Choosing the right audition piece is crucial for success in high school orchestra auditions. This guide will help you navigate the process, offering advice on selecting repertoire, preparing effectively, and presenting yourself confidently. We'll cover everything from understanding the audition requirements to mastering performance techniques.
Understanding the Audition Requirements
Before diving into repertoire selection, it's vital to understand the specific requirements of your target high school orchestra. Contact the orchestra director or check the school's website for details on:
- Instrument: The audition process often varies slightly based on the instrument. String players may have different expectations than wind or percussion players.
- Duration: There's usually a time limit for your audition piece, often between one and three minutes. This necessitates careful selection of a piece that can be effectively presented within the allocated time.
- Technical Demands: The difficulty level of the expected repertoire will vary depending on the orchestra's level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced).
- Musical Style: Some schools may prefer specific musical styles, such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or contemporary music. Knowing the school's preference will help you choose appropriate music.
- Sight-reading: Many auditions include a sight-reading component. Prepare for this by practicing sight-reading exercises regularly.
Selecting Your Audition Piece: Tips and Considerations
Choosing the right piece is as important as mastering it. Consider these factors:
- Suitability for your skill level: Select a piece that showcases your abilities without being overly challenging. Aim for a piece you can confidently perform with accuracy and musicality, rather than one that pushes your limits too far. It's better to play a simpler piece flawlessly than a complex piece with many errors.
- Showcase your strengths: Choose a piece that highlights your best technical skills and musical expression. If you excel at fast passages, choose a piece with those. If you’re known for your expressive playing, select a piece that allows you to display that.
- Musicality and Expression: Focus on pieces that allow for both technical proficiency and emotional expression. Judges are looking for both your technical abilities and your musical interpretation.
- Variety: If multiple pieces are allowed, consider selecting a contrasting pair – perhaps a technically demanding piece alongside a lyrical one. This demonstrates your versatility.
- Memorization: Unless specified otherwise, it's usually best to memorize your audition piece. Memorization demonstrates confidence and allows for better connection with the music.
Suggested Repertoire (Examples - Always Check with your School!)
This is not an exhaustive list, and the suitability of these pieces depends heavily on your skill level and the specific requirements of the audition. Always check with the orchestra director for recommendations.
- Violin: Studies by Kreutzer, Sevcik, or Dont; short movements from Bach's Sonatas and Partitas; shorter works by composers like Handel or Vivaldi.
- Viola: Similar to violin, but consider pieces with a richer lower register.
- Cello: Bach cello suites (selected movements), shorter works by Boccherini or Popper.
- Bass: Studies by Simandl; excerpts from orchestral works (with permission from your teacher).
- Flute: Short pieces by Bach, Telemann, or contemporary composers.
- Clarinet: Weber Concertinos (movements), short pieces by Mozart.
- Trumpet: Arban studies (selected exercises); short trumpet pieces by Baroque or Classical composers.
Preparing for the Audition: Practice and Refinement
Once you've selected your piece, meticulous practice is crucial.
- Technical Proficiency: Focus on perfecting your technique: intonation, articulation, rhythm, bowing (for strings), and breath control (for wind instruments).
- Musicality and Interpretation: Work on shaping phrases, dynamics, and tempo to create a compelling musical narrative. Listen to recordings of professional performances for inspiration, but develop your own unique interpretation.
- Performance Practice: Practice playing your piece in front of others – friends, family, or your teacher – to get used to performing under pressure. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
- Sight-reading: Dedicate time to practicing sight-reading. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Presenting Yourself Confidently
Your performance is only part of the audition.
- Professionalism: Dress neatly and arrive on time. Show respect to the judges and other auditionees.
- Poise and Confidence: Project confidence through your body language and demeanor. Maintain eye contact with the judges.
- Post-Performance: Thank the judges for their time.
By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of success in your high school orchestra audition. Remember, preparation, thoughtful selection of your music, and confident presentation are key elements to a successful audition. Good luck!
