Cello Requirements
The following audition material will be used as a guideline to determine each student's level of proficiency in order to bring a successful contribution to Sarasota Youth Orchestra ensembles.
Cello students auditioning for Prelude Strings or Chamber Strings will be asked to perform:
- Two scales in major keys chosen from the following: C, G, D or Bb. All scales are to be performed with arpeggios (see String Orchestra scale and arpeggio sheet). The keys of C and D must be performed as two octaves, Bb as one octave and G may be performed as either one or two octaves. All scales and arpeggios are to be performed in even quarter notes using separate bows at a tempo of MM quarter note = 60. Strive for accurate intonation and steady tempo.
- One brief solo or etude of choice that best demonstrates your playing skills. Bring a second copy for the audition committee.
- A short sight-reading exercise(s) to demonstrate reading ability.
For Chamber Strings placement, students must be able to read and accurately play notes in first position for all four strings.
Cello students auditioning for the Symphonic Strings will be asked to perform:
- The following scales in major keys: D, Bb, Eb and G. All scales performed with arpeggios. The keys of D, G and Bb must be performed as two octaves and the key of Eb as one octave. All scales and arpeggios are to be performed in even eighth notes using separate bows at a tempo of MM quarter note = 60. Strive for accurate intonation and steady tempo.
- One brief solo or etude of choice that best demonstrates your playing skills. Bring a second copy for the audition committee.
- A short sight-reading exercise(s) to demonstrate reading ability.
For Symphonic Strings placement, students must be able to read and accurately play notes in first and third position for all four strings.
Cello students auditioning for the Youth Symphony will be asked to perform:
- A two-octave chromatic scale beginning on the open C string. The scale is to be performed in even sixteenth notes at a minimum tempo of MM quarter note = 60 with separate bows ascending and slurred descending, one octave per bow. The scale is to be memorized.
- Scales chosen by audition committee from major keys from the following: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb and Ab. All scales and arpeggios must be performed as two octaves. All scales and arpeggios are to be performed from memory in even eighth notes using separate bows at a tempo of MM quarter note = 60 – 80.
- Prepared orchestral excerpts. Please take the time to print, study and practice these excerpts carefully. Style, character and musicianship will be as important as intonation, tempo and technique.
- A short sight-reading exercise(s) to demonstrate reading ability.
Cello students auditioning for the Youth Philharmonic will be asked to perform:
- A two-octave chromatic scale beginning on the open C string. The scale is to be performed in even sixteenth notes at a minimum tempo of MM quarter note = 60 with separate bows ascending and slurred descending, one octave per bow. The scale is to be memorized.
- Scales chosen by the audition committee from all major keys. The keys of C, Db, D, Eb, and E must be performed as three octaves. All other scales and arpeggios are to be performed as two octaves. All scales and arpeggios are to be performed from memory in even eighth notes using separate bows at a tempo of MM quarter note = 60 – 80.
- Prepared orchestral excerpts: page 1 and page 2. Please take the time to print, study and practice these excerpts carefully. Style, character and musicianship will be as important as intonation, tempo and technique.
- A short sight-reading exercise(s) to demonstrate reading ability.
- If you have further questions, please contact the Sarasota Orchestra Education Office at (941) 487-2732.
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