This information is for the Orchestra and Wind Ensembles. For GDYO Jazz please Click Here

For Students auditioning for Sinfonietta, Philharmonic or GDYO
Three, 3 octave scales

Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.

• Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo with vibrato. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
• Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes. 4, 8 or 16 notes per bow.
• Scale 3: Off the string (spiccato) at the balance point with 2 repeated notes. No sautille. Quarter note = 120, and play 2 eighth notes.

For Students Auditioning for DSE
Two, 3 octave scales

Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.

• Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo with vibrato. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
• Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, 4, 8 or 16 notes per bow.

For Students Auditioning for YPO
Two, 2 octave scales

Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.

• Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
• Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, 2 to 4 notes per bow.

If you are auditioning for multiple ensembles, please play the scale requirement for the highest ensemble you are auditioning for.

Orchestral Excerpts

• Orchestral Excerpts available here.
• Students auditioning for GDYO must perform ALL orchestral excerpts in the order marked on the music. 
• Students auditioning for Philharmonic are encouraged to perform all orchestral excerpts but are only required to perform excerpt #1.
• Students auditioning for Sinfonietta may perform orchestral excerpts if they wish, but they are not required. 
• Students auditioning for DSE or YPO do not play excerpts.

Solo of their choice without accompaniment

Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities such as; level of technique in fast passages, a variety of bowing styles, shifting level, vibrato and demonstration of musical expression, etc.

• Students are not required to perform  entire movements. If they meet the requirements above, 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.

Please refer to our Ensemble Descriptions page for an overview of level and age restrictions for each ensemble.

Wind and Brass Applicants

Wind and Brass applicants should record in the following order:

2 Scales of their choice

• Scales should be two or three octaves depending on ability.
• Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor 
• At least one scale should be articulated up and down.

Orchestral Excerpts

• All Wind and Brass applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on the pages.
• Excerpts available here.

One Solo Work of their choice (without accompaniment)

• Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities
• They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.

Harp, Percussion, and Piano Applicants

Harp, Percussion, and Piano applicants should be prepared to perform the following:

One Solo Work of their choice (without accompaniment)

• Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities.
• They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.
• For percussionists, the solo needs to be played on xylophone with 2 mallets.

Orchestral Excerpts

• Harp, Percussion, and Piano Applicants must perform all posted excerpts

For Percussionists; instruments will be provided at the audition but you must bring your own sticks and mallets. You are welcome to bring your own snare drum and/or cymbals, but must use our Timpani, Xylophone and Glockenspiel.

Harp and Piano Applicants

Harp and Piano applicants should record the following:

One Solo Work of their choice (without accompaniment)

• Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities.
• They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.

Orchestral Excerpts

• Harp and Piano Applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on them. 
• Excerpts available here.

Percussion Applicants

Percussion applicants should be prepared to perform the following:

One Solo Work of their choice

• Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities.
• Must be performed on a xylophone with two mallets.
• They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.

Orchestral Excerpts

• Percussion Applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on them. 
• Excerpts available here.

Instruments will be provided at the audition but you must bring your own sticks and mallets. You are welcome to bring your own snare drum and/or cymbals, but must use our Timpani, Xylophone and Glockenspiel.

Live auditions for percussion will be held at the Sammons Center for the Arts. 3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas
This audition will be recorded by the GDYO so the conductors will view them all together.

Date 1: Thursday, April 14 from 5 PM to 10 PM
Date 2: Saturday, April 16 from 9 AM to 1 PM

You will be scheduled for one of these two dates, please make a note on your application if you have an unavoidable conflict on either of these dates.
If you are unable to make either of these dates you may submit a video recording no later then Saturday, April 16.