General Requirements

• Every student must be a member of his or her school music program for the instrument that he or she will be playing in the orchestra.
  • Exceptions are made only for students whose schools do not have a music program or students who are home-schooled.
• Students must be present for rehearsals:
  • Every Sunday from September through May
  • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Strings

Scales:

• One three-octave scale with standard fingering. String bass is required to play only two octaves.
• Required variations:
  • Whole bow on each pitch with vibrato
  • Three octaves slurred up on one bow stroke and down on the next bow stroke
  • Seperate strokes as fast as possible
• Finger action must be even and controlled through all shifts.

Solo:

• Prepared solo must be at least NYSSMA Grade 4 level
• An accompanist is not necessary.

Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion

Scales:

• Prepare all major scales in at least one octave.
  • A moderate tempo is suggested (quarter note = 120 or faster).

Solo:

• Prepared solo should demonstrate tone quality, technical ability, and musicality.
• NYSSMA Grade 4 level is recommended.

Sight Reading:

• Equivalent to NYSSMA Grade 4 level sight reading

Other Notes:

• Flutists who play piccolo are encouraged to demonstrate their ability on both instruments.
• Trumpet and horn applicants will be asked if they have experience with transposition. This is not required, but it is recommended that you demonstrate this ability.
• Percussionists are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency with multiple instruments: snare drum, tympani, and keyboard. A severe deficiency in one of these areas will not disqualify you, but it is to your advantage to show some basic understanding of all areas.