Concert Orchestra

Concert Orchestra is a class for students who are ready to study three-octave scales and traditional orchestral music. Students may remain in the Concert Orchestra throughout high school or use it to prepare for the Chamber Orchestra. Students must be able to read music well, and comfortably perform two-octave scales, vibrato, Spiccato, and play in tune up to fifth position. A higher level of maturity and self-discipline is also required of students in this class.

A students current grade, work ethic, and student performance will help determine their recommendations for the following year. A final decision about placement will be based on the final performance and end of the year exam. Please refer to the handbook for more information.

Audition Requirements for Concert Orchestra

  • Recommendation from previous orchestra teacher
  • Quarter note = 80, 2-octave scales with arpeggios: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb
  • Advanced Technique (Goldenrod Book): page 30; Nos. 133, 134, and 135 (counts as one selection) 
  • Sight Reading

Promotion Requirements for Chamber Orchestra (Auditions take place in February)

  • History of consistent/appropriate rehearsal etiquette (i.e. having all materials, rehearsing properly, etc.) 
  • History of perfect concert attendance (obvious exceptions for valid excuses) 
  • Cumulative ― “A” average to this point (1st, 2nd, and 3rd 9 weeks combined) 
  • Potential for stepping up to a harder level vs. benefits of staying another year in the current level and increasing your position in the section/serving as a section leader 
  • Instrumentation needs: Balanced sections is a must! 
  • Changes in ability levels of each ensemble – the bar raises each year!
  • The audition for promotion to Chamber Orchestra will consist of the following scales and excerpts
  • READ THE HANDBOOK PAGE 6 for Detailed information

Chamber Audition Music

In addition to the following excerpts, students must perform the following THREE-octave scales. Quarter = 80: C, G, D, F, and B-Flat Major (Bass: Two octaves only).

Excerpts