The Ensembles
AUDITIONS
All music to be used for auditions will be available to students and to
private music teachers at least three weeks before the date of audition.
Additional requirements for each WVYS ensemble/instrument will also be
available at that time.
Strings- All new students wishing to audition will play for all three conductors on the published audition date(s). Auditions will be held in the spring and fall for the upcoming season. Conductors will determine which WVYS ensemble is appropriate for each student. At the discretion of the conductors and as the need arises, new students may be invited to audition at other times of the year.
Strings – Move-Up Auditions - A standard repertoire of move-up music has been established. Students may request the music at any time. Students wishing to move up to Youth Strings or Youth Orchestra may only audition in spring. Violinists must play either 1st violin or principal 2nd violin to be eligible to move up to the next group. Mid-season auditions will take place at the convenience of all three conductors and by invitation only by your current conductor. Students will be judged by the appropriate conductors and when possible other professional string players.
Seating Auditions - At the conductors’ preference, seating auditions may be taped, held behind a screen or in front of the conductor(s). Taped auditions may be conducted by someone other than the conductor and will be evaluated by the appropriate conductor and when possible one other professional string player. The conductor and possibly one other professional string player will judge the live auditions. Students who have a valid excuse for absence on the day of seating auditions may schedule an audition with the general manager within one week. Make-up auditions must take place prior to the next regular rehearsal. Final seating decisions are at the discretion of the conductor.
Brass and Woodwinds - All current brass and woodwind players will audition in the spring on the published date. Seating for the next season will be based on this audition; adjustments may be made at any time at the discretion of the conductor. New brass and woodwind players may also audition in the spring, fall or at any time in the season at the convenience of the conductor and as the need arises for a particular instrument.
CHALLENGE PROCEDURE
Purpose:
Challenges are in place to provide students with opportunities for advanced
seating within their ensemble. The expectation is to foster healthy competition
among players in the group. Standards of performance are elevated when
students must maintain their
“chair”.
Guidelines:
1. First stands of sections are set for the semester. Challenges may occur within the first stand between the principal and assistant principal. All others may challenge up to third chair. In cases of less than four players in a section, this does not apply. In the case of first and second violin sections, the third chair second violin may challenge the last chair first violin.
2. The student wishing to challenge must ask the conductor’s permission. The conductor will choose the challenge music with both students present. They will determine a mutually agreeable time for the challenge.
3. The same student may not be challenged more than once in a single semester. This is to avoid an unnecessary strain on the same student.
4. The conductor will listen to both players. The challenger must play first. A decision will be made that day and students will be notified.
5. In order to maintain continuity in an ensemble, challenges may not happen within two weeks of a concert.
6. All involved should remember that chair placement is only one aspect of the total orchestra experience. Both winner and loser of a challenge should maintain a cordial and sportsmanlike attitude after the result. Remember—we are a team!
CONCERTO COMPETITION
Competition for concerto performances will be held at mid-year. Students
wishing to schedule an audition must pre-register by November 28 in order
for the conductors and students to decide on appropriate music. A formal
application and a $10.00 application fee will be due in the Symphony office
by December 18 ,2006. A copy of the student’s music must be attached
to the application. Audition pieces do not have to be memorized by the
audition, but must be memorized by the concert in the spring. Students
not selected for the concerto performance may be invited by the YO conductor
to play in the Chamber Ensemble Concert.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR STRING PLAYERS
Before the concert season starts, the Youth Orchestra conductor may invite
exceptionally talented string players to audition for apprenticeships
with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Students who are interested
in this opportunity and feel that they qualify should contact the YO conductor
before the next WVSO season.