audition info packet

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PO Box 2065, Farmington Hills MI 48333www.DetroitMYS.org

Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8

One of the oldest youth symphonies in the state of Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony is recognized for

the outstanding accomplishments of our four student orchestras, our encouragement of the talent and musical

development of our student members, for our commitment to excellence, and for our leadership in music education.

The Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony has offered a challenging musical experience for interested students in

Southeast Michigan since 1982. As a complement to the student’s school program, Detroit MYS provides the student

with additional musical guidance and challenge. We provide a nurturing atmosphere and exceptional musical

experience in an orchestral setting for interested, dedicated students which promotes a high level of musicianship in our

students, beginning with our youngest students in 2nd grade all through the grades to our most senior members in 12th

grade.

Our students come from nearly 50 communities in the Detroit metropolitan area to rehearse September through mid-

May. The Detroit MYS experience is designed to complement the student’s school program with enriched musical

instruction. Bring your school experience to Detroit MYS and your Detroit MYS experience back to your school. The

experience you get with Detroit MYS complements your school program and helps you grow as a musician.

Detroit MYS performs three concerts per season in metropolitan Detroit - one each in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb

counties, providing the student with experience in different concert venues. Concerts are generally early November,

early February and early May.

Our amazing professional Conductors mentor, teach and direct students in grades 2-12, in (4) different orchestras. Our

Conductors are highly qualified musicians chosen for their expertise in working with young people. We have two full

orchestras and two string orchestras:

Junior String Orchestra: Grades 2-7 All Strings

able to read music

no previous ensemble experience necessary

String Orchestra: Grades 5 – 9 All Strings

able to read music

2 years instrumental experience suggested

Concert Orchestra: Grades 8 – 12 Full Orchestra – All Instruments


Symphony Orchestra: Grades 10 – 12 Full Orchestra – All Instruments


Please see the following pages for specific information and requirements.

All of our orchestras rehearse on Saturday mornings at the same location and same general time. Our season starts

right after Labor Day and ends early May. Auditions for this fantastic group are in mid-May and also in late August every

year. Come meet our Conductors and show them what you can do!! Click Register For Audition online!

Want to know more?

We look forward to meeting you!

www.DetroitMYS.org

AUDITION

INFORMATION

2015-16 SEASON8.25.2015

http://www.detroitmys.org/







Does it cost to audition?

Yes. There is a $30 non-refundable audition fee which helps offset hall rental and conductor fees.

WHEN are auditions?

Generally, we hold Open Auditions for new students in early May and late August each year. We also accept auditions

throughout the year. Go to our website www.DetroitMYS.org and submit your application ONLINE.

Do I have to submit my application online?

Yes. All of our audition applications and enrollments are done online to serve you more efficiently.

What do I do at the audition?

You’ll meet with the Conductor of the Orchestra you’re auditioning for and play your instrument for them. Requirements

for each orchestra are attached.

What kind of music do Detroit MYS Orchestras play?

All kinds! On our website, www.DetroitMYS.org, go to the OUR MUSIC page to see what we have played the last few years

and what we’ll be playing this coming season. If you’re not familiar with some of those pieces, you can look them up on

YouTube. If you click the YouTube icon on our webpage, it takes you to Detroit MYS playing some pieces from recent

years!

Hey, I’m in Marching Band and I want to do this too!

No problem! Audition with everyone else and actually START with Detroit MYS after Marching Band is done.

I really want to be a part of Detroit MYS but I have a sport or club commitment on Saturdays during the Fall, or the Winter, or the

Spring. What should I do?

No problem! Audition with everyone else and talk with our Audition Manager about the concert cycle you’ll miss. Tuition is

prorated per concert cycle.

Does it cost to be part of Detroit MYS?

Yes, your tuition helps pay for our amazing Conductors, our rehearsal space, the music we play and fabulous concert halls

to perform in.

How much is tuition?

The tuition fees for the 2015-16 season are as follows:

Symphony, Concert and String Orchestras: $375 per student

Junior String Orchestra: $325 per student

When are rehearsals?

All of our orchestras rehearse on Saturday mornings at Royal Oak Middle School and the same general time. Our season

starts right after Labor Day and ends early May.

Symphony, Concert and String orchestras arrive by 915am to begin rehearsals promptly at 930am and end at 1230pm.

Junior String Orchestra arrives by 915am to begin rehearsal promptly at 930am and end at Noon.

What is the attendance policy?

Basically, we expect you to attend rehearsals and be prepared for them. Each orchestra is a team and it takes teamwork to

make a good sound. See the next page for our attendance policy.

