2015Guidelines - Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra

SCOTT GREGG, MUSIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR
2015 Audition Guidelines
and Repertoire Lists
To schedule an audition, visit:
www.jaxyouthorchestra.com
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FOUNDED IN 1993
SCOTT C. GREGG
Music Director & Principal Conductor
Winston Family Endowed Chair
PATRICK SMITH
ROCKY DI GEORGIO
MARJ DUTILLY
ROBERT E. J ACOBY SYMPHONY H ALL
Conducting Staff
TONY KAMNIKAR
JSO/JSYO Education and Outreach Manager
March 31, 2015 Greetings to all prospective JSYO members! Thank you for your interest in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra program was created to enrich lives by making music an essential part of the First Coast community, and to provide continuing quality music education, training, and performance opportunities for the youth of the First Coast. Founded in 1993 under the auspices of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the goal of the JSYO is to bring talented instrumentalists from the First Coast region together to perform in a professionally conducted orchestra. The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra is comprised of over 275 musicians ages 7 to 22, admitted into six orchestras through a competitive audition process. The organization is committed to training talented young musicians by a fantastic staff of professional conductors and musicians. These players are offered the opportunity to improve their musical skills and work with peers that have attained similar levels of expertise and skill. The JSYO is dedicated to pursuing and maintaining high musical standards. The enclosed audition requirements and guidelines represent for each of our six ensembles -­ string and full orchestras -­ the expected level of technical achievement for all orchestral instruments. Each ensemble’s repertoire will be geared toward the achievement levels outlined below in order to provide a challenging and progressive experience for students ready to tackle them. I hope you will consider auditioning for the JSYO this Spring. I promise you will find it one of the most rewarding musical experiences of your life! Best wishes, Scott C. Gregg Music Director & Principal Conductor Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra 2
JSYO FOUNDATION STRINGS I st
1 year beginning level string ensemble for musicians just starting their studies. Weekly rehearsals with professional musicians and conductors with emphasis on building a solid technical foundation with possible opportunities for performance as the group progresses. Students are introduced to the study of a string instrument with extended rehearsals and coaching at the beginning of the season. Foundation Strings musicians meet weekly during the regular school year for weekly coachings and rehearsals. Application for entrance to the Foundation Strings I program: • Beginners are welcome! • No audition is necessary. nd
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• Minimum of 2 grade or age 7 by September 1 , 2015 • Applications are accepted until the program has reached capacity. It is expected that students entering the JSYO Foundation Strings program will aspire to progress on their instrument. To progress on their instrument a private teacher is necessary;; the once per week group ensemble experience alone is not enough. Students entering the Foundation Strings program are encouraged to obtain a private teacher in conjunction with starting the program. JSYO FOUNDATION STRINGS II nd
2 year beginning level string ensemble for musicians just starting their studies. Weekly rehearsals with professional musicians and conductors with emphasis on building a solid technical foundation with possible opportunities for performance as the group progresses. All Foundation Strings I & II musicians are encouraged to have a private instructor. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO & BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or comparable work. 2. SCALES ALL INSTRUMENTS will play the following major scales and arpeggios as listed below. Scales and arpeggios will be played in even quarter notes using separate bows, quarter = 80. VIOLIN Major scales: G in 2 octaves;; D in 1 octave VIOLA Major scales: C in 2 octaves;; G in 1 octave CELLO Major scales: C in 2 octaves;; G in 1 octave BASS Major scales: G in 1 octave;; D in 1 octave 3. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. 3
JSYO ENCORE STRINGS String orchestra for advanced beginner and intermediate level musicians. Weekly rehearsals and in-­depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, several concerts each season. All Encore Strings players are required to have a private teacher. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO & BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment). VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 2 or 3, or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1 or 2 (2 preferred), or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 1, or comparable work. 2. SCALES ALL INSTRUMENTS will play TWO scales from the list below, chosen by jury. Scales will be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. quarter = 80 VIOLIN Major scales: G, A, Bb in 2 octaves;; C, D, F in 1 octave VIOLA Major scales: C, D in 2 octaves, F, G in 1 octave CELLO Major scales: C, D in 2 octaves, F, G in 1 octave BASS Major scales: C, G, A, F in 1 octave 3. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. 4
