AUDITIONS

Your Entry Into YOPBC is By Audition Only.

Auditions are usually held several times a year, and open to all young musicians, ages seven to 22, who play an orchestral instrument.

Every student must complete an audition.

Once accepted, the student is placed in one of our four orchestras. This placement, based on age, playing ability and musical maturity, is determined by the artistic staff. Once accepted, the musician may remain a member until he/she reaches age 22, chooses to leave, or is asked to leave.

Re-auditions are not required

Members in good standing (including financially) are not required to re-audition each year but must complete the registration process to return the following year. Musicians who choose to leave or are asked to leave the YOPBC will be required to re-audition if they wish to return for a future season.

Auditions Dates

8/21 – New student auditions

8/28 – Seating auditions and spill over auditions

Additional audition dates might be available by special request.

Download Audition Form

AUDITION REQUEST FORM

Click to download this form if you are new to YOPBC

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Click to download this form to audition for the Chamber Ensembles

MOVE-UP

Click to download Move-Up auditions form

Please read carefully the audition requirements below.

Audition Requirements

Each musician should have one prepared solo selection of his/her choosing. Please bring three extra copies for the panel.

Be prepared to play as many of these requirements as possible.

All scales and arpeggios should be played in the Florida All‐State pattern at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 80-beats per minute unless otherwise indicated.

Training Orchestra
• One octave G & D major scale
• Play a simple solo or tune representative of playing ability
• Have knowledge of note names and music symbols
• Open to students beginning in second grade

String Orchestra 

• Two octave scales and arpeggios: C,D,A,G,F,Bb (Bass – may play one octave)
• Scales are to be memorized. Even eighth notes / quarter=60‐80
• Solo piece representative of the level of playing
• Short sight-reading example

Symphony Orchestra

• Two octave scales and arpeggios: C,G,D,A,E,F,Bb,Eb
• Strings should be able to shift to 5th position
• Scales are to be memorized. Even eighth notes / quarter note = (80‐100)
• (Woodwinds and Brass may play “All‐State pattern”)
• Solo piece representative of the level of playing
• Short sight-reading example

Philharmonic Orchestra
• Strings : Three octave scales and arpeggios: C,G,D,A,E,F,Bb,Eb,Ab
• String bass two octave scales
• Scales are to be memorized. Even eighth notes / quarter note = (100‐120)
• Woodwinds and Brass: All twelve major scales and arpeggios (G‐Gb)
• Even eighth notes OR “All‐State Pattern” quarter = (100‐120)
• Scales are to be memorized
• Solo piece representative of the level of playing*
• Short sight-reading example
   *Percussionists must play representative etude/piece on snare, mallets & timpani

Move-Up Auditions

Move-up auditions are not mandatory, are not guaranteed, and they are not for everybody. Many variables are considered for move-ups including musical and personal maturity, instrumentation and ensemble needs.

It is also important to know that the conductors do not necessarily place all lower audition players on the second part. It is very important to understand that second part does not mean second place or second rate. A great orchestra needs all parts covered and works together as a team! There are no second viola, cello or bass parts.

It is absolutely critical to view move-up auditions as a healthy challenge not as a pass/fail playing evaluation. This is especially important for parents to understand. Parents, musicians, and private instructors should carefully review the move-up audition requirements to make sure the student is, in fact, ready to move to the next level.

Students must be able to play ALL of the required scales as listed on this website.

All students will be required to run ALL of the scales.

For move-up to Philharmonic, students must be at least 12-years-old, regardless of ability.
All move-ups will now include sight-reading.
Move-ups for concertmaster will be expected to bow a clean part.
Move-ups will now include frequency of private lessons, years in YOPBC, and attendance record while a member. In addition, FOA, FBA, S&E participation, and other notable performances will be considered. Students can also bring recommendation letters from applied or ensemble teachers/coaches.