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Contact: Jason Sinkus (head of dept) for any questions pertaining to the audition requirements
Audition Requirements for Winds & Percussion
Audition Requirements for Winds & Percussion
Applicants to the Music Program will attend both an Audition info Workshop and an Individual Audition/Interview.
Note: Music applicants may apply for only one of the three music areas offered: Vocal, Winds/Percussion, or Strings.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL CANDIDATES!
Arts Open House / Music Program Info Session (1 hour) - Nov 4/25 @ 7pm
Arts Open House / Music Program Info Session (1 hour) - Nov 4/25 @ 7pm
Come and find out information about the Canterbury Music Program. You will get the chance to meet the music teachers and get details about the Vocal, Strings, and Winds/Percussion programs that are offered at Canterbury.
Audition Information Workshop (1 hour) - Jan 6/26 @ 6pm (note this is a date change)
Audition Information Workshop (1 hour) - Jan 6/26 @ 6pm (note this is a date change)
This workshop 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
Show what evaluation criteria will be used
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
Students must attend the workshop before their individual audition. All music 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.
INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS - Jan 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2026
INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS - Jan 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2026
REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDS & PERCUSSION
REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDS & PERCUSSION
All students will be provided with a date/time for their individual performance audition and interview in front of a panel of music teachers.
It is recommended that students get assistance from a Music teacher when selecting and preparing their music for the audition.
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.
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). Pop music and band parts are discouraged. RCM repertoire for the respective instrument would be ideal. The student must email a copy of the music for the audition panel.
Percussionists are asked to prepare a snare, mallet, and timpani piece for their audition.
Scales
Play one (1) major scale of the student’s choice 2 octaves ascending and descending. Play one (1) other major scale of the student’s choice 1 octave ascending and descending with the following articulation: 2 notes slurred, 2 notes staccato. N.B. Percussion students must be able to perform the scales on a keyboard (i.e. xylophone, bells) with mallets.
Sight-reading
Sight read a short passage at an appropriate level
You can practice your sight reading with a free account at Sightreadingfactory.com
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, hand position and embouchure
Tone quality, breath support, intonation
Technical accuracy (pitches, rhythm and articulation)
Musicianship (phrasing, dynamics, style)
Presence (etiquette, decorum)
Interview
Interview
After the performance requirements (listed above) 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 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.
All Students Applying to Grades 10, 11 or 12
All Students Applying to Grades 10, 11 or 12
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
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