2008-2009 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

08-09 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 musicianswho have played their instruments two years or more.  It requires more reading and counting simple rhythms.  Listening and counting skills are stressed, providing a sound foundation for future orchestra participation.  The music literature performed at three concerts is classical, popular and folk.

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 or higher (no accompanists, please), and sight-reading at Grade 1 level with good pitch and rhythm.  Musicians must demonstrate accurate intonation, bowing articulations like slurs and staccato, and musical style.  Good technique is necessary.  Also demonstrate an 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.  In addition to the regular rehearsal schedule Academy String Orchestra musicians attend the annual 2-night "Academy in the Pines" retreat .
(November 14-16, 2008)

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 Grade 1 and 2 levels.  Players must have ensemble experience, demonstrating big tone, use of correct bow techniques (straight bows), good intonation, and musical style.

Violin Scales: 2-octave G, A C and B flat Major.  First violins will be asked to play 2-octave D Major scale.
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 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 41st 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 musicians comprise the organization's most advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players; and performs 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.  Most recently in June 2007 The Concert Orchestra toured Vancouver, British Colombia. 

The Concert Orchestra Requirements

Strings

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 Rossini's Barber of Seville (see below) and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2008-2009 season.  All string musicians will be judged for intonation, control, and tone.

+ Barber of Seville Score:
(all auditionees who are new to the Orchestra audition with Violin II part)

Violin I:    beginning of "Allegro Vivace" (measure 39 to Rehearsal C)

Violin II:    Allegro vivace - measure 25 for few measures
                   Measure 64 to 68
 
Viola:    Allegro vivace - beginning to 34
               64 to 68
 
Cello:    Allegro vivace  - measure 68 to 76
               Measure 238 to 246
 
Bass:   Allegro vivace - measure 68 to 72
            Measure 229 to 233 

Brass & Woodwinds

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), and sight-reading of excerpts from pieces that may be performed in the 2008-2009 season.

Percussion

Percussion auditions will include two snare drum excerpts and scales on a mallet instrument (marimba, xylophon, vibes, etc.).  Pieces for percussion auditions are available below.

+ Percussion audition pieces available by clicking here.