Large Ensemble Audition

Who must audition?

1. All saxophone students sign up for an audition time.
2. The audition sign up sheet will be posted on the main downstairs bulletin board.
3. Auditions are "blind": no talking.

What does each excerpt require from a candidate?

1. Ouverture L'arlesienne First Suite by Georges Bizet—accurate rhythm; convincing expression; suppleness of line (e.g., timbre fingerings) and ease of ornamentation.
2. The Old Castle from Pictures at an Exhibition by M. Mussorgsky/M. Ravel—accurate rhythm; precious intonation; lyricism: evenness of dynamic.
3. Job • A Mask for Dancing—precise rhythm and steady tempo; speed and agility; flexible articulation and expression.
4. Intermezzo from L'arlésienne Second Suite by Georges Bizet—beautiful upper register; precise intonation; convincing expression and fluidity of line.

What makes a confident ensemble musician?

• precise rhythm and tempo
• precise intonation
• masterful articulation.
• masterful ability to match character with other instruments sharing a phrase

What is the audition protocol?

1. A candidate is directed by the proctor when to enter the audition space (usually PTY). Be ready at the entrance to the PTY Hall at least one performer before your appointed time in order to keep auditions on or ahead of schedule.
2. A candidate may use the excerpt sheet provided on the music stand.
3. Once a candidate enters the audition space—no talking at any time.
4. A candidate should perform all the excerpts in succession without unnecessary hesitation. Do not wait to be directed to move on to the next excerpt.
5. Upon completion of all four excerpts, a candidate exits promptly.

When do we learn the results?

• Results will be posted on the Saxophone Studio door and on the Saxophone website within 24 hours of the end of auditions. Those who are placed in Wind Symphony will be emailed with the results in a timely manner so as to allow them to pick up the music as soon as possible.

Who is accepted?

• The top six candidates will be posted to the Wind Symphony: Alto1; Alto2; Tenor; Baritone. Four will serve for the first semester; two will remain for the second semester and two will switch out/in.

What happens if I do not place in Wind Symphony?

• Students requiring a large ensemble may join the Symphonic Winds which meets on Thursday evenings. There are also auditions for: Vocal Jazz (everyone welcome for placement in the large group; and there are competitive auditions for the smaller group); Jazz Orchestra (competitive); Chamber Singers (competitive).

What about music scores for rehearsal?

• Ensemble members are required to pick up and rehearse scores prior to the first rehearsal of their respective ensembles, e.g., Wind Symphony, from the Score Library in the basement of the School of Music. Music scores are typically available a few days prior to the first rehearsal for each concert.

What if I need to borrow an instrument from the School?

• School instruments: contact the Instructor for access to instrument lockers. Students assume liability for all damage to School instruments. Students provide their own accessories: mouthpiece; reeds; neck strap; cleaning solution (to be use after every rehearsal!).

ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

2015

Approximate Performance Time: 2 minutes

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(for reference only)