Want to know more?

We look forward to meeting you!

If you have additional questions please contact:

[email protected]

AUDITION

FAQs




mailto:[email protected]






Attendance Policy

Rev 9.1.2015

The Detroit MYS Rehearsal Philosophy

Every member of Detroit MYS has commied to be part of a group, part of a team and part of a groupefort to learn to balance and play together as an ensemble. The success of the group depends upon the

parcipaon of all its members together. If you’re not there, then no one is playing your part and it can

aect the sound of the group as a whole.

1. You are expected to be ON TIME, prepared for, and attend all rehearsals and concerts.

2. As a member of Detroit MYS, you are expected to show proper respect to your Conductor, Manager,

and fellow musicians. If you need guidance as to the proper behavior, please ask your Orchestra

Manager.

3. If you know you are going to be absent on a specific date you must inform your Orchestra Manager

in writing at least one week prior to that rehearsal. There are blank Absence Notes available from

your Orchestra Manager and also on our website—www.DetroitMYS.org— on the MEMBERS page.

4. Missing Seating Auditions counts as an absence and will automatically place you in the back of the

section until the next seating audition.

5. If you are sick and cannot attend rehearsal , please call your Orchestra Manager. The Manager

contact information is listed below.

6. If you are participating in events such as Solo and Ensemble, you are still expected to attend Detroit

MYS rehearsal that day. Please request a performance time outside of the Detroit MYS rehearsal

time. Detroit MYS does not have rehearsal on the STATE Solo and Ensemble date.

7. STUDENTS WHO HAVE MISSED 2 REHEARSALS WITHIN A CONCERT PERIOD ARE

CAUTIONED THAT ANOTHER ABSENCE MAY REMOVE THEM FROM THE

PERFORMANCE.

ORCHESTRA MANAGERS:

Junior String: [email protected]

String: [email protected]

Concert: [email protected]

Symphony: [email protected]



PO Box 2065, Farmington Hills MI 48333www.DetroitMYS.orgPhone: 248-78-DMYS-8

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA

2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 1 of 6

Scales:

SCALES DO NOT NEED TO BE MEMORIZED

VIOLIN: G, A and B flat major 2 octavesD melodic minor 1 octave

VIOLA: C, D and E flat major 2 octavesG melodic minor 1 octave

CELLO: C, D and E flat major 2 octavesG melodic minor 1 octave

BASS: C, D and G Major 1 octaveC melodic minor 1 octave

Solo: 1-2 minutes of a solo piece that shows your current skill levelNo accompaniment requiredSolo does NOT need to be memorized

Excerpts: See following pages for each instrument Page 3 - Violin

Page 4 - Viola

- Cello

Page 6 - Bass

There are 3 excerpts for each instrument.

You may play 1, 2, or all 3 excerpts; it is your choice. You may choose anycombination, or if you are only playing one, you may choose which one.






2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 2 of 6

Dear Junior String Orchestra Candidate:

I am delighted that you have chosen to audition for the DMYS Junior String Orchestra and would liketo share my expectations with you to help in your preparation for audition day.

When you audition, I will be listening for the following:

1. Are you playing in tune?

2. Are you playing accurate rhythms?

3. Are you keeping a steady beat?

4. Are you following the key signature?

5. Are you following fingerings and bowings that are in the music?

6. Are you holding your instrument and bow properly?

7. Are you playing with a beautiful sound?

All of these qualifiers help to determine whether you are ready to play in an ensemble. Performingthe required prepared excerpts demonstrates that you can read music and properly prepare for our

Saturday rehearsals.

In the Junior String Orchestra, everyone must learn their music independently and come torehearsal able to play it. When we rehearse, we are learning how to put the music together like abig puzzle, we are not learning notes.

In addition, performing your scales properly demonstrates technical skill and discipline, both ofutmost importance when performing in an ensemble. Your scales may be written down and do notneed to be memorized.

Please be prepared to perform 1-2 minutes of a solo piece of your choosing, which shows yourcurrent skill level (no accompaniment required).

Find a teacher who can work with you to ensure that you understand and are able to play therequired excerpts and scales for your audition.

I look forward to meeting you, and I wish you a successful audition!

