Audition Requirements for Cache Youth Orchestras

Strings: violin, viola, cello and bass (Crescendo and Philharmonic Orchestras)

Woodwinds, brass, percussion (Philharmonic only)

Strings:

To be considered for Philharmonic Orchestras (advanced):

• Violins must be at a Suzuki Book 6 skill level

• Violas and Cellos must be at a Suzuki Book 5 skill level

• For audition recording please submit:

  • One 3 octave major scale of choice (basses 2 octaves)

  • One 3 octave melodic minor scale of choice (basses 2 octaves)

  • One 3 minute excerpt from a solo, etude or piece of music that shows off your skills. You are welcome to add a second short excerpt of one minute if you feel it necessary to show a contrasting piece to highlight your playing abilities.

To be considered for Crescendo Orchestra (intermediate):

• Violins must be at a Suzuki Book 3 skill level

• Violas and Cellos must be at a Suzuki Book 2 skill level

• For audition recording please submit:

  • One 2 octave major scale of choice

  • One 2 octave melodic minor scale of choice

  • One 3 minute excerpt from a solo, etude or piece of music that shows off your skills. You are welcome to add a second short excerpt of one minute if you feel it necessary to show a contrasting piece to highlight your playing abilities.

Woodwinds/Brass (Philharmonic only) Please submit:

• One 2-3 octave major scale of choice

• One 2-3 octave minor scale of choice

• One 2 minute excerpt form a solo, etude or piece of music that demonstrates your skills. You are welcome to add a second short excerpt of one minute if you feel it necessary to show a contrasting piece to highlight your playing abilities.

Percussion (Philharmonic only) Please submit:

• One 1-2 minute excerpt from a solo, etude or piece of music on an instrument of your choice that shows your skills.

• One 1-2 minute excerpt on a different instrument demonstrating your abilities.

• If you have access to a mallet instrument, it is preferred that one of your submissions be on a mallet instrument (marimba, xylophone, etc).

Bassists: Only 2 octave scales required to be considered for the Philharmonic Orchestra. 3 octave scales are optional.

Please note: We are looking for students who:

• Shift comfortably and with confidence

• Read and count rhythms accurately

• Read music and varying key signatures skillfully

• Express musicality in their performing

Audition hint:  If you are truly interested in playing in the Philharmonic, pick scales that show you know how to shift and are comfortable with the upper positions.  There will be shifting and you will be happier if you know and understand the upper positions (including thumb position for cellists / bassists.)