Audition Applications are now being accepted.

Serenade Orchestra: Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their note-reading ability in first position, and to maintain a steady tempo while playing. Violin candidates should prepare the following scales: G major (2 octave) and C major (1 octave). Cello and viola candidates should prepare these scales: C major (2 octaves) and G major (1 octave).

Concert Orchestra: Candidates must be able to read with proficiency, use bow strokes (legato, staccato, detaché), play correct dynamics and rhythms. Candidates should prepare two-octave major scales through two flats and three sharps.

Repertory Orchestra: Candidates should be comfortable in all registers of their instrument and have advanced control of intonation and tone quality. Players should have ensemble experience. Familiarity with all major and minor scales and the chromatic scale are required. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong sense of the inner pulse (internal metronome) in their playing.

Symphony Orchestra: Candidates should be able to perform all major and minor scales and a chromatic scale through the practical range of the instrument. Performance of the solo piece should demonstrate advanced technical command and lyrical expression. Candidates for the Symphony Orchestra must be able to make music without the concerns of technique and show a connection to the music they are making.

Horizons: Woodwind and brass candidates should play a scale (at least one octave) in a key of their choice and a brief solo, etude, or except from a band piece.  Please make sure the solo or excerpt has some melodic material and some rhythmic and technical challenges.  The candidate might also be asked to sight readl

Percussion: 6th grade: short snare drum or mallet piece, no sight reading. 7th & 8th grade: snare drum and a mallet solo, sight reading on instrument of choice, Bb scale 2 octaves. 9th - 12th grade: snare solo, plus solo on either timpani or mallets, sight reading on instruments on which you audition, Bb scale 2 octaves. To be considered for a principal position applicant needs a short solo on snare drum, timpani and mallets plus sight-reading in these same categories, Bb scale 2 octaves.

Audition Requirements

This audition will determine your placement within one of the four Louisville Youth Orchestra ensembles.  Percussionists have special requirements. See above.

• All members will be required to have a solo prepared for their audition. This solo should be representative of the student’s overall musical and technical ability.
• Prepare a scale (major or minor, any number of octaves) that represents your level of playing.
• All students auditioning will be asked to sight read a short excerpt.

Audition Applications for the 2010-2011 season are now being accepted.
Click here for an audition form