New Student Enrollment
Auditions and Course Selection Info
Welcome to the CCA music program. Check out the ENSEMBLES page for information about each class. Check here for the recommended course progressions and course profiles.
*course selection tip* Make sure you put a music class (orchestra, symphonic band, rock band) on your schedule both first and second term to save a spot for music in the schedule you turn in to your counselors-then after the audition, students who need to move classes have a place to go. If you only put music 1 term, that is all the counselor will record-this is NOT recommended. Click HERE to see a sample 4 year plan with music, and room for PE, world language and extra math/science/AP electives
Conservatory applications (grades 10 and above only) can be found here, they are due on March 31
There are no required auditions for Chorus, Orchestra, or Symphonic Band, just sign up!
Online Auditions
for current and incoming students <-- click this link to submit your audition.
Google drive links, youtube or vimeo links all work, so long as you make your files shareable/viewable. Auditions can be audio or video files.
Auditions will be due by April 14, we will let you know the results by email by May 1. Students not placed in the class they auditioned for will be placed in the appropriate level music class. In the case of Rock/Jazz Band, students will be placed in their alternate elective.
All students will submit their auditions for Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band and Rock Band via this form. Make sure you have your recordings finished before starting the form.
Advanced Chorus auditions can be scheduled with Ms. Whattoff, by emailing her directly.
Any student requesting an audition after that date runs the risk of the class filling before they can be considered for a spot.
There are no auditions necessary for Symphonic Band, Chorus or Orchestra, just sign up!
Audition Requirements:
Winds and Concert Percussion for Wind Ensemble
email Amy Villanova with any questions or clarifications
File 1: Winds- in as many octaves as makes sense- chromatic scale, Concert Bb scale, Concert Db scale and Concert A scale (4 scales total, in an articulation of your choosing, at a minimum speed of 8th notes at quarter note = 80.
File 1: Percussion- On a snare drum, practice pad or whatever you have on hand, perform this excerpt (choose #5 or #6)
File 2: Winds and Percussion- A solo piece of their choosing that demonstrates lyrical and technical ability, or one of the excerpts from this page. These samples are provided as an example, students are welcome to use these excerpts or play something from their own repertoire
Chamber Orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass)
email Amy Villanova with any questions or clarifications
Orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass) students should enroll in Chamber Orchestra (both terms) Students in Chamber Orchestra will perform as part of a high level chamber ensemble in addition to their regular Orchestra coursework-essentially being part of two orchestras instead of just one! Students interested in Chamber Orchestra should prepare the following
File 1- Major scales- Play D Major, Bb Major, A Major in as many octaves as makes sense for your instrument (3+ except for bass) using a consistent bowing of your choosing, at a minimum speed of 8th notes at quarter note = 80.
File 2-Solo A brief solo piece of your choosing, demonstrating your technical ability and musicality. You may choose 2 brief excerpts to satisfy both requirements.
Jazz Band Horn Section (trumpets, saxophones, trombones)
email Amy Villanova with any questions or clarifications
File 1: Winds- in as many octaves as makes sense- chromatic scale, Concert Bb scale, Concert Db scale and Concert A scale (4 scales total, in an articulation of your choosing, at a minimum speed of 8th notes at quarter note = 80.
File 2-Solo A jazz standard melody (head) and optional improvisation over the changes. Use a selection from the Real Book or something similar. Here is a suitable sample (treble clef, bass clef)
Jazz Band Rhythm Section (drums, piano, guitar and bass)
email Amy Villanova with any questions or clarifications
File 1- Guitar, Piano, Bass Pick any song out of the “Real Book” and perform the melody. Here is a suitable sample (treble clef, bass clef)
File 2- Guitar, Piano, Bass solo over a 12 bar blues form
File 1-Drummers need to prepare a solo that demonstrates an understanding of a variety of jazz drumming styles. Styles to perform include Swing, Funk, a Latin style of your choice and Bossa Nova
File 2- Drummers play a solo that alternates between 4 bars of time in a jazz style, followed by 4 bars of solo fills, for 32 bars
Rock Band
email Nate Jarrell with any questions or clarifications
File 1- Guitar, Piano, Bass Play a full song in the rock style you like best
File 2- Guitar, Piano, Bass demonstrate a major scale and a minor pentatonic scale (file 2 is optional)
File 1-Drummers Play a full song in the rock style you like best play a full rock
File 2- Drummers play a solo that alternates between 4 bars of time in a rock style, followed by 4 bars of solo fills, for 32 bars
File 1-Singers- perform a full song, preferably with a backing track. No need for a second file
Advanced Chorus
prepare a short solo
be prepared to do some ear training, sight singing and vocal exercises to determine range etc
email Ms. Whattoff for any questions and to schedule an appointment for your live online audition