Each student auditioning for an LYP orchestra is required to prepare materials from the categories listed below. The instrument the student plays and the orchestra level for which they choose to audition determines specific requirements within each orchestral section (strings, winds, etc).

Each adjudicator listens for the following overall qualities:

Articulation: Does student perform articulations clearly and as marked?

Intonation: Are pitches in tune, or is there a tendency to go sharp or flat?

Musicianship: How well does the student make dynamic contrasts and interpret the music?

Rhythm: How precisely can the student play rhythmic figures in context of a piece?

Technique: How strong is the student's technical facility?

Tone: Is it focused and is it characteristic?

Transposition may be required for horn, trumpet and clarinet students auditioning for the Philharmonic

String Criteria - Sinfonia (PDF)

Scales prepared to the best of your ability. Memorization is not required. The goal is to demonstrate knowledge and expertise of different tonalities, tone quality, range development, bowing styles, and articulations.

Prepared solo that displays your best performance. Bring photocopies of your solo portion for the adjudicator. Copies will not be returned to you. Possible sight reading as provided by judges during the audition.

Scales for winds, brass, and percussion (memorized for each): you select two; one major and one minor.

Scales for strings (available on-line below, memorization not required): you select one from those provided.

Prepared solo: at least three minutes for strings, woodwinds and brass; three minutes for percussion. All instruments must bring photocopies of your solo music for the adjudicator; copies will not be returned to you.

Sight reading: provided by adjudicators during the audition.

Violin and Viola: Facility in advanced positions (at least 1/2 - 5th) - Established vibrato

Violists only: Knowledge of treble clef

Cello: Facility in 1st through thumb position (at least up to 7th) - Established vibrato - Knowledge of tenor clef and acquaintance with treble clef

String Bass: Facility in 1/2 through thumb position - Knowledge of tenor clef

Scales - (available online below) Prepare scales at tempos indicated. Memorization is not required. The goal is to demonstrate knowledge and expertise of different tonalities, tone quality, range development, bowing styles, and articulations.

• Violin Scales (PDF)
• Viola Scales (PDF)
• Cello Scales (PDF)
• Bass Scales (PDF)

Prepared solo - At least three minutes. Bring photocopies of your solo portion for the adjudicator. Copies will not be returned to you.

Sight reading - As provided by judges during the audition.