Audition Process Guideline (online)
I. Audition Application Form via Google Form
- Audition Application Google Form: click here
II. Audition Video Link Submission via Google Form
There will be NO in-person audition (online audition only).
Step 1 (Record): How Do I Record My Audition Video?
Record your audition video in a quiet environment with your camera distance being good enough to capture your face, posture, instrument, fingering, bowing, hand shapes, lip shape (wind & voice) etc.. You may use your iPhone or smartphone.
- Introduce Yourself (7-20 seconds; include your first/last name, school, grade)
- Play Your Scale & Arpeggio
- Play Your Audition Piece
An unedited/uncut video is preferred, but you may combine your intro/scale/arpeggio clip with your solo audition video as one file.
Alternative: You may submit your most recent solo recital/exam or any type of performance video instead of your audition video if you have one. In this case, you need to submit a separate video of the required scale & arpeggio in addition to your solo performance video.
| Solo Audition Piece | Select a solo piece (one fast movement only) from the suggested repertoire (click here)or a solo piece your teacher recommends. (Notes for Woodwind/Brass/Percussion only) Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Level 5-6: Play your etude and solo piece consecutively.Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Level 7-10: You may play your three current band excerpts as an alternative. |
| Scale & Arpeggio | Play the scale & arpeggio as fast as possible to demonstrate fluency in the key which your solo audition piece is written in before you perform it. If it is written in the minor key, play the melodic minor. If you have already recorded your solo piece video, send us a separate video of scale & arpeggio. (Notes for all Woodwind/Brass/Percussion levels, Strings Level 10-12, & Piano/Organ only) Play a chromatic scale (ascending & descending). |
| Technique Demonstration | If the piece or etude you perform does not include the techniques you would like to demonstrate, you can display them through playing a scale, a short etude (8-16 measures) or an orchestral excerpt. |
| Sheet Music PDF | Submit a PDF copy of your audition piece being performed, with measure numbers written at the beginning of each staff (if not printed) and markings like bowings, fingerings, articulations, breaths, musical expressions, interpretations etc., after scanning. Suggested app: Adobe Scan- Mobile PDF Scanner |
| Audition Video Link | Submit your shareable audition video links via Google Form after you upload it on YouTube. Click the link on Step 3 below to submit your audition link and PDF copy. Alternative: You may upload your video to share on one of your preferred online cloud services like Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud etc. with no expiration date or password. |
| Memory | Memory is not required but strongly recommended. |
| Accompaniment | No piano accompaniment required (optional). |
| No repeat | No repeat: Do not take a repeat. |
| Dress Code | You are encouraged to wear your formal concert dress. |
Step 2 (Upload): How do I upload my audition video and get a link on YouTube?
- Sign in to YouTube (a parent can create an account at www.youtube.com)
- Click “Upload”
- You can choose the video privacy settings (“public” or “unlisted”)
- Copy the shareable link (which is the URL address created when uploading)
Step 3 (Submit): How do I submit my audition video link and sheet music?
- Submit your shareable audition video links via Google Form after you upload it on YouTube.
- Audition Video Submission Google Form: click here
Alternative: You may upload your video to share on one of your preferred online cloud services like Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud etc. with no expiration date or password.
Submission Checklist:
| Fill out your Online Audition Application Form (via Google Form) |
| Pay your audition fee by Venmo, Zelle, or Credit Card |
| Submit your shareable video link and your sheet music PDF (via Google Form) |
| Optional: You may send us your resume or supplementary materials to let us know more about you via Google Form. |
Additional FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is the normal length of an audition video?
A: It depends on your solo piece. For example, if a violinist selects a concerto (fast movement) by Vivaldi for Level 5-6, it takes about 4-5 minutes. To play a scale and arpeggio takes about 30 seconds to 1 minutes. Thus, the total may be within 5-7 minutes for this case.
Q: We have technical difficulties combining the scale/arpeggio/chromatic part and the solo piece together. We recorded separately.Is it possible to send 2 different links for each portion?
A: Yes, that will be fine.
Q: How do you determine “playing level”?
A: It depends on how you as an applicant play the audition solo piece and scale/arpeggio/chromatic. We divide the playing levels into the three categories: Level 5-6, Level 7-9, & Level 10-12, providing the suggested repertoire for each level category. You need to talk to your private teacher in order to see if you are ready to apply for the audition and to select an appropriate level piece from the suggested repertoire or comparable pieces. Your ensemble level is determined based on your audition result, experience, engagements and current school grade level. You will be placed into each appropriate level ensemble. Soloists are nominated by the audition adjudicators and selected by each concert committee.
Q: Is there a specific reason why the suggested repertoire for the piano/organ audition is all concertos?
A: Concerto is one of the great musical forms in which orchestral students can experience/express group playing and harmony (Italian, from concertare ‘harmonize’). To perform a concerto is strongly recommended not only for piano/organ students but also other orchestral instrumental students as you can see their syllabus on our website.
Q: We are not able to upload a file in Google Forms. How can we fix the problem?
A: In order to upload a file via Google Forms, you are required to sign in to Google.
- If you do not have a Google account, click this link https://support.google.com/families/answer/7103338?hl=en and create an account for your child under 13.
- If you have a Google account, sign in to your Google account.
Q: We were wondering if you still need the music scores if it is part of Suzuki? My kids are in book 6 and their scores are marked up and a bit messy.
A: Yes, we value markings on the audition scores.
Q: How can I merge multiple pages into one?
A: Please give it a try (either one).
1. iPhone or smartphone app: Adobe Scan- Mobile PDF Scanner (https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile/scanner-app.html).
- Install it on your iPhone or smartphone
- After scanning and saving the pages as one combined copy of PDF, share it via AirDrop to transfer to your computer or send it to your email address as an attachment.
2. On your computer:
- Visit https://www.ilovepdf.com/
- Click “Merge PDF” and follow instructions.
- Download a merged file.
Q: Do you accept a recommended letter from my private studio teacher/school orchestra director/mentor?
A: Yes, we do. A recommendation letter is optional. You may include it or any other materials when submitting your final audition video via Google Forms in order that the Performer Selection Committee may know more about you.
Q: May I submit my resume or supplementary materials?
A: Yes. To submit a resume or supplementary materials is optional. You may submit it via Google Forms along with your audition video.
Q: I have a simple question on the video recording. Do all pieces must be done in one sitting?
A: It depends on your instrument. Cello, harp, and piano need to be seated whereas other instruments have the option to stand or sit. The option is up to you when recording an audition video.
A: We misinterpreted “in one sitting” as a “sit or stand’ issue. We hope you find an answer to your question from this audition guideline.
Wesley Youth Orchestra 