JSYO PREMIERE STRINGS String orchestra for intermediate and advancing level musicians. Weekly rehearsals and in-­depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, several concerts each semester. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO & BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment) demonstrating shifting, dynamic contrast, and various bow technique, such as detached, slurred and hooked bowings. VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 4, or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 3 or 4 (4 preferred), or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 2, or comparable work. 2. SCALES ALL INSTRUMENTS will play TWO scales from the list below, chosen by jury. Scales are to be played in the following rhythm: éq
VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO BASS ee eeee q ê ee eeee q
quarter = 80. C d e f g a b C b a g f e d C Major scales: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales: G, A, D in 2 or more octaves Major scales: C, D, Eb, F, G in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales: D, G in 2 or more octaves Major scales: C, D, Eb, F, G, Bb in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales: G, A in 2 or more octaves Major scales: F, G, A in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales: C, D in 1 or more octave(s) 3. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. 5
JSYO REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Middle School and High School level full orchestra for intermediate and advancing students of orchestral literature. Weekly rehearsals and in-­depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, several concerts each semester. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO & BASS The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE Play a solo selection of his/her choosing (without accompaniment) demonstrating shifting, dynamic contrast, and various bow technique, such as detached, slurred and hooked bowings. VIOLIN/VIOLA Any selection from Suzuki Volume 5 or 6 (6 preferred), or comparable work. CELLO Any selection from Suzuki Volume 5 or 6 (6 preferred), or comparable work. BASS Any selection from Suzuki Volume 4, or comparable work. 2. SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS Major and melodic minor scales and arpeggios as indicated below. ALL INSTRUMENTS will play TWO scales from the list, chosen by jury. All scales and arpeggios are to be MEMORIZED. Scales and arpeggios should be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. quarter = 80. VIOLIN Major scales/arpeggios: G, A, Bb, B, C in 3 octaves;; D, Eb, E, F in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales/arpeggios: G, A, B, C in 3 octaves VIOLA Major scales/arpeggios: C, D, Eb, E, F in 3 octaves;; G, Ab, A, Bb in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales/arpeggios: C, D, E, F in 3 octaves CELLO Major scales/arpeggios: C, D, Eb, E, F in 3 octaves;; G, Ab, A, Bb in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales/arpeggios: C, D, E, F in 3 octaves BASS Major scales/arpeggios: F, G, Bb in 2 or more octaves Melodic Minor scales/arpeggios: E, A, D in 1 or more octave(s) 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS Available to download and print at jaxyouthorchestra.com. String players auditioning for Repertory Orchestra must prepare Excerpt #1. (String players auditioning for Philharmonic must prepare ALL excerpts.) 4. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. 6
REPERTORY ORCHESTRA WOODWINDS & BRASS (HARP see below) The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE A solo piece or concerto movement of his/her choosing with a minimum proficiency of FBA Grade 4 or higher (without accompaniment.) 2. SCALES (memorized) a) A CHROMATIC SCALE covering the range for their instrument as listed below in the specific requirements. Performed in even sixteenth notes at a minimum tempo of quarter = 80. The scale will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable. Flute 3 octaves from C Oboe 2 octaves from D Clarinet 3 octaves from E Bassoon 3 octaves from Bb Horn 2 octaves from F Trumpet 2 octaves from C Trombone 2 octaves from Bb Tuba 2 octaves from Bb b) NINE MAJOR SCALES and ARPEGGIOS (through 4 sharps and flats) played at a minimum tempo of quarter = 80. Scales are to be performed a minimum of 2 octaves where possible. Students who wish to play a 3rd octave may do so. Scales must be performed in complete octaves. The scale pattern is a quarter on the starting pitch and every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The arpeggio pattern is a quarter note on the starting pitch and on every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The scales will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable. Scales will be performed chromatically, in the following order of keys: G -­ Ab -­ A -­ Bb -­ C -­ D -­ Eb -­ E -­ F 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS Available to download and print at jaxyouthorchestra.com. Wind/Brass players auditioning for Repertory Orchestra must prepare Excerpt #1. (Wind/Brass players auditioning for Philharmonic must prepare ALL excerpts.) Percussion players play excerpts based on current school grade regardless for which ensemble they are auditioning. 4. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given an excerpt before his/her assigned audition time and will be assigned a practice room in which to work (no teacher or parent will be allowed to assist). The student will then play this piece as part of the audition. Auxiliary Instruments: Musicians may audition on auxiliary instruments (piccolo, english horn, bass clarinet) in addition to their major instruments. Only a chromatic scale and excerpt(s) are required on these instruments for the audition. Skill playing these doubling instruments will be considered extra credit toward consideration of a musician’s application. Harp – Harp positions are only available in the Philharmonic. There are no Harp positions in Repertory Orchestra (or any of the string groups).
