AUDITIONS

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING FOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, PLEASE READ BELOW:

Your video submission for Symphony Orchestra is due on Friday, February 6, 2026

In order to be eligible to audition, it is imperative that you fill out the sign up form linked here. This form indicates your intention to audition for one of our advanced orchestras.

All video submissions will be submitted by via video. A YouTube video marked unlisted is preferred. Please follow this link for a tutorial on how to create an unlisted video if you do not know how. Please refer to this document to ensure you are using the correct camera angles for your instrument. 

Create a single video with each element included. You may film each element separately but then you must combine each element to create one video. After you are done doing so, please fill out this form, including your video audition link.

If you cannot use YouTube for one reason or another, be sure whatever video platform you use is set so that I can access it. 

PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME VIDEOS. USE THE AUDITION FORM LINKED HERE TO UPLOAD YOUR AUDITION VIDEO OR CREATE A DOC WITH A LINK 

Before you submit your video be sure that the following conditions are met:

• Create a separate video for each aspect of the audition (one per scale and one per excerpt)

• You have viewed the entire audition form and followed all directions 

• You have reviewed your video. Be sure to send your best performance. 

• Be sure you sent the correct video! 

• Title the video with your Last name, First name - Instrument, Grade Next Year. For example: 

  • Acevedo, Mister - Contrabass Nose Flute, Grade 4,000

Bear in mind that an audition does not guarantee your placement in an one orchestra. I reserve the right to place you where you will most be served. Know that I value all of the orchestras equally, and believe all orchestras are of merit. All orchestras will serve to provide you with a pathway to better your musicianship, your technique, and your ensemble skills. Everyone of you is important. Every orchestra is important. 

ORCHESTRA DESCRIPTIONS:

***ALL ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC***

The String Orchestra is open to all violinists, violists, cellist, bassists, and harpists with one or more years experience (Playing at least one year in your middle school fulfills this). Students should at least have some experience, as one-on-one lessons are not a part of the classroom experience.   This course is designed for string players who do not desire to audition for higher level orchestras, but who wish to perfect the basic skills of musicianship and technique as appropriate to their instrument. Concepts/skills covered in the course include tuning, shifting, vibrato, ear training, scales, arpeggios, and basic production of a clear tone. This orchestra performs music, mostly arranged, from a variety of periods.  Other concepts are taught in the class including basic music theory and analysis.  Concerts are scheduled throughout the year.

The Concert Orchestra is open to all violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and harpists.  An audition is required to be enrolled in this ensemble.  Auditions generally occur at the end of the January for the following school year.  Concert orchestra studies repertoire from various styles and periods of history, some original (not arranged). Typical music of this ensemble is string music of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert.  Concert orchestra typically performs string literature though full orchestra literature with selected students from the band may be available if schedules do not conflict.

The Symphony Orchestra is open to all violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and harpists who play at an advanced level. An audition is required to be enrolled in this ensemble.  Auditions generally occur at the end of the January for the following school year. Most students in the Symphony have several years of experience and many take private instruction outside of school.  Symphony Orchestra typically performs advanced music, mostly original (not arranged). Typical music of this ensemble includes original symphonic works by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Schubert. Symphony Orchestra performs string literature as well as full orchestra literature with selected students from the Wind Symphony. (Quarters 2-4)

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

• Scales - Two Octaves

  • Violin: E Major | e melodic minor (Click here for a PDF of the scales)

  • Viola: A Major | a melodic minor

  • Cello: A Major | a melodic minor

  • Bass: G Major | g melodic minor

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

• Scales - Three Octaves

  • Violin: G Major | g melodic minor

  • Viola: C Major | c melodic minor

  • Cello: C Major | c melodic minor

  • Bass (Two Octaves): C Major | c melodic minor

Scales available at this link

EXCERPTS

• Violin - Brahms Symphony No. 4 | Beginning until Rehearsal C

  • Listen on Orchestra Excerpts dot com 

• Viola - Variations on a Theme of Haydn | Variation VII 

  • Listen on Orchestra Excerpts dot com 

• Cello - Brahms Symphony No. 3 | Beginning to Rehearsal B

  • Listen on Orchestra Excerpts dot com 

• Bass - Brahms Symphony No. 2 | Rehearsal E to Rehearsal F (mm. 118 - mm. 156)

  • Listen on Orchestra Excerpts dot com 

Excerpts can be found at this link

PLEASE REACH OUT TO MR. ACEVEDO WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS | acevedoa@eths202.org