Contact: Janice Mah (Strings Teacher) for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements!
The program serves to enrich the musical education of each student by supporting and encouraging proper technique and musicality. Through ensemble rehearsals, orchestra rehearsals, chamber music, the study of etudes and scales, and solo repertoire, students will develop an appreciation and better understanding of the different and challenging aspects of this art form. Continuing to study with a private music teacher is encouraged for success in the program.
Important dates
November 4, 2025: Arts Open House (Drama, Dance and Music)
January 7, 2026: Group Workshop info session
6-8pm *bring your instruments!
January 23, 26, 27, 28, 2026: Audition dates
Applicants to the Strings Program will attend both a Group Information Workshop and an Individual Audition/Interview.
GroupWorkshop (2 hours) - BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT !
The group has workshop is held on the same day for all music applicants. It will provide information on the specifics of the audition process and the expectations of the audition panel. The purpose is to help students understand what is required in the music audition and to propose ways for students to prepare themselves. The workshop will:
Help take the anxiety out of coming for an audition
Review the audition requirements
Suggest how to choose and prepare the best piece of music for you
Discuss the deportment and attitude the panel is looking for at the audition
Play with others and see what it's like working in a string ensemble at CHS!
All applicants should be in attendance even if they have not yet received any auditions dates and times via web-response. No advance preparation is required and parents may wait outside the music room during the workshop while the students are given audition information and given an opportunity to ask specific questions.
All students will be provided with a date/time for their individual performance audition and interview in front of a panel of music teachers. After the performance requirements (listed below) have been completed, the panel will discuss with the student the reasons for entering the program, their school and extracurricular activities, and their commitment to music.
The panel will also review the student’s backgrounds and experiences, attitude, work habits and any reference letters or material. The audition/interview segment will last approximately 20 minutes. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions about the school and the program and to tell the audition panel about themselves.
Give yourself plenty of time before the audition to relax and get mentally prepared. A practice room will be available for you to warm-up.
It is recommended that students get assistance from a music teacher when selecting and preparing their music for the audition.
Repertoire: Prepare one (1) piece (max. 3 min.) of the candidate’s choice which will best demonstrate the candidate’s performance level (please omit repeats). The student must have a scanned copy of their piece emailed to janice.mah@ocdsb.ca before the audition or bring a copy to the audition.
Scales: Play one (1) major scale of the student’s choice minimum of 2 octaves ascending and descending (some exceptions can be made). Play one (1) harmonic or melodic minor scale , student's choice minimum of 2 octaves ascending and descending (some exceptions can be made).
Sight-reading: Sight read a short passage at an appropriate level.
Ear Training: Complete a simple ear test demonstrating the ability to match pitches and clap rhythms (i.e. play back a simple musical phrase played by audition panel).
Theory: Identify basic note and rest types (i.e. whole note, half note, eighth rest, etc.) and the names of the notes of both the treble and bass clef staves.
Candidates will be assessed on the following:
Posture: left and right hand position
Overall tone quality
Technical accuracy (intonation, rhythm and articulation)
Musicianship (phrasing, dynamics, style)
Presence (etiquette, decorum)
Students applying to Music for grades 10, 11 or 12 will need to answer questions based on grade related theory during the audition.
Each book listed below should be learned and studied in its entirety to prepare for this portion of the audition.
Grade 10: Elementary Music Rudiments, Basic. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music
Grade 11: Elementary Music Rudiments, Intermediate. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music
Grade 12: Elementary Music Rudiments, Grade 2. by Mark Sarnecki, Frederick Harris Music