Audition Materials for Bass

2023-2024, Version B

SEMYO Orchestras

Bravura Strings is an ensemble for students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass with 1-2 years playing experience (or Suzuki grade 1-2). Orchestra members will increase musical aptitude and learn basic ensemble playing skills while rehearsing and performing in a string orchestra.

Chamber Strings is a string orchestra for students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass with 2 or more years playing (or Suzuki grade 3). Orchestra members will rehearse and perform arranged and original works for string orchestra while preparing for participation in the SEMYO Philharmonic Orchestra.

Philharmonic Orchestra is a full orchestra experience for students of all ages who play a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. String players typically need 3-4 years experience and percussion and wind players need 2 or more years playing experience.

Concert Orchestra is a full orchestra experience for advanced students on string, woodwind, brass, harp, and percussion instruments. Literature includes original masterworks for full symphony orchestra. Students will play music in all keys and utilize advanced bowing and string techniques.

Instructions: Please record all the materials specified. Please do not record with metronome or accompaniment for any recordings.

Please do not use Youtube Shorts. Normal Youtube videos and other platforms like Google Drive are okay. Please ensure that the video files have the correct permissions for SEMYO conductors to view them!

1. Solo

If you are auditioning for Bravura Strings, you do not have to record a solo.
For everyone else, please record one solo between 1-2 minutes that best demonstrates your abilities. Solos need not be memorized.
Choose your selection with guidance from your private teacher or orchestra/band director. If you need a suggestion on which solo to prepare, please contact us at [email protected]!

2. Excerpts

Record the following excerpt for Bravura Strings:

Excerpt from “Turbulence” by William Owens
Tempo: Brazenly! ♩ = 104

Record the following excerpt for Chamber Strings:

First, record the excerpt for Bravura Strings. Then record this one:

Excerpt from“In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Grieg (arr. Deborah Baker Monday)
Tempo: ♩ = 94

Record the following excerpt(s) for Philharmonic Orchestra:

First, record the excerpt for Chamber Strings. Then record this one:

Excerpt from Dvorak’s Fifth Symphony (New World – Fourth Movement), arr. Vernon Leidig (Listen to the arrangement and original)
Tempo: ♩ = 140

Play the bracketed measures. You may skip the 4-measure rest that is crossed out 6 measures after letter H. Note: The title of the arrangement is published as “Dvorak’s Fifth Symphony” but it is actually Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony, so when looking for reference recordings, use Dvorak’s Ninth.

Record the following excerpt(s) for Concert Orchestra:

First, record the excerpt for Philharmonic Orchestra. Then record this one:

Excerpt: 2nd Movement from Symphony No. 5 by Tchaikovsky
Tempo starts at ♩. = 80. Follow written tempo markings. (View Recording)

3. Scales

Record the following scale for Bravura Strings. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 60.

Record the following scales for Chamber Strings. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 80.

Record the following scales for Philharmonic Orchestra. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 120.

Record the following scales for Concert Orchestra. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 160.