading excerpt will be given at the time of your audition
​

String players 

1) Readily play through at least 5th position, demonstrating a command of shifting
2) Be able to play with good intonation and expressiveness (dynamics, articulations, slurs, interpreting the melodies and musical ideas)
3) 3 Scales, at least in three octaves, major and minor, plus the accompanying arpeggios
4) Perform two contrasting pieces, (slow-fast or expressive-more technical/virtuosic)
​
Specific Instrument Details:
​
Viola - Ability to read treble clef
Cello - Ability to read tenor clef

All Concertmaster & Principal Seatings are determined in August when accepted students are sent a string hearing excerpt to prepare. 

Suggested Scales:
​
Violin Scale Sheet
Viola Scale Sheet
'Cello Scale Sheet​
String Bass Scale Sheet

Please consult with your teacher/school music teacher on which arpeggios to play. 
​
Percussion: 
​

Students should prepare a snare excerpt and bring a snare with them to their audition. 

In General, percussionists should have experience with:
- Timpani: Knowledge of tuning, ability to play on at least three drums
 - Ability to play  the standard orchestral percussion: Snare, Bass, Cymbals (Crash & Suspended), Triangle  and a mallet instrument (Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glock).


WYSO Percussion Policy:  WYSO Percussion is divided into Timpani and the Percussion Section.  The Timpanist is considered the Principal Percussionist, and is the de facto timpanist when the work calls for it.  The percussion section has a Section Leader who coordinates part coverage and player distribution.  WYO's Timpanist is expected to play percussion when a piece does not call for Timpani, and works with the Percussion Section Leader to coordinate parts.
Winds & Brass

1) Three Scales (2 major, 1 minor)  
2) Two contrasting solo works of your choice

All Principal Seatings are determined in August when accepted students are sent a hearing excerpt to prepare. 

Specific Instrument Details:

Flute - All flutes should be prepared to play/learn piccolo
Clarinet - Knowledge of both Bb & A transpositions is preferable
Bassoon - Ability to read tenor clef preferable
Trombone - Ability to read c-clef required 

Piano/Keyboard

1) Two contrasting solo works of your choice

Harp
1) Two contrasting solo works of your choice (one must demonstrate knowledge of glissandos)

Suggested Scales:

Oboe Scale Sheet
Bassoon Scale Sheet
Flute Scale Sheet
Clarinet Scale Sheet
Bass Clar. Scale Sheet
Trumpet Scale Sheet
Trombone Scale Sheet
Bass Tbne Scale Sheet
Fr. Horn Scale Sheet
​Tuba Scale Sheet

Online Audition Form
School Participation Policy:

It is expected that students who enroll in any WYO program also continue to participate in their school ensemble (band, orchestra or choir). If an ensemble is not offered at a student's school, you may also elect to take music theory, appreciation or any music course offered by the school. In the case that no musical classes are offered, OR if an unresolvable scheduling conflict prevents you from taking an ensemble music class, please let us know.  WYO works in partnership with our local public schools, private schools and music teachers. We are passionately committed to supporting our local music programs and teachers.  

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

The Worcester Youth Orchestras School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender preference, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminated on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender preference, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school administered programs.  

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