Prelude String Ensemble

  • Ability to play major scales in C, G, D, A in two octaves;
  • Solid knowledge of first position with a beginning understanding of third position;
  • Beginning vibrato is welcomed but not required;
  • Ability to use basic bow strokes including legato, staccato, and detaché.

Intermezzo String Ensemble

  • All students are expected to be able to play two octave scales in keys up to A flat major.
  • Violinists are expected to have started three octave scales in the keys of G and A major.
  • Violists are expected to have started three octave scales in the keys of C and D.
  • Cellists are expected to have started three octave scales in the keys of C and D.
  • All members should have some experience in second position up to fifth.
  • All members should be able to incorporate vibrato in their playing.
  • All member should have an understanding of the following bow strokes: detache, martele, legato and spiccato.

Concert Orchestra

  • All artistic standards described in the Prelude and Intermezzo String Ensembles plus:
  • Strings: Ability to play 3 octave major and minor scales including C, G, D, A, B Bb, Eb. Solid knowledge of positions one through five. Familiarity with a variety of bowing techniques including spicatto, staccato, detaché, martelé, ricochet, and legato. Viola and cello must have a basic understanding of treble clef.
  • Woodwind and Brass: Woodwinds must have the ability to play two-octave major and minor scales.
  • Piano, Harp, Saxophone: Applications will be accepted for these instruments

Chamber Orchestra

  • All candidates are required to know all the major and minor scales and corresponding arpeggios.
  • Strings: Ability to play any scale or arpeggio in 3 octaves; a strong command over a variety of bowing techniques including spiccato, staccato, detaché, martelé, ricochet, and legato. Viola and cello must be proficient in reading treble clef.
  • Woodwind and Brass: Woodwinds must have the ability to play any two-octave scale in arpeggio (3 octaves where applicable). Brass must have the ability to play any two-octave scale and arpeggio. Transpositions and clef proficiencies are required where applicable. All woodwinds and brass must be able to play the chromatic scale throughout the range of the instrument.

Philharmonic Orchestra

  • All candidates are required to know all the major and minor scales and corresponding arpeggios.
  • Strings: Ability to play any scale or arpeggio in 3 octaves; a strong command over a variety of bowing techniques including spiccato, staccato, detaché, martelé, ricochet, and legato. Viola and cello must be proficient in reading treble clef.
  • Woodwind and Brass: Woodwinds must have the ability to play any two-octave scale in arpeggio (3 octaves where applicable). Brass must have the ability to play any two-octave scale and arpeggio. Transpositions and clef proficiencies are required where applicable. All woodwinds and brass must be able to play the chromatic scale throughout the range of the instrument.
  • Piano, Harp, Saxophone: Applications will be accepted for these instruments.

Avant Flute Choir

Beginner to Intermediate level

Any two contrasting pieces should feature sections from slow and fast movements or etudes in the level of:

  • Etudes by J. Anderson or from Melodious Studies Etude Book 1
  • Sonatas by JS Bach
  • Suite Modale by Bloch
  • Pieces from: Solos for Flute (Collection Book) compiled by Donald Peck Carl Fischer
  • Solos for the Flute Player Collection Book by Louis Moyse G. Schirmers
  • All Major scales and arpeggios one octave except: C, D, Eb, F, G, 2 octaves
  • Chromatic scale from C1 to G3.
  • All scales and arpeggios should be memorized. Sight-reading.

Advance Group

Any two contrasting pieces should feature selections from slow and fast movements or etudes in the level of:

  • Music by French Composers (Schirmer)
  • Mozart Concerto (D or G)
  • Sonata La Flute de Pan by Mouquet (International)
  • Ibert Concerto
  • Reinecke Concerto
  • Sonata by Prokofiev (International Edition)
  • All major scales 2 and 3 octaves (where applicable: C, C#, and D) with arpeggios.
  • Chromatic scale from B1-D4. Sight-reading.

Concert Winds Ensemble

  • Woodwinds and Brass: Ability to perform 6 Major Scales- C, F, B flat, E flat, A flat, and G Concert one octave (two octaves if possible).
  • Percussion: Ability on pitched or unpitched instruments, both are desirable. Mallets: Ability to perform any 6 of the 12 Major Scales two octaves. Snare Drum: Ability to demonstrate at least half of the standard 24 rudiments including a closed roll.
  • String Bass: Ability to perform at the same minimum artistic standards as listed under the Concert Orchestra.

Percussion Ensemble

  • Ability on pitched or unpitched instruments, both are desirable.
  • Mallets: Ability to perform any 6 of the 12 Major Scales two octaves.
  • Snare Drum: Ability to demonstrate at least half of the standard 24 rudiments including a closed roll.