2010-2011 Audition Requirements

 Auditions are by appointment only.  To obtain an appointment, please download the form below and send to the Youth Symphony office at P.O. Box 658, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 or call (805)543-3533 ext. 109

2010-2011 Audition Form  (note: this form is designed to be printed on legal size paper, but can print on letter size paper on multiple sheets)

The San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony is compromised of four ensembles to accomodate various levels of experience:  Preparatory Strings, Academy String Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, and The Concert Orchestra.  Musicians are placed in the ensemble that best matches their musical ability.

Preparatory Strings

Preparatory Strings is a string orchestra experience for musicians who have played their instruments two years or more.  It requires reading and counting simple rhythms.  Listening and ensemble skills are stressed, providing a sound foundation for future orchestra participation.  The music literature performed concerts is classical, popular and folk.  This is a dynamic and challenging group that has developed significantly in the last few years.

Preparatory Strings Requirements

All auditions for Preparatory Strings will include: scales (see below), a prepared piece at the level of the Bach Minuets in Suzuki Book 1 (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading of simple melodies with good pitch and rhythm.  Musicians must demonstrate accurate intonation, bowing articulations like slurs and staccato, and appropriate musical style.  Good technique is essential as is the ability to play at a steady tempo with others.

Violin Scales: 1-octave D and A Major, 2-octaves G scale
Viola & Cello Scales: 1-octave D and G Major, 2-octaves C Major
Bass Scale: 1-octave G Major

Academy String Orchestra

This intermediate string orchestra consists of students with three or more years experience on violin, viola, cello, or bass.  The Academy String Orchestra performs standard music literature from Baroque through modern composers with an appreciation of musical styles for each period through sectional and full ensemble rehearsals. Solo opportunities exist for outstanding members.  In addition to the regular rehearsal schedule and concerts Academy String Orchestra musicians attend the annual 2-night "Academy in the Pines" retreat . (Dates TBA) Additional fee required

Academy String Orchestra Requirements

All auditions for the Academy String Orchestra will include scales (see below), a prepared piece at the level of Suzuki Book 3 or higher (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading at an intermediate level.  Players must have ensemble experience, demonstrating big tone, use of correct bow techniques (straight bows), good intonation, and musical style. The music selections are becoming more advanced each year.  Musicians should now be playing in positions or ready to learn higher positions.

Violin Scales: 2-octave G, A, C, D Major and B flat Major                             
Viola Scales: 2-octave C,D,F, and E flat Major
Cello Scales: C, D and one of your choice
Bass Scales: 2-octave 3 different scales of your choice

Symphonic Winds

The Symphonic Winds ensemble consists of intermediate and advanced woodwind and brass musicians who have two or more years' experience on their instrument.  This ensemble performs challenging works for wind orchestra.

Symphonic Winds Requirements

All auditions for Symphonic Winds will include 5 Major key scales of your choice, a piece that shows the range of playing with which you are comfortable (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading equivalent to a Grade 2 piece.  A minimum of 2 years experience on a wind or brass instrument is required.

The Concert Orchestra

The Concert Orchestra has been training tomorrow’s classical musicians since 1965. Now in its 45th year, The San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra is considered among the best youth orchestras in the nation. This exceptional ensemble includes talented young people from 7th to 12th grade. These committed young people comprise the organization's most advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians; and perform the most difficult repertoire of the four ensembles.  In 2001, the Orchestra performed a European tour,  in 2005 competed in the National Orchestra Festival in Reno, Nevada.  In honor of the Youth Symphony's 40th Anniversary Season, the Concert Orchestra performed a special benefit concert under the baton of internationally-renowned conductor and Youth Symphony alumni, Kent Nagano.  In June 2007 The Concert Orchestra toured Vancouver, British Colombia. This coming season The Concert Orchestra will tour to San Diego in June 21st-25th, 2010. 

The Concert Orchestra Requirements

To print audition music for The Concert Orchestra follow these steps:
(Call the Symphony Office during business hours if you have any questions or e-mail issy@slosymphony.com)

Step 1.    Go to the Symphony's server web page by typing start.slosymphony.com in the search box on your navigation toolbar (not your search engine such as google).
DO NOT use "www."

Step 2.    A page will appear that has a San Luis Obispo Symphony header.
Look to the top right hand corner and click on "Sign In"

Step 3.    Log onto the serving with the user name and password provided on the audition registration form.
You DO NOT need to type in @slosymphony.com.  The computer has already done that for you.)

Step 4.   Find the Google Docs application on the right side of the page and click beneath where it says "sign in".

Step 5.    It won't look much different, but click on the Blue bar that says "Google Docs"

Step 6.     Click on the excerpt titled with the instrument on which you will audition.
(notice that some instuments have 2 seprate excerpts; you will need both)

Step 7.       On the top left corner click either "Download" or "Print" and the process is complete!

Strings Audition Requirements

String auditions for the Orchestra will include 3-octave scales up to three flats and three sharps (A, C, D, F and G Major, B flad and E flat Major), a prepared piece of your choice (no accompanists, please), selected excerpts from Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2010-2011 season.  All string musicians will be judged for intonation, control, tone and presence
(all  who audition that are new to the Orchestra audition with Violin II part)

Brass & Woodwinds Audition Requirements

Brass and woodwinds auditions for the Orchestra will include 2-octave scales up to four flats and four sharps (A,C,D,E,F and G Major, A flat, B flat and E flat Major), 2-octave chromatic scales, a prepared piece of your choice that demonstrates technical ability and tone quality (no accompanists, please), excerpts from Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5 and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2010-2011 season.
 

Percussion Audition Requirements

Percussion auditions will include two snare drum excerpts and scales on a mallet instrument (marimba, xylophon, vibes, etc.).