Audition Materials for Percussion
2023-2024, Version B
SEMYO Orchestras
Prelude Winds is an ensemble for students who play an instrument in band with 1-2 years playing experience. Participants will learn proper instrument technique, how to play together as an ensemble, and how to follow a conductor. Prelude Winds will also have opportunities to perform in an orchestral setting with SEMYO string players.
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 Prelude Winds, 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 Prelude Winds:
Snare Excerpt: Snare Drum Etude #1 by M. Curley
Tempo: ♩ = 120
Mallet Excerpt: “Spring” from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Tempo: ♩ = 120
Record the following excerpt(s) for Philharmonic Orchestra:
Excerpt for Snare Drum
Excerpt from March to the Scaffold (from “Fantastic Symphony” Op. 14, 1830) by Hector Berlioz, arr. Vernon Leidig (Listen to the arrangement and the original)
Tempo: ♩ = 140
Play the top line of the bracketed measures.
Excerpt for Bells
Excerpt from Beneath the Canopy by Cait Nishimura
Tempo: ♩ = 140 (View Recording)
Play the bracketed measures
Record the following excerpt(s) for Concert Orchestra:
First, record the excerpt for Philharmonic Orchestra. Then record this one:
Excerpt for Snare Drum: “Giuoco della coppie” from Concerto for Orchestra by Béla Bartók
Tempo: ♩ = 94
Note: Play with snares off.
Excerpt for Bells: The Finale from Act 1 of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Tempo: ♩ = 160
Note: Play the upper line, including doubled notes using both hands.
3. Scales
Record the following scale for Prelude Winds. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 120
Record the following scales for Philharmonic Orchestra. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 120.
Record the following scales for Concert Orchestra. Suggested tempo is ♩ = 160.
