A lot youth symphonies, orchestras, and music camps will ask students to audition so that they can be appropriately placed. This is naturally a very stressful event!
I think it’s comforting to know that everyone feels stressed by this but that in the end, you’ll be glad you practiced, went out there, and tried your best. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!!”
You may get first chair, last chair, not get in at all, or walk out with a full scholarship.. but you won’t know until you try. The process of auditioning does indeed make you a better player!
You want to have your scales ready and a solo prepared. I found this list of acceptable solos from the New Jersey Youth Symphony and they have the Suzuki pieces highlighted. They are organized by skill level.
If you need music you can always find it for free if it’s in the public domain. This is music that is over 100 years old, which is so much of classical music.. We are so lucky! You can search the International Music Score Library Project IMSLP for thousands of piece.
I thought that these two links were also very helpful to see the types of orchestral excerpts you may be asked to play:
The Charleston Youth Symphony audition sheet looks great and also has some info on how to play your scales and at what tempo.
The Heights Foundation youth symphony from Fort Meyers Florida has some basic info on scales, arpeggios, and orchestral excerpts.
I am always available to help my students prepare for auditions! Contact me today to get started 🙂
Cello by Triana – Minnesota Wedding Cellist, Cello Lessons, Minneapolis Wedding Ceremony Musician