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JSYO PHILHARMONIC High School & College Level full orchestra for advanced and pre-­professional students of orchestral literature. Weekly rehearsals and in-­depth sectionals with professional musicians and conductors, several concerts each semester. VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO & BASS When the student enters the room, he/she will be asked to perform: 1. SOLO PIECE A solo piece, concerto movement of his/her choosing with a minimum technical proficiency of FOA Grade A or ASTA level 6 (without accompaniment) 2. SCALES (memorized) ALL Major and Melodic Minor scales and arpeggios. ALL INSTRUMENTS will play TWO scales from the list, chosen by jury. All scales and arpeggios are to be MEMORIZED. Scales and arpeggios must be played in even eighth notes using separate bows. quarter = 80. VIOLIN All scales/arpeggios in 3 octaves. VIOLA All scales/arpeggios in 3 octaves. CELLO All scales/arpeggios in 3 octaves. BASS All scales/arpeggios in 2 octaves. 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS Available to download and print at jaxyouthorchestra.com. String players auditioning for Philharmonic must prepare ALL excerpts. (String players auditioning for Repertory Orchestra must prepare Excerpt #1.) 4. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. 8
PHILHARMONIC WOODWINDS, BRASS, HARP The audition will consist of the following: 1. SOLO PIECE A solo piece or concerto movement of his/her choosing with a proficiency level of FBA Grade 5 or higher, without accompaniment. 2. SCALES (memorized) a) A CHROMATIC SCALE covering the range for their instrument as listed below in the specific requirements. Performed in even sixteenth notes at a minimum tempo of q = 80. The scale will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable. Flute/Piccolo 3 octaves from C Oboe/English Horn 2 octaves from D Clarinet/Bass Clarinet 3 octaves from E Alto Sax 2 octaves from F Bassoon 3 octaves from Bb Horn 2 octaves from F Trumpet 2 octaves from C Tenor/Bass Trombone 2 octaves from Bb Tuba 2 octaves from Bb b) TWELVE MAJOR SCALES and ARPEGGIOS played at a minimum tempo of quarter = 80. Scales are to be performed a minimum of 2 octaves where possible. Students who wish to play a 3rd octave may do so. Scales must be performed in complete octaves. The scale pattern is a quarter on the starting pitch and every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The arpeggio pattern is a quarter note on the starting pitch and on every octave after that with eighth notes in between. The scales will be tongued ascending and slurred descending where applicable. Scales will be performed chromatically, in the following order of keys: G -­ Ab -­ A -­ Bb -­ B -­ C -­ Db -­ D -­ Eb -­ E -­ F – Gb 3. ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS Available to download and print at jaxyouthorchestra.com. Wind/Brass players auditioning for Philharmonic must prepare All Excerpts. (Wind/Brass players auditioning for Repertory prepare only the #1 excerpt.) Harp players should prepare all the excerpts provided. Percussion players play excerpts based on current school grade regardless for which ensemble they are auditioning. 4. SIGHT-­READING Each student will be given sight-­reading. Each musician will be given time to look it over silently before playing. Auxiliary Instruments: Musicians may audition on auxiliary instruments (piccolo, english horn, bass clarinet) in addition to their major instruments. Only a chromatic scale and excerpt(s) are required on these instruments for the audition. Skill playing these doubling instruments will be considered extra credit toward consideration of a musician’s application. Harp players should audition with a solo of their own choosing and the provided orchestral excerpts for their instruments. Harp positions are only available in the Philharmonic. There are no Harp positions in Repertory Orchestra (or any of the string groups).
