Auditions
Auditions
Each year, at the close of Winter Term, many of the Scotch Music ensembles cease. Early in Spring Term, all continuing students (from Year 5 through 12) go through an audition process to determine which ensemble(s) and position(s) they will fill for the following 12 months.
Auditions are conducted for all instruments, regardless of boys level of experience or previous history of involvement in Scotch Music. It’s important to note that these auditions are for Scotch College music ensembles only, not for combined PLC-Scotch music ensembles.
Music Faculty staff carefully review the results of the auditions, examine student performance history and consult with Academic Support staff as required before placing students into the most appropriate ensembles for their overall musical development. All music students are expected to participate in the core ensemble appropriate to their main instrument. Other ensemble placement is elective and students/parents can choose to either accept the offer of a place, or decline as they see fit.
The core ensembles for 2020 are
CONCERT BAND: for all woodwind, brass and percussion students ORCHESTRA: for all string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) MASS CHOIR: for any singers / vocalists from Years 6 through 12
The elective ensembles for 2020 will be formed in the following areas:
Jazz (large ensembles and small combos), Contemporary Bands, Vocal ensembles, Piano (several pianos many hands), Guitar ensembles, Chamber ensembles, Drumline, Electronic music
Audition Requirements
Each instrument type has set excerpts that students must prepare for the audition. The excerpts are published below and are graded easy, medium and advanced. Students may choose which two excerpts to prepare (either easy, medium or advanced), depending on their level of experience and skill, but must prepare both excerpts at the same level. Music Tutors will be able to guide students as to the appropriate excerpts to prepare; although we always encourage students to challenge themselves. Students will have a minimum of 7 days to prepare, and up to 10 days to prepare, dependent on when their audition is booked. This short time-frame is deliberate.
French Horn Trombone Tuba Trumpet
Alto Saxophone Baritone Saxophone Tenor Saxophone Clarinet Flute
Guitar Piano Bass Drum set Percussion
Audition Bookings
Auditions are being held during week five of Spring Term (Monday 11th through Thursday 14th November). Students (or parents) should book a suitable audition time by clicking on the link below. Once booked, parents (or students, depending on which email address is registered) will receive an email confirming the audition time, and venue.
Audition results | ensemble allocations
Once the audition results are available, ensemble lists will be published on the music noticeboards and via this Performing Arts website.