Auditions are held early every Winter Semester (February/March) for placement in the DHS Symphony Orchestra and DHS Baroque Ensemble the subsequent Fall. There is no need to audition for placement in the DHS Chamber Orchestra, so long as the student meets the prerequisites.
Information about each year’s auditions, including how to sign up, when auditions will be held, etc., will be posted here and announced to all 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade students as soon as the details are finalized.
Following is general information about the auditions.
Recommended Level of Ability
It is recommended that all players have previous ensemble and or performance experience and be well advanced in the command of their instrument. Confidence in sight-reading and advanced control of intonation and tone quality is expected.
Audition Requirements
- Strings – Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass:
- 3 octaves of any major scale in quarter notes, at a tempo of 144 (Basses 2 octaves)
- 3 octaves of any melodic minor scale in quarter notes at a tempo of 120 (Basses 2 octaves)
- 3-4 minute excerpt of an unaccompanied solo (skip over long rests) that demonstrates your ability.
- Key Board Players Auditioning for Harpsichord:
- 3 octaves of any major scale in two hands- in quarter notes, at a tempo of 144
- 3 octaves of any melodic minor scale in two hands- in quarter notes at a tempo of 120
- 3-4 minute excerpt of an unaccompanied solo (skip over long rests) that demonstrates your ability.
Notes
- All players will be asked to sight read
- All instruments — when deciding on solo literature consult your private instructor or school music teacher.
- You will be required to provide a copy of your solo music the day of your audition for the adjudicator.
Contact Mr. Moreno if you have any questions.