National Youth Orchestra of Wales

Auditions 2017

Strings Audition Pack

Contents:

String Audition Requirements

Set Orchestral Excerpts (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)

Example Marksheet

STRING AUDITIONS

Guidelines for Audition Preparation

N.B. ALL AUDITIONS ARE UNACCOMPANIED

Each audition will be around 20 minutes in duration and will include the elements set out below:

1. PiecesAll candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces of Grade 8 standard or above, at least one of which wouldpreferably be from the 20th century repertoire. Contrasting movements from the same work are not acceptable. Youmust bring a copy of your pieces with you for the audition panel.

The panel won’t necessarily have time to hear the pieces in full and so may ask for sections only – please do not take thisas a reflection of your playing!

NB - Take care in choosing your pieces – it is better to offer a piece that you can play well and confidently rather than amore difficult piece in the hope of impressing the panel.

2. Scales and arpeggios - to be played from memoryUnless otherwise stated below you should prepare all scales, arpeggios (Dim / Dom 7ths etc) as required by theAssociated Board Syllabus, up to and including Grade 8. A selection will be made at audition.

Violin - Choose two notes between G and D inclusive and prepare all major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic)and arpeggios, Dominant 7th, Diminished 7th and Chromatic scales starting on those notes. All should be played over 3octaves, and prepared both slurred and with separate bows.

Viola - You should prepare scales and arpeggios in the keys of C and D (major and minor) over 3 octaves. Scales shouldbe prepared both slurred (1 octave to a bow) and with separate bows (even notes). Arpeggios to be prepared slurredwith three notes to a bow.You will also be asked to play a Chromatic scale starting on C (3 octaves, slurred 1 octave to a bow) and Diminished 7th

exercise starting on C (3 octaves, slurred, 4 notes to a bow).

Cello – You should prepare scales and arpeggios in the key of A (major and minor) as well as Diminished and Dominant7ths starting on A – all exercises should be prepared over 3 octaves, octave to a bow and slurred.

Double Basses – you should prepare scales and arpeggios (including Dominant and Diminished 7th exercises) in majorand minor keys between 1 and 4 sharps or flats (ie – G Major/E minor to E Major/C# minor and F Major/D minor to AbMajor/ F minor).

NB - Although no-one’s favourite aspect of playing an instrument, Scales and Arpeggios are nevertheless an importantpart of music making. If prepared properly and musically they are easy marks at your audition, however they are anequally easy way to drop marks should you neglect to prepare them fully.

3. Sight readingYou will be asked to play 2 short pieces of sight reading.

4. Prepared orchestral excerptsIncluded within this pack is a selection of orchestral extracts that should be prepared fully for your audition.

NB - Prepared extracts are an important way of showing the panel that you are able to prepare music in a shortspace of time, paying attention to dynamic and tempo markings and any other directions that are given in the music.When marks are close, preparation of the excerpts is increasingly the aspect of the audition which determines whoshould get a place in the Orchestra – they are an extremely important part of your audition.

5. Mark SheetAn exemplar mark sheet is included within this pack – this shows how much each aspect of the audition contributesto the overall result. You will receive your mark sheet at registration where you will need to print clearly the name ofyour audition pieces.

PLEASE NOTE: IF ON THE DAY OF YOUR AUDITION YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND – PLEASE CONTACT 07530 452105

NYOW 2017 Auditions - Violin Prepared Extracts (prepare fully prior to audition)

NYOW 2017 Auditions - Violin Prepared Extracts (prepare fully priort to audition)

Mahler Symphony No.1 - End of 1st Movement

FINISH

NYOW 2017 auditions - Prepare excerpts for Viola (prepare fully pror to audition)

NYOW 2017 Auditions - Viola Prepared ExcerptsPrepare fully prior to audition

NYOW 2017 Auditions - Viola Prepared ExcerptsPrepare fully prior to audtion

Weber - Der Freischutz Overture

START

FINISH

NYOW 2017 Auditions - Viola prepared Excerpts (prepare fully prior to audition)

START

FINISH

NYOW 2017 Auditions – Cello Excerpt (prepare fully prior to audition)

Richard Strass – Der Rosenkavalier crotchet = 100 (approx..)

NYOW 2017 Auditions – Double Bass Orchestral Extract 1

Prepare fully prior to audition

Double Bass Orchestra Excerpt 2 – prepare fully prior to audition

Name:

Instrument:

Grade: Marks

Audition Venue: Total Actual

1st Piece: 20

Composer:

Comments:

2nd Piece: 20

Composer:

Comments:

Prepared Extracts: 20

Sight Reading: 16

Passport

Photo

Scales & Arpeggios: 8

General Comments:

Technique 4

Intonation 4

Sound Production 4

Musicality 4

Total 100 Signed: Date: