Audition Materials for Violin

2024-2025, Version F

SEMYO Orchestras

Bravura Strings is a string orchestra 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 who play a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. String players typically need 3-4 years experience and percussion and wind/brass players typically 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 may play music in any key and utilize advanced techniques.

for the 2024-2025 season

Click here to submit your audition video

Please remember:

  • No metronome
  • No headphones/earphones/etc
  • No need to announce your name or what you’re playing. ????

1. Solo

  • If you are auditioning for Bravura Strings, you do not have to record a solo.
  • For Chamber Strings, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Concert Orchestra, 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

For Bravura Strings, please record excerpt #1.

For Chamber Strings, please record excerpts #2 and #3.

For Philharmonic Orchestra, please record excerpts #3 and #4.

For Concert Orchestra, please record excerpts #4 and #5.

Excerpt #1. “Starfleet” by Richard Meyer
Tempo: โ™ฉ = 92โ€“120

Excerpt #2. “Habanera” from Carmen by Georges Bizet (arr. Todd Parrish)
Tempo: โ™ฉ = 64

Excerpt #3. “Jupiter” from The Planets by Gustav Holst (arr. Deborah Baker Monday)
Tempo: โ™ฉ = 80

Excerpt #4. A Hectic Overture by John Lloyd.
Tempo: โ™ฉ = 140

Excerpt #5. Li Huanzhi: Spring Festival Overture. (View Recording)
โ™ฉ = 144.
Note: Play any double stops if you can, otherwise, play the upper line.

3. Scales

For Bravura Strings, record scale #1.

For Chamber Strings, record scales #2 and #3.

For Philharmonic Orchestra, record scales #3 and #4.

For Concert Orchestra, record scales #4 and #5.

Scale #1. D Major, 1 Octave. Suggested tempo is โ™ฉ = 60.

Scale #2. D Major, 2 Octaves. Suggested tempo is โ™ฉ = 80.

Scale #3. G Melodic Minor, 2 Octaves. Suggested tempo is โ™ฉ = 80.

Scale #4. F Major, 2 Octaves. Tempo is โ™ฉ = 120.

Scale #5. D Melodic Minor, 3 Octaves. Tempo is โ™ฉ = 160.