Auditions

General Info

All students new to Clark must first audition to determine which orchestra is right for them. We have 5 levels of orchestra that meet during the day at Clark. These classes are usually indicated by their period numbers:

  • 1st Period: Beginning Orchestra (for those who have not learned a string instrument yet)
  • Block 7/8: Lower Intermediate Orchestra
  • Block 3/4: Upper Intermediate Orchestra
  • Block 1/2: Lower Advanced Orchestra
  • Block 5/6: Upper Advanced Orchestra

All classes except for beginning are intended to be taken as a double block. This means that you must be in both periods of your block if you get into that orchestra. In the rare scenario that this arrangement does not work, you are required to be in the even period of the class (2, 4, 6, or 8).

There are between 3-5 concerts throughout the year depending on the level of the group. You are required to perform in all concerts for a summative grade. Concert info will be announced at the beginning of the year.

Advanced Requirements

There are additional requirements for being in either 1/2 or 5/6 Advanced Orchestra.

  • You must be double blocked. If you can only be in the even day class due to a schedule issue, you must also be enrolled in an after-school Chamber Orchestra class. More info on meeting dates and auditions for these groups will be announced at the end of the school year.
  • You must prepare an audition for Honor’s Orchestra. It is encouraged that you audition, but you may play it in class for a summative grade if there is a schedule conflict. 5/6 Advanced students must also prepare an audition for All-State.
  • You must play in Solo and Ensemble for a summative grade.

Audition Materials

Please audition for the group that you think is appropriate for your level. Ask your teacher if you need help figuring out which one to audition for. You will record a video with all of the required elements and submit it to the link below. We should be able to see your face and both hands in the video. Auditions are due by May 15th!

Intermediate 7/8 and 3/4 Audition

Please record yourself playing the following 2 octave scales and 1-2 minutes of a solo piece between Suzuki books 1-3 in difficulty (it does not have to be from Suzuki).

  • Violin: G major, D major (if you know it)
  • Viola: C major, G major (if you know it)
  • Cello: C major, G major (if you know it)
  • Bass: D major (with drop-down), G major (if you know it)
Advanced 1/2 Audition

Please record yourself playing the following 3 octave scales, etude, and 1-2 minutes of a solo piece between Suzuki books 3-4 in difficulty (it does not have to be from Suzuki).

Advanced 5/6 Audition

Please record yourself playing the following 3 octave scales, etude, and 1-2 minutes of a solo piece Suzuki book 4 or higher in difficulty (it does not have to be from Suzuki).

Submit Video Here!