Auditions for the Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Music Programs
The following positions are open. Apply today!
- Symphony: Clarinet (1 Opening), Double Bass
- Concert: Oboe (1 Opening), Clarinet (1 Opening), Bassoon, Horn, Trombone, Percussion, Viola, Double Bass
- Philharmonia: Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trombone, Percussion, Viola, Double Bass
- Concertino: Oboe, All Brass, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Cadet: All Strings
- Honors Wind Symphony: Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones, All Brass, Percussion
Students should prepare:
- 2 Prepared Pieces: two contrasting movements/works of their own choosing. The chosen works should be complete movements/works, NOT shortened excerpts. These two pieces can include etudes or solos. One movement/work should demonstrate the student’s technical level and the other should demonstrate the student’s musical and tonal abilities. (Students auditioning for the Symphony Orchestra generally are performing major concertos.) You will not be able to audition with an accompanist.
- Scales: Students should prepare scales as follows.
- Cadet Orchestra and Concertino: C, G, and D Major scales (note ~ 90 bpm)
- Philharmonia: C, G, D and F Major scales (note ~ 90 bpm)
- Concert Orchestra: all Major scales through 4 sharps and flats (note = 120 bpm)
- Symphony Orchestra and Honors Wind Symphony: all Major scales (note = 120 bpm)
- Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon: add 3 octave chromatic scale (note = 120 bpm)
- Oboe: add 2 octave chromatic scale (note = 120 bpm)
- Orchestra Excerpts: For 2010-2011 Season Auditions, the assigned Orchestra excerpts are posted below. Honors Wind Symphony auditionees must prepare either the Concert or Symphony Orchestra excerpts.
If ALL audition requirements are not prepared or performed, students will be asked to re-audition.
Symphony Orchestra Excerpts
Updated for the 2010-2011 Season
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Trumpet
- Horn
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion
- Harp
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
- Piano
Concert Orchestra Excerpts
Updated for the 2010-2011 Season
Philharmonia Excerpts
Updated for the 2010-2011 Season
Cadet Orchestra and Concertino Excerpts
Updated for the 2010-2011 Season
- Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Bassoon
- Horn, Trumpet, Trombone & Tuba
- Percussion
- Violin & Viola
- Cello & Bass
Percussion Auditions
Percussionists applying for MYA Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Music Programs should use the following guidelines to prepare for their auditions.
- Snare:
- Demonstrate rudiments and rolls at various dynamics
- One solo or etude from Peters, Cirone, Delecluse, Goldenberg, or equivalent
- Marimba:
- All major and minor (high school students only) scales, two octaves
- One movement or solo piece/etude from Peters, Abe, Bach (Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin), Creston, Musser, Rosauro, etc…
- One movement or solo piece demonstrating four mallets (high school students only)
- Timpani:
- Rolls and general strokes at various dynamics; basic knowledge of intervals and tuning
- One short solo or etude; 3-4 timpani preferred (Goodman, Vic Firth, Peters, Delecluse, Schinstine, etc…


