This information is for the Orchestra and Wind Ensembles. For GDYO Jazz please Click Here
All Students auditioning for a string instrument will be asked to record their audition in the following order. Full details below.
- Scales
- Excerpts
- Solo
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
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes. Four to Eight notes per bow.
- Scale 3: Off the string (spicatto) at the balance point with 2 or 4 repeated notes for each scale degree
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
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, Four to Eight 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.
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, Two to Four 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
- 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 or any other type of scale
- 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
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.
Excerpts may be printed from the GDYO website (available on the right side of the screen – or below this information if on a mobile device).
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
Excerpts may be printed from the GDYO website (available on the right side of the screen – or below this information if on a mobile device)
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, Percussion, and Piano Applicants
Harp, Percussion, 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.
- 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 in the order printed on them.
Excerpts may be printed from the GDYO website (available on the right side of the screen – or below this information if on a mobile device)
For Percussionists: Because of the difficulty of arranging all instruments at the same time, percussionists may choose to record each instruments excerpt separately and combine the audition into a single video.
Viola (excerpt 3 edited 3-5-21)
Saxophone (Wind Symphony Only)