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 elective ensembles, 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 elective music ensembles only, not for core 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 2022 are
GAEL FORCE, YOUTH WINDS or CONCERT BAND: for all woodwind, brass and percussion students
SINFONIETTA, YOUTH STRINGS or CHAMBER STRINGS: for all string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass)
The elective ensembles for 2022 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
Audition Requirements – Jazz Ensembles
Jazz auditions will run as an Open Rehearsal where students of all ages & ability are invited to come along and join in. We will run one large band and run the session with one song (for students to practice), call and answer jam session & improvisation over a blues in the concert key of F major.
Final round jazz auditions will be held on Tuesday 8th February 2022, from 3:45 until 5:00pm in room 17.202 at Scotch College.
Audition Requirements – Contemporary Bands – Singers | Guitarists | Keyboard Players | Bass Players | Drummers
Contemporary band auditions will run as an Open Rehearsal where students of all ages & ability are invited to come along and play together. We will put groups of students together to play and hear different combinations of musicians play in different lineups.
To prepare, please learn the song I Want to Break Free by Queen. Listen to the recording and follow along with the chord chart to ensure you’re playing the correct form. Hard copies of the chord chart are available to be picked up from music reception if you’d prefer to read from an A3 page.
Here is the chord chart: I Want to Break Free
Contemporary auditions are taking place on Wednesday 16th February in room 17.202, upstairs in the SS music building, from 3:45pm until 5:15pm. Guitarists and bass players, make sure you bring your instrument and your lead (cable). If you are unable to be at the audition due to a clash of commitments, please contact the Contemporary Music Coordinator Mr David Chidgzey to organise an alternative 1:1 audition time.
Ensemble allocations
Once ensemble allocations are finalised lists will be published on the music noticeboards and via this Performing Arts website.