Sincerely,

Kathleen GrimesConductor, Junior String Orchestra






2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 3 of 6

VIOLIN AUDITION EXCERPTS






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Page 4 of 6

VIOLA AUDITION EXCERPTS






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Page 5 of 6

CELLO AUDITION EXCERPTS






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Page 6 of 6

BASS AUDITION EXCERPTS





STRING ORCHESTRA

2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 1 of 1

Students in Grades 5-9 interested in joining the String Orchestra will be asked to perform the following:

Solo:

o 3 to 4 minutes of a solo piece that shows your current skill level.

o Minimum level: Suzuki Book 2

o No accompaniment required

o Solo does NOT need to be memorized

Scales:

o 2 major scales

o 2 melodic minor scales

o ALL SCALES MUST BE MEMORIZED

o Violin, Viola, Celli: 2 octaves

o Bass: At least ONE 2-octave scale, other scales can be one octave

Sight-reading

o Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented by the Conductor at theaudition. The music will be taken from previously played String Orchestra repertoire.

Other Requirements

VIOLINS: knowledge of 3rd position on E String

VIOLA: knowledge of 3rd position

CELLO: confident in 4th position

BASS: confident in half, first, and second position on the G String





CONCERT ORCHESTRA

2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 1 of 1

Students in Grades 8-12 interested in joining the Concert Orchestra will be asked to perform the following:

Solo from a standard concerto or solo piece - 3 to 5 minutes of musicSolo does NOT have to be memorized.

4 scales: 2 major, 2 melodic minor up to 3 sharps and 3 flatsScales are to be MEMORIZED

Violin and Viola: three octaves

Cello: minimum of 2 octaves although 3 octaves are preferred

Bass: two octaves

Woodwinds, Brass: one or two octaves

Sight-reading. Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented at the audition. Oneminute will be allowed to silently review the selection before performing.

Students can perform 4 additional scales (2 major, 2 melodic minor) on the following instruments foradditional consideration: piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon. These are not requiredbut will increase a student’s chances for placement in the orchestra.

On occasion, positions for harp or saxophone may be available. Students wishing to be kept on our contactlist may do so by performing the audition requirements listed above. Selected students will then be notifiedif these parts are needed.

We play a full range of repertoire. Woodwinds and brass players may be asked to occasionally transpose.

Other requirements

Violas must be able to read treble clef

Celli must be able to read tenor and treble clef

Bassoons must be able to read tenor clef

Trumpets and French Horns must be able to transpose

Percussion Requirements

Percussion auditions will consist of the following:

2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for a melodic instrument of your choice: marimba, xylophone,glockenspiel, etc.

2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for snare drum

An excerpt of your choice demonstrating proficiency on timpani. Students can choose (but are not limited

to) a selection from orchestral or concert band literature. Percussionists should have an advanced level stick collection of good quality:

concert snare drum sticks

general use tympani mallets

medium yarn-wrapped marimba mallets

xylophone/bell mallets

For performances, students may be asked to provide hand-held/"small" percussion items (e.g. triangle,cabasa, guiro, maracas, castanets, etc.). For rehearsals, percussion instruments will be provided by DetroitMYS.





SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2015-16

8.22.2015

Page 1 of 1

Students in Grades 10-12 interested in joining the Symphony Orchestra will be asked to perform the followingrepertoire:

Solo from a standard concerto or solo piece - 3 to 5 minutes of musicSolo does NOT have to be memorized.

4 scales: 2 major, 2 melodic minorScales are to be MEMORIZED.

Violin, Viola, Cello: three octaves

Bass: two octaves

Woodwinds, Brass: one or two octaves (two octaves preferred)

Sight-reading. Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented at the audition. Oneminute will be allowed to silently review the selection before performing.

Students can perform 4 additional scales (2 major, 2 melodic minor) on the following instruments foradditional consideration: piccolo, English horn, Eb clarinet, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon. Theseare not required but will increase a student’s chances for placement in the orchestra.

On occasion, positions for harp or saxophone may be available. Students wishing to be kept on ourcontact list may do so by performing the audition requirements listed above. Selected students willthen be notified if these parts are needed.

We play a full range of repertoire. Woodwinds and brass players may be asked to occasionallytranspose.

Percussion Requirements

Percussion auditions will consist of the following:

2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for a melodic instrument of your choice: marimba, xylophone,glockenspiel, etc.

2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for snare drum

An excerpt of your choice demonstrating proficiency on timpani. Students can choose (but are notlimited to) a selection from orchestral or concert band literature.

Percussionists should have an advanced level stick collection of good quality:

concert snare drum sticks

general use tympani mallets

medium yarn-wrapped marimba mallets

xylophone/bell mallets.

For performances, students may be asked to provide hand-held/"small" percussion items (e.g. triangle,

cabasa, guiro, maracas, castanets, etc.). For rehearsals, percussion instruments will be provided by

Detroit MYS.

audition info packet

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