Auditions will be done through Google Classroom This Year!
Please E-mail Mr. Peters if you need the Google Classroom Audition Code.
How to Audition
Symphonic Orchestra Auditions
Auditions are held twice a year. After the first concert in December and Also at the end of the school year in June for the following year's group.
Rising 6th graders and new students to the group are allowed to audition in September if they are not quite ready for an audition in June.
All current members of Symphonic are required to re-audition in June for the following year as well. The only exception to this rule is Wind Players. Wind Players are automatically placed in the group provided that they are in good standing with the music program.
In order to audition, you must read and submit the digital audition packet available on Google Classroom. Contact your music teacher for access to that Google Classroom.
If you are not currently taking private lessons I HIGHLY recommend getting at least a few to get you ready for your audition. This is not a requirement but often times getting in with a great private teacher can really make preparing an audition piece a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable. You can find a great list of accredited private teachers in the area by clicking here. Everyone on this list has produced high-quality students time and time again and keeps students away from a revolving door of different teachers.
If you have any questions regarding your audition please contact Mr. Peters at speters@ridgefieldps.net
Chamber Orchestra Auditions
Auditions are held in June only for the following year's group. The only exception to this is students who transfer in over the summer from out of district.
All current members of the Chamber Orchestra are required to re-audition in June for the following year.
All students who audition for Chamber Orchestra must be in good standing with the director both in Symphonic Orchestra and in Grade Level Orchestra (Complete assignments in class, attend all concerts, etc.)
In order to audition, you must sign up for a time using the form found on Google Classroom. Chamber auditions are done live and in person.
Because of the level of music played in Chamber Orchestra, students auditioning for this group almost always need to have a private instructor. A list of great private instructors can be found on my website by clicking here. It is also expected that students continue with their instructors while in the group. If you take lessons just to prepare for your audition and then don't continue while playing with the group you are doing yourself a disservice. This is again because of the level of repertoire that this group performs. If the student can perform at the needed level without an instructor that is fine although it almost never happens.
Required Chamber Orchestra audition pieces:
"Concerto in D minor" which you can be found on Google Classroom. (Concerto in D minor which needs to be played up to measure 22)
A solo etude of your choice. This piece should be picked out by you and your private instructor. Students auditioning for chamber orchestra should consider playing something out of Suzuki Book 4 or above. Book 3 is acceptable as long as the solo is played masterfully. Solo pieces should emphasize good technique, the ability to shift into different positions, and general facility on the instrument.
A 3 Octave Scale of your choice.
Students that audition for Chamber Orchestra do not need to prepare a Symphonic Orchestra audition. All students who audition for Chamber Orchestra will be placed in Symphonic Orchestra based on their Chamber audition. Students who are accepted into Chamber Orchestra MUST participate in symphonic orchestra. If you have time restrictions and can only participate in one group then it must be Symphonic Orchestra.
Make sure you have filled out your digital Chamber Orchestra audition form. Contact Mr. Peters with any questions.