Orchestra 4

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Orchestra 4 is geared toward performance, with minimal instruction being given in technical skills and more emphasis on playing as an ensemble. Students will audition for entry as well as for their chair placement. Auditioning students should be proficient in the skills taught in Orchestra 3, such as playing in, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th positions with accurate intonation, using vibrato, and playing musically. These skills will be necessary to adequately play the music at this level. Students will be taught more advanced musical terms and music theory as they apply to the orchestra’s repertoire. For more details and practice guidelines from Maestro Shackelford, click the link on the pdf below.

Orchestra 4 Audition info

• Scales and arpeggios are to be played from memory (no music) with separate bows, half note with the QN = 72, followed by the associated arpeggio. Students will be asked to play one major and one minor scale from the following sets.

VIOLIN

Bb and C Major, 3 octaves

g and a melodic minor, 3 octaves

VIOLA

Eb and F major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

CELLO

Eb and F major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

DOUBLE BASS

Ab and Bb major, 2 octaves

f and g melodic minor, 2 octaves

• Sightreading: provided at audition 

• Etude excerpt - choose your instrument and download the appropriate pdf below.

• Prepared piece - 1 minute solo selection of your choice

  • Selection should adequately meet the difficulty and musical level of Orchestra 4 as well as show your abilities technically and musically

  • Example of what may be appropriate: Suzuki 5 or above, Seitz student concertos

  • Not appropriate: hymns, sheet music/popular music