Ensemble Network – Audition Requirements

All applicants are required to submit audition videos in order to be considered for the Harmony Program Ensemble Network.

Please note that students are not guaranteed placement in their preferred ensemble, and final placement will be determined by the Harmony Program administration.

Video Audition Excerpts & Instructions

Applicants should submit separate video files for each of the audition requirements listed in the application for their instrument. Each video should include the student’s name and piece name (or “scales”) in the title. An example of this would be to name the file: SquidwardTentacles_MozartClarinetConcerto_MovementII

All applicants must record the baseline requirements, but they may also choose to record the optional requirements, if they’d like to be considered for a more advanced ensemble. Please note that students are not guaranteed placement in their preferred ensemble, and final placement will be determined by the Harmony Program administration.

Videos should be uploaded directly to the application OR via a YouTube link (or similar platform). *Please note that linked videos must be “public” or “unlisted;” Harmony Program Administration will not be able to review videos that are marked as “private.”

Tips For Recording Your Audition

  • Include the student’s name and piece name (or “scales”) in the title of each video.
  • If submitting a link to a video, ensure that the settings allow for Harmony Program Administration to view all files (videos should be “public” or “unlisted”).
  • Find a location that is well-lit with natural sunlight or plenty of indoor lighting.
  • Choose a quiet, indoor, location with little background noise (street sounds, music, other people).
  • Avoid spaces with lots of echo, or placing yourself in the corner of a room.
  • Turn off air conditioners and heaters to avoid fan noise.
  • Set your laptop, phone, or camera on a tripod or steady surface (please do not hold your camera while shooting to avoid shaky footage).
  • Provide a seat for yourself that is stationary and quiet.
  • Shoot horizontally (use landscape mode and avoid portrait mode).
  • Position the camera so that we can see your entire body, instrument and bow hold.
  • This video does not have to be of professional quality nor are you required to have an accompanist — we just want to see and hear you clearly so that we can best determine your ensemble placement!

Please reach out to us at programs@harmonyprogram.org if you have any questions. Hablamos Español!

Training Ensembles (1+ years of experience)

  • One scale in any mode or key (one-octave)
  • Students who also wish to be considered for the Preparatory Ensemble will need to record one additional scale (two scales total).
  • One piece, at least two minutes in length, that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of their instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Ensembles (2+ years of experience)

  • Two scales in any mode or key (one-octave)
  • One piece, at least two minutes in length, that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of their instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

String Orchestra (3+ years of experience)

  • Two scales in any mode or key (two-octaves)
  • Two contrasting solo pieces, three to four minutes in length each (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Strings Excerpt Packet

Preparatory Orchestra (3+ years of experience)

  • Two scales in any mode or key (two-octaves)
  • Two contrasting solo pieces, three to four minutes in length each (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Strings Excerpt Packet

Junior Youth Orchestra (4+ years of experience)

  • Two scales in any mode or key (three-octaves)
  • Two contrasting solo pieces, each at least five minutes in length (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Strings Excerpt Packet

Senior Youth Orchestra (5+ years of experience)

  • Two scales in any mode or key (three-octaves)
  • Two contrasting solo pieces, each at least five minutes in length (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Strings Excerpt Packet

Harmony Program Segue

Applicants that wish to be considered for Segue should submit all Senior Youth Orchestra audition requirements with the following additional instructions:

  • The contrasting pieces should be 1 movement of a major concerto and 1 movement of a Bach Sonatas & Partitas or Cello Suite. Both must be memorized;
  • Video statement explaining why they are a good candidate for Segue;
  • A recommendation letter from current music teacher, orchestra conductor, or private lesson instructor.

Training Ensembles (1+ years of experience)

  • Concert B-flat Major OR F Major one-octave scale
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of their instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Ensembles (2+ years of experience)

  • Concert B-flat Major OR F Major one-octave scale
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of their instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Orchestra (3+ years of experience)

  • One-octave scale in a key with at least three sharps or three flats
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Winds Excerpt Packet

Junior Youth Orchestra (4+ years of experience)

  • Two-octave scale of your choice, optional third octave.
  • One piece from the standard woodwind repertoire that best represents your current skill level. At least 4 minutes in length, no accompaniment necessary.
  • Winds Excerpt Packet

Senior Youth Orchestra (5+ years of experience)

  • Two-octave scale of your choice, optional third octave.
  • One piece from the standard woodwind repertoire that best represents your current skill level. At least 4 minutes in length, no accompaniment necessary.
  • Winds Excerpt Packet

Jazz Ensemble (5+ years of experience)

  • In addition to the Senior Orchestra requirements, perform a brief solo piece that showcases a Jazz or popular music style. Backing track optional.
    • Optional: Perform a minor pentatonic scale of your choice.

Training Ensembles (1+ years of experience)

  • Concert B-flat Major one-octave scale
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of their instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Ensembles (2+ years of experience)

  • Concert B-flat Major one-octave scale
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Orchestra (3+ years of experience)

  • One-octave scale in a key with at least three sharps or three flats
  • Two or three minute piece that demonstrates ability to perform basic technical aspects of your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Brass Excerpts Packet

Junior Youth Orchestra (4+ years of experience)

  • Two-octave scale of your choice
  • One piece from the standard brass repertoire that best represents your current skill level. At least 4 minutes in length, no accompaniment necessary.
  • Brass Excerpts Packet

Senior Youth Orchestra (5+ years of experience)

  • Two-octave scale of your choice
  • One piece from the standard brass repertoire that best represents your current skill level. At least 4 minutes in length, no accompaniment necessary.
  • Brass Excerpts Packet

Jazz Ensemble (5+ years of experience)

  • In addition to the Senior Orchestra requirements, perform a brief solo piece that showcases a Jazz or popular music style. Backing track optional.
    • Optional: Perform a minor pentatonic scale of your choice.

Training Ensembles (1+ years of experience)

  • Perform an improvisation or brief solo of choice, not to exceed three minutes in length, that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Ensembles (2+ years of experience)

  • Perform a drum roll from p – f – p
  • Perform an improvisation or brief solo of choice, not to exceed three minutes in length, that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Preparatory Orchestra (3+ years of experience)

  • Perform a drum roll, from pp – ff – pp
  • Perform three rudiments of your choice from the Percussive Arts Society 40
  • Perform a brief solo, not to exceed three minutes in length, that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)

Junior Youth Orchestra (4+ years of experience)

If you do not have access to any of the instruments indicated below, please perform on an instrument you do have available to you.

  • Snare drum:
  • Mallets: Perform one scale of your choice
  • Perform a three- to five-minute solo piece of your choice that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Percussion Excerpts Packet

Senior Youth Orchestra (5+ years of experience)

If you do not have access to any of the instruments indicated below, please perform on an instrument you do have available to you.

  • Snare drum:
  • Mallets: Perform one scale of your choice
  • Perform a three- to five-minute solo piece of your choice that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
  • Percussion Excerpts Packet

Jazz Ensemble (5+ years of experience)

  • In addition to the Senior Orchestra requirements, perform a brief solo on drum set (preferably a swing, funk, or Latin jazz style). Backing track optional.

Children’s Choir (7 – 13 years old)

  • Any song they feel comfortable performing a capella (does not have to be from memory)

Youth Choir (14 – 18 years old)

  • Two contrasting songs of their choice (classical, musical theater, pop, etc). Must be memorized.