Auditions- all auditions will be held at Binghamton High School.
UPCOMING AUDITION DATES-
- Sunday, May 18, 2025
All auditions are held in the band room at Binghamton High School, from noon to 3 PM, by appointment only.
Current openings
Senior Orchestra - All Instruments,
Junior Orchestra - All Instruments
General Requirements:
• Every student must be a member of his or her school music program
for the instrument that he or she will be playing in the orchestra.
Exceptions are made only for students whose schools do not have a music program or who are home-schooled.
• Students must be present for rehearsals:
every Sunday from September through mid-May, 3-6 PM for Senior Orchestra, 3-5:00 PM for Junior Orchestra.
Senior Orchestra Audition Information:
Strings
1) Scales:
• One three-octave scale (two-octave for bass) of student's choice with these bowings:
• Required variations:
Whole bow with vibrato
o Slurred triplets at moderate speed
o Separate, Spicatto (off the string) as fast as possible
• Finger action must be even and controlled through all shifts.
2) Solo:
• Prepared solo must be at least NYSSMA Grade 4 level.
• An accompanist is not necessary.
3) Sight Reading:
• Equivalent to NYSSMA Grade 4 level or above.
Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion
1) Scales:
• Prepare all major scales in at least one octave. A moderate tempo is suggested (quarter note = 120 or faster).
2) Solo:
• Prepared solo should demonstrate tone quality, technical ability, and musicality.
• Prepared solo must be at least NYSSMA Grade 4 level.
3) Sight Reading:
• Equivalent to NYSSMA Grade 4 level or above
Other Notes:
• Flutists who play piccolo are encouraged to demonstrate their ability on both instruments.
• Trumpet and horn applicants will be asked if they have experience with transposition.
This is not required, but it is recommended that you demonstrate this ability.
• Percussionists are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency with multiple instruments: snare drum, timpani, and keyboard.
• A severe deficiency in one of these areas will not disqualify you, but it is to your advantage to show some basic understanding of all areas.
Junior Orchestra Audition Information:
Strings
1) Scales
Violins:
- F Major scale - 1 octave
- G Major scale - 2 octave
Viola & Cello:
- F Major scale - 1 octave
- C Major scale - 2 octave
Bass:
- F Major scale - 1 octave
- C Major scale - 1 octave
Required variations for all Strings:
- Whole bow on each note
- Long stroke and two short strokes (quarter note followed by two eighth notes) on each pitch
- Hooked stroke (dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note with a hooked bow) on each pitch
- Four bounces on each pitch
2) Solo:
- Prepared solo must be at least NYSSMA Grade 2 level
- Solo should be unaccompanied
3) Sight Reading:
- Equivalent to NYSSMA Grade 2 level sight reading
Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion
1) Scales:
• Prepare the following scales, one octave. A moderate tempo is suggested (quarter note = 120 or faster).
o Concert B-flat major
o Concert F major
o Concert C major
o Concert G major
o Concert D major
2) Solo:.
• Prepared solo should demonstrate tone quality, technical ability, and musicality.
• NYSSMA Grade 2 level or above is recommended.
3) Sight Reading:
• Equivalent to NYSSMA Grade 2 level sight reading
Other Notes:
• Flutists who play piccolo are encouraged to demonstrate their ability on both instruments.
• Percussionists are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency with multiple instruments: snare drum, timpani, and keyboard.
• A severe deficiency in one of these areas will not disqualify you, but it is to your advantage to show some basic understanding of all areas.
