Musical Greetings from the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony! Auditions for 2017-18 Season PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
The Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony has provided a challenging musical experience for interested students in Southeast Michigan since 1982 and we’re still going strong! We just celebrated our 35th Anniversary! As a supplement to the student’s school music program, Detroit MYS complements and supports school music instruction with additional guidance and challenge for the advancing music student in grades 2-12. DMYS provides a nurturing atmosphere and an exceptional musