Entry Requirements
All applicants
You should be able to demonstrate achievement in practical musicianship on your instrument(Minimum of Grade 5 or equivalent skill set). You will be required to answer a range of theoretical questions on harmony and notation. You will be required to demonstrate a range of technical skills that are relevant to your instrument or pathway. For instrumentalists this will include rudiments, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, voicing chords and so on. All applicants will be asked to identify simple musical structures by ear such as intervals and chord quality. It is important to note that the purpose of the process is for us to make an assessment of what you already know and of how quickly we think you can learn. All junior applicants will be assessed based on their level of knowledge. Students will also be required to show a consistent level of advancement in musical career for example working towards higher grades.
Audition
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass & Harp
Please prepare two songs of your own choice with a backing track. The songs must be in contrasting styles to show the breadth of your ability. One tune can be an original but not both. You are welcome to bring an accompanist for the performance if you do not want to play to your backing track.
Rhythm Section (Guitarists, Piano players, Organists and Bassists
Please prepare two songs of your own choice. The songs must be in contrasting styles to show the breadth of your ability. One tune can be an original but not both. It is very important that you play whole tunes from start to finish. We don't want to hear you 'noodle' around with bits of riffs and licks. We are trying to gauge your overall musical aptitude not just your technique. We rather you do not play to backing tracks. You are welcome to bring an accompanist for the performance.
Drummers and Percussionists
You will be asked to play a range of common grooves, styles and feels such as rock, funk, jazz and Afro-Cuban, straight, swing and shuffle. You will be required to count, play time and perform fills to different requirements. Finally you will also be asked to demonstrate what you like to practice.
Brass: Saxes, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Flugle Horn, Tuba
Please prepare two songs of your own choice with a backing track. The songs must be in contrasting styles to show the breadth of your ability. One tune can be an original but not both. You are welcome to bring an accompanist for the performance if you do not want to play to your backing track.
Woodwind: Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet, Bassoon
Please prepare two songs of your own choice with a backing track. The songs must be in contrasting styles to show the breadth of your ability. One tune can be an original but not both. You are welcome to bring an accompanist for the performance if you do not want to play to your backing track.
Producers and Songwriters
Please bring two songs you have written or produced to listen to and discuss. Songwriters may perform their songs and must bring their lyrics so they can be discussed.
Junior Applicants (Ages 12 and under):
All junior applicants with little experience in music are welcome as the junior orchestra serves as a training camp for children with little musical knowledge. However, individual commitment is assessed within one month of acceptance.