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PERCUSSION (Repertory Orchestra and Philharmonic) Percussionists must audition on snare, xylophone and timpani. Percussion audition repertoire for the JSYO is listed by grade level (the school grade you will be ENTERING in Fall 2014). All audition materials, including the required orchestral excerpts are included in the following books and may also be downloaded from the JSYO website, www.jaxyouthorchestra.com Modern School For Snare Drum by Morris Goldenberg Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone by Morris Goldenberg Modern Method for Timpani by Saul Goodman • Middle school students will play the following major scales (and arpeggios) in one octave on Xylophone: C -­ D -­ Eb -­ F -­ G -­ A -­ Bb • High School students are expected to play ALL of the major scales (and arpeggios) in two octaves on Xylophone. • Applicants will be asked to demonstrate ability to tune timpani (use of a pitch pipe or tuning fork is encouraged). • Applicants are expected to use concert style (closed/buzzed) snare drum rolls. • Applicants are expected to provide their own music, sticks and mallets at the audition. JSYO will provide instruments, but applicants are welcome to bring their own snare drum if desired. SNARE DRUM ETUDES ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS th
8 Grade & Younger th
9 Grade th
10 Grade Roll Exercise in 2/4 -­ p. 44 “Etude in 9/8” p. 50 “Etude in 9/4” p. 66 “Etude in 5/4” p. 64 “Etude in 7/4” p. 65 No excerpts required “Peter and the Wolf” (Prokofiev) p. 84 “Capriccio Espagnol” (Rimsky Korsakov) p. 141-­146 (also p. 75) “Scheherazade” (Rimsky Korsakov) p. 79-­81 “Symphony No. 3” (William Schuman) p. 83 ETUDES ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS th
11 Grade th
12 Grade & Older XYLOPHONE th
8 Grade & Younger Melodies I, II and III p. 39 th
9 Grade Melody I (Scherzo) page 27 th
10 Grade “Allegro” p. 28 th
11 Grade Exercise #3 (Allegro) in D p. 61 th
12 Grade & Older Etude I (Allegro) in G No excerpts required “Polka” (Shostakovich) p. 113 “Tubby The Tuba” (Kleinsinger) p. 124 “Colas Breugnon Overture” (Kabalevsky) p. 113 “Petrouchka” (1911 version) (Stravinsky) p. 105 and top of 106 TIMPANI ETUDES ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS th
8 Grade & Younger Exercise #34 p. 49 th
9 Grade Exercise #45 p. 54 th
10 Grade Exercise #65 p. 65 th
Exercise #62 p. 63 th
Exercise #69 p. 66 11 Grade 12 Grade & Older No excerpts required th
Hadyn, Symphony No. 101, 4 movement p. 75 th
Beethoven, Symphony No. 5, 4 movement p. 78 (m.374) Brahms, Symphony No. 1, Mvt I (beginning to Letter C) p. 93 and Mvt IV (ms. 375-­end) p. 97 st
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, 1 mvt. (Letter T to the end) p. 105-­106 and Beethoven, Symphony No. st
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9, 1 mvt. (beginning to letter C) p. 84 AND 1 mvt. (last 35 bars) p. 86. 10