Audition Preparation

What are the audition requirements?
At the very minimum, students auditioning for the first time will need to prepare a solo and/or etude of their choice, scales, and arpeggios (arpeggios for strings only). There will also be sight-reading. For more details for each group visit the requirements page.
Is there a specific audition piece I should prepare?
Current members of the Chamber Players Orchestra and Camerata Orchestra (strings only) will receive specific audition music for the Spring promotion auditions. All first-time auditionees, and members of the Galbraith Honor Strings, El Camino Wind Orchestra, Sinfonietta Orchestra, and Symphony Violin IIs who wish to audition for promotion, must prepare their own solo piece under the advisement of a private instructor. Please see the requirements page for more information.
Should I memorize the music for the audition?
If you would like to memorize your solos, you are more than welcome to do so. Memorization of music is not required. Wind and brass players should memorize their scales.
When are auditions held?
Auditions for the current season are held year-round, based on openings in the program. Auditions for the 2018-2019 season will be held in March and early April 2018. Please prepare accordingly.
Where are auditions held?
All auditions are held in Palo Alto. Most auditions are held at the GSYO Administrative Office at 4055 Fabian Way in Palo Alto. Occasionally, auditions will be conducted at one of the ECYS rehearsal locations, either JLS Middle School at 480 East Meadow Dr., Palo Alto or Terman Middle School at 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto.
Who will listen to my audition?
String players are heard by GSYO Conductors and string faculty when appropriate. Woodwind players are heard by Director of Winds Debra Gardner and GSYO wind coaches. Brass players are heard by Senior Brass Coach Dr. Richard Roper and GSYO brass coaches. Percussion players are heard by Percussion Coach Dr. Kumiko Ito.
What will the judges be listening for?
The faculty will be listening for overall music impression, clarity of intonation, preciseness of rhythm, and scale & arpeggio preparation (arpeggios for strings only). Musicians should pay special attention to tone and articulations.
Can I observe a GSYO rehearsal prior to auditioning?
Yes! GSYO hosts Open House dates for each ensemble. See the auditions page for more info.

Pin It on Pinterest