Audition Information

Conducted by Mr. Austin Isaac
String Orchestra, VBODA Level 1-2
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

Prelude Orchestra is an entry-level string orchestra offers the chance to enjoy making music with other young musicians from throughout area. The group includes a full complement of string instruments playing independent parts. Designed for students who have had limited orchestral experience and who are working on mastering their reading ability. Students should be comfortable playing in first position the keys of G and D. This ensemble builds solid, fundamental rhythmic and orchestral skills including improved sight-reading abilities. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. Students must be a member of their school orchestra (if available) to participate.

PO Audition Requirements

Violin & Viola- one major and one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Cello - one major and one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Bass - one major and one minor scale of your choice, one octave

A solo of your choice. This solo should be representative of your overall musical and technical ability. Solos should be 2 to 3 minutes minutes in length only. No accompanists, please.
Suggested Material: Suzuki Books 1 & 2.

String Ensemble

Conducted by: Mrs. Diana Chou
String Orchestra, VBODA Level 3-4
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm, Katherine Johnson Middle School

String Ensemble is open to students who have had at least three years of private instruction on their instrument and play at Grade Level III and above. Musicians in String Ensemble develop a higher level of stylistic refinement and expressive detail, while playing a wide variety of repertoire in a nurturing and fun environment. Designed for students who have had some orchestral experience. All students should have basic note-reading skills, including the ability to identify pitch names and play various rhythms. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. The String Ensemble will focus on ensemble playing, technical instruction and preparation for future work in Chamber Orchestra. Students must be a member of their school orchestra (if available) to participate.

SE Audition Requirements

Scale requirement

Violin & Viola- one major and one minor scale of your choice, two octaves
Cello - one major and one minor scale of your choice, two octaves
Bass - one major and one minor scale of your choice, one octave

Solo requirement

One prepared piece demonstrating current technical level. Solos should be 2 to 3 minutes in length only. No accompanists, please. Selected piece should be equivalent to Suzuki Book 3 or higher and should be well-played, polished and at appropriate tempo.

Excerpt HERE

Chamber Orchestra

Conducted by Mrs. Diana Chou
String Orchestra, VBODA Level 5-6
Rehearsals: Mondays 7:00-9:00pm, Katherine Johnson Middle School

Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced string students with 4 or more years of experience. This string orchestra focuses on cross-listening between sections, blend and balance, expressing various styles of music, and pursuing detailed, mature music making. Musicians are introduced to a variety of bowing techniques and historical styles, while also developing more advanced control of rubato, phrasing and expression. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. The Chamber Orchestra will also focus on preparation for future work with TCSYO' Symphonic Orchestra. Students must be a member of their school orchestra (if available) to participate.

CO Audition Requirements

Violin & Viola- One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats, three octaves
Cello - One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats, three octaves
Bass - One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats two octaves

One prepared piece, include a slow section and a fast section, preferably from a sonata or concerto movement. Selected pieces should be be well-played, polished and at appropriate tempo. Solos should be 3 to 4 minutes in length only. No accompanists, please.

Symphonic Orchestra

Conducted by Mrs. Anne Rupert
Full Orchestra, VBODA Level 6+
Rehearsals: Monday 7:00-9:30pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School

TCSYO’s most advanced orchestra is comprised of the very best young musicians in the Washington, DC area. Members of the Symphonic Orchestra show strong musicality and advanced technicality, and are capable of the discipline necessary to perform at the highest level. This ensemble is dedicated to performing the finest works in the full symphonic repertoire. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. Weekly rehearsals during the school year are carried out under professional standards. Members are expected to take private lessons and maintain leadership responsibilities in their school ensembles. Learning professional responsibility is an important part of the TCSYO’s program for musical excellence. Members are required to prepare, to arrive promptly, and to attend all rehearsals. Students must be enrolled in their school orchestra (or band for Symphonic Wind, Brass, or Percussion students) if available.

Percussion Ensemble

Directed by Mr. Jacob Harpster

Percussion Ensemble is an advanced training program providing young percussionists a clear path to follow as they develop their ensemble skills under the supervision of Director of Percussion, Mr. Jacob Harpster. In addition to being members of the Symphonic Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble members will learn unique playing styles and experience a variety of instruments- both traditional and nontraditional. Musicians learn how to communicate with other musicians in a chamber ensemble setting, and have a unique opportunity to perform more difficult music with other advanced percussionists.

SO Audition Requirements

Scale requirement
One Major and One Minor scale up to four sharps and flats. (Please refer to your specific instrument audition requirements on the excerpt sheet)

Strings: One prepared piece, include a slow section and a fast section, preferably from a sonata or concerto movement. Selected piece should be from the Classical era or later and be well-played, polished and at the appropriate tempo. All-State and region etudes may not be used.

Woodwinds & Brass: Two prepared pieces, one slow and one fast, preferably an etude, sonata or concerto movement. All-State and region etudes may not be used.

Percussion Ensemble: (Please refer to all the requirements on the excerpt sheet)
2. Solo or Etude on Snare Drum (approximately 2 minutes)
3. Two scales of your choice (major and/or minor, demonstrating your current technical ability)
4. Solo or Etude on Marimba or Xylophone (approximately 2 minutes)

Excerpts: HERE