IN-PERSON AUDITION Requirements

FOR Symphony Orchestra

This is our most advanced youth orchestra

This ensemble performs original orchestral standards. Musicians are interested in growing their ensemble and musical experience. Orchestra members are expected to have instrumental fluency and musicianship which provides them the ability to recognize and perform in different styles.

Techniques and Skills Required for This Ensemble

  • Student performs with artistic maturity

2025-2026 In-Person Audition Dates

  • Saturday June 7th from 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Friday June 13th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Saturday June 14th from 9:00am - 1:00pm

This ensemble performs original orchestral standards. Musicians are interested in growing their ensemble and musical experience. Orchestra members are expected to have instrumental fluency and musicianship which provides them the ability to recognize and perform in different styles.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH INSTRUMENT:

VIOLIN

Scales (Three notes per bow, suggested tempo is DOTTED QUARTER = 80)

  • Major Scales (3 octaves): A-flat, A, B-flat, B, C, D 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (3 octaves): g, a, b, c, d 
  • Major Scales (2 octaves): E-flat, E, F 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (2 octaves): e, f, f-sharp 

Required Excerpts

Optional Solo Suggestions

  • Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin 
  • Bach Concerto for Violin in A Minor or E Major
  • Bruch Violin Concerto #3 
  • Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto #3 
  • Mendelssohn Violin Concerto 
  • Mozart Concerto's No. 3, 4, or 5
  • Wieniawski Violin Concerto #2 
  • Any virtuoso pieces by P. Sarasate, H. Wieniawski, C. Saint-Saëns or F. Kreisler

VIOLA 

Scales (suggested tempo is DOTTED QUARTER = 80)

  • Major Scales (3 octaves, one note per bow): D-flat, D, E-flat, E, F, G 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (3 octaves, one note per bow): c, d, e, f, g 
  • Major Scales (2 octaves, one note per bow): A-flat, A, B-flat 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (2 octaves, one note per bow): a, b-flat, b 

Required Excerpts

Optional Solo Suggestions

  • Bach Solo suites (excluding Minuets and Gigues)
  • Hoffmesiter Concerto
  • JC Bach/Casadesus Concerto in C Minor, 3rd movement 
  • Kalliwoda Six Nocturnes
  • Zelter Concerto

CELLO

Scales (One note per bow, suggested tempo is QUARTER = 80)     

  • Major Scales (3 octaves): D, E-flat, E, F 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (3 octaves): c, d, e

Required Excerpts

Optional Solo Suggestions

  • Concerti by Dvorak, Lalo, or Saint-Saens, 
  • Bach Solo suites (excluding Minuets and Gigues) 
  • Sonatas by Eccles, Schubert, Sammartini, Breval (in G) 

BASS

Scales (One note per bow, suggested tempo is QUARTER = 80)

  • Major Scales (2 octaves): up to three accidentals 
  • Melodic Minor Scales (2 octaves): up to three accidentals 

Required Excerpts

Optional Solo Suggestion

  • Capuzzi Concerto in F (first page)

HARP

Required Excerpts

Suggested Solos

  • Student should perform the most recent piece of music they have prepared

WOODWINDS & BRASS

Scales

  • All major scales in 2 octaves
  • Chromatic scale at full range of instrument

Required Excerpts

Suggested Solos

  • Present a movement or two of a standard concerto, sonata, or other District/All-State level contest piece.
  • Students will be able to present about 4 minutes of their prepared piece.
  • Be sure to include contrasting materials – there should be music in both fast and slow tempi, displaying articulation and legato, with dynamic contrast and control.

PERCUSSION

Scales 

  • All major scales across complete range on mallets

Required Excerpts

Suggested Solos & Techniques

  • Snare: FF and pp drum rolls, as well as a single roll which begins pp, crescendos to FF and diminuendos to pp over 10 seconds. Additionally, please prepare a solo selection which displays your best abilities and demonstrates an understanding of rudiments, presented at least at a moderately paced tempo. 
  • Timpani: Present a selection which demonstrates rolls, 4 drum stick technique, and some minimum amount of tuning.
  • Mallets: Present a selection which demonstrates your best abilities. Include music in both slow and fast tempi. 

2025/2026 Audition Dates:

All Youth Ensemble Auditions for the 2025-2026 season will take place in person here at the Music school. Please contact Elliott Eastman for inquiries at eeastman@riphil.org or 401-248-7038.

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