This information is for the Orchestra and Wind Ensembles.
Please refer to our Ensemble Descriptions page for an overview of the level and age restrictions for each ensemble.
Please record your audition all at once. Do not record your solo, scales, etc in separate videos and combine them. Record them one after the other without stopping the recording, just like a live audition.
(Exception: Percussion – see your requirements for details)
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String Applicants
All Students auditioning for a string instrument will be asked to record in the following order. Full details below.
- Scales
- Excerpts
- Solo
For Students auditioning for Sinfonietta, Philharmonic or GDYO
Three, 3 octave scales
Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.
- Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo with vibrato. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes. 4, 8 or 16 notes per bow.
- Scale 3: Off the string (spiccato) at the balance point with 2 repeated notes. No sautille. Quarter note = 120, and play 2 eighth notes.
For Students Auditioning for DSE
Two, 3 octave scales
Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.
- Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo with vibrato. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, 4, 8 or 16 notes per bow.
For Students Auditioning for YPO
Two, 2 octave scales
Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor.
- Scale 1: Full bow, one note per bow, slow to moderate tempo. No slower than half note bows at Quarter = 45
- Scale 2: Fast tempo with slurred notes, 2 to 4 notes per bow.
If you are auditioning for multiple ensembles, please play the scale requirement for the highest ensemble you are auditioning for.
Orchestral Excerpts for Strings
- Orchestral Excerpts available here.
- Students auditioning for GDYO must perform all orchestral excerpts in the order marked on the music.
- Students auditioning for the Philharmonic are encouraged to perform all orchestral excerpts but are only required to perform the first excerpt.
- Students auditioning for Sinfonietta may perform orchestral excerpts if they wish, but they are not required.
- Students auditioning for DSE or YPO do not play excerpts.
Solo of their choice without accompaniment
Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities such as; level of technique in fast passages, a variety of bowing styles, shifting level, vibrato and demonstration of musical expression, etc.
- Students are not required to perform entire movements. If they meet the requirements above, 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.
Wind and Brass Applicants
Wind and Brass applicants should record in the following order. Full details below
- Scales
- Excerpts
- Solo
2 Scales of their choice
- Scales should be two or three octaves depending on ability.
- Each scale should be in a different key and can be Major or Minor
- At least one scale should be articulated up and down.
Orchestral Excerpts
- All Wind and Brass applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on the pages.
- Excerpts available here.
One Solo Work of their choice (without accompaniment)
- Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities
- They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.
Auxiliary Clarinet Excerpts
In addition to a Bb clarinet or Bass Clarinet audition a student may choose to also record Eb Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Contralto Clarinet, and Contrabass Clarinet excerpts if the student owns or has access to those instruments. These instruments would mainly be used in the Clarinet Choir. Please record these auxiliary excerpts separately and place them on your video after your excerpts and solo.
Auxiliary Clarinet Excerpts
Harp and Piano Applicants
Harp and Piano applicants should record the following:
One Solo Work of their choice (without accompaniment)
- Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities.
- They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.
Orchestral Excerpts
- Harp and Piano Applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on them.
- Excerpts available here.
Percussion Applicants
Percussion applicants should be prepared to perform the following:
One Solo Work of their choice
- Please pick a piece that showcases their abilities.
- Must be performed on a xylophone with two mallets.
- They are not required to perform entire movements. 2 to 3 minutes should be sufficient.
Orchestral Excerpts
- Percussion Applicants must perform all posted excerpts in the order printed on them.
- Excerpts available here.
Instruments will be provided at the audition but you must bring your own sticks and mallets. You are welcome to bring your own snare drum and/or cymbals, but must use our Timpani, Xylophone and Glockenspiel.
Live auditions for percussion will be held at the Sammons Center for the Arts. 3630 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas
This audition will be recorded by the GDYO so the conductors may view them all together.
You will be scheduled for one of these two dates, please make a note on your application if you have an unavoidable conflict on either of these dates.
Thursday, April 11, 6:00-10:00 pm
If you are unable to make either of these dates, you may submit a video recording no later then Thursday, April 13.
Due to the difficulty of getting all instruments in one place, If you make a video, you may record the solo and excerpts separately and combine them into one video.