For All Auditions, Regardless of Ensemble
Each String Audition Should Include:
- Strings Audition Registration Form (Students fill out this form for sponsoring teachers to enter information into Opus)
- A video recording of each component below. All three components must be a separate file, and each file must be recorded in one continuous take. Your video file cannot be larger that 250 MB – if it is greater than 250 MB, you will need to compress it! See Guidance for Video File Auditions for more information. The audition components are:
- Scales
- Orchestral Excerpt
- Solo
- Solo piece selected by sponsoring teacher and student
- The solo portion of the audition is the best way for our judges to really hear you. Through a solo selected to highlight strengths in your technique and artistry, you show what you can contribute to the ensemble and demonstrate your readiness for selection to All-State. Your solo, played unaccompanied, must be a minimum of 2 minutes long, with a maximum length of 5 minutes (we recommend a video length of around 3 minutes for the best uploading experience). If your piece is longer than 5 minutes, select a 2-5 minute excerpt from it that best captures your technique and artistry. The file you submit cannot be trimmed or spliced in the middle (that is, the excerpt must be contiguous).Solos are evaluated for consistency and accuracy across the following categories: rhythm and tempo, intonation and pitch accuracy, tone, articulation (bowing), left hand technique (facility, fingerings), and artistry (dynamics, interpretation, musicianship). Any repertoire that successfully demonstrates a student’s skill in these areas is acceptable.The technical and musical concepts required of typical All-State Orchestra repertoire include: agility in complex passagework, fluency through 7th position (violin and cello) or 5th position (viola and bass), proficiency with a variety of articulations, the production of both characteristic and varied tone color, and engagement with musical phrasing. It is important to note that your audition solo need not be limited to repertoire in the classical tradition. Students and their teachers are encouraged to select and prepare a solo that considers the student’s strengths, interests, goals, and access to materials and instruction.
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