What will your audition be like?

Most auditions are in individual slots, and last about ten minutes. They are normally heard by the director of HCYO and an instrument-specific tutor. For some players, the audition is partly in small groups. These players will have the chance to play some orchestral excerpts with their group (or, in the case of flutes and trumpets, some sight-reading with their group); they will then have the chance to play their solo piece(s) alone.

Requirements for your audition

We ask you to prepare the following:

For all those not currently in HCYO: two contrasting solo pieces, or a single piece with strongly contrasting sections.

For all current members of HCYO including CYO and SO: one solo piece, ideally with contrasting sections.

You should choose music which you feel comfortable with, and which you feel expresses your musicianship well. We do recommend that you do not play a piece at the very limits of your ability, or which you have only recently started work on. There is normally no accompaniment available; and you may be asked only to play some sections from your piece(s). Percussionists are encouraged to play on snare drum, xylophone and timpani in their audition: either in their piece(s) or in sight-reading.

PLUS…

We may also ask you to do some sight-reading, and play some scales/arpeggios appropriate to your current level.

Trumpeters will be asked to transpose at sight (from Trumpet in C); tenor trombonists will need to feel comfortable with parts in both tenor and bass clefs; bass trombonists and tuba players will need to feel comfortable with parts in the bass clef.

Current members of the County Youth Orchestra or String Orchestra may be asked to play some excerpts from this year’s orchestral repertoire. In most cases, string players will do this in small groups.


Violinists

New applicants and members of the String Orchestra who play the viola as well, or have tried it out and are interested in doing more, are strongly advised to audition on both violin and viola. You may well open yourself to opportunities that wouldn’t necessarily be available otherwise. You don’t necessarily need to bring a piece: just an orchestral excerpt is fine, if you prefer. Please be sure to indicate clearly when you apply that you wish to audition on both instruments. Current HCYO members should also please let us know in advance.

Cellists

The same opportunities apply to cellists who would also like to audition on Double Bass