The auditions process for this year is changing and everyone who applies (regardless of which ensemble they are applying for or whether they have been a member before) will have to audition
The move to re - audition everyone is firstly to ensure that seating plans for the yearly programme can be completed with input from a larger panel and secondly, it is a first step towards a more digitally interactive strand of provision for all successful applicants to our County Music Groups programme.
The final seating plan for all ensembles will be decided by considering both the audition video submissions and involvement in the 'Come and Play Day' in October (first rehearsal). In instances where the playing standard of students is very similar then their previous membership in the ensemble will be viewed favourably.
Auditions will not be held online this year but instead be via video submission and the requirements for all applicants is different to previous years so please make sure that you read and understand all of the information below.
What do I need to prepare for my audition?
The requirements differ slightly depending on which ensemble you are applying for.
SYO Applicants
You will be required to submit 3 video recordings and a written paragraph as detailed in the information below.
Where percussionists do not have access to their own orchestral instruments we will be happy to accept a piece performed on Snare Drum.
SYWB and SYS Applicants
You will be required to submit 1 video recording and a written paragraph as detailed in the information below.
Where percussionists do not have access to their own orchestral instruments we will be happy to accept a piece performed on Snare Drum or Drum Kit.
Video 1 (All applicants)
|
This will be a performance of either two, short, contrasting pieces or one longer piece with contrasting sections which you will play unaccompanied in one take.
We will be happy to accept any videos you may already have recorded provided they meet the criteria above.
|
Video 2 (SYO Applicants only)
|
This will be a performance of excerpt 1 played along with a metronome in one take - (we will provide the excerpt with the required tempo indicated and this will be available to download from the auditions section of our website from Monday 20 May)
|
Video 3 (SYO applicants only)
|
This will be a performance of excerpt 2 in one take (we will provide this and it will be available to download from the auditions section of our website from Monday 20 May)
|
In addition to the above we would also like all applicants (regardless of the ensemble that they are applying for) to provide an emailed written paragraph of no more than 150 words answering the 2 following questions:
Question 1
|
What aspects of your musicianship do you hope to develop over the season as a whole?
|
Question 2
|
What do you think are the key skills needed for being a good orchestral / wind band / string orchestra player?
|
Recording Advice
Using a mobile phone to record your video is totally fine. When recording your video submissions there is no requirement to use additional microphones providing both picture and sound are clear.
Please ensure that posture and in particular fingers, are clearly visible during the recording.
Please also ensure that the view is not impeded by music stands.
Where do I need to send my videos and written paragraph to when i have completed them?
When completed please name each video as follows 'SURNAME INITIAL Instrument Ensemble applying for Video 1' e.g. BLOGGS J Violin SYS Video 1.
Please also name your written paragraph in the same format using written paragraph e.g. BLOGGS J Violin SYS Written Paragraph
Please use WeTransfer (see the document at 'how to' guide) to send the files to clare.lewis@suffolk.gov.uk This will ensure that there is no limit to the size of file being sent.
Do I have to submit everything all in one go?
No - as long as you submit your application form first then your video/s and written paragraph can be sent separately but everything needs to be received by us by the closing date which is Friday 28 June 2024.
What happens after the closing date?
After all auditions have taken place, all applicants will be put into a ranking order and our ensemble team will meet to finalise players for all ensembles. We will aim to send you your result by email by Friday 19 July 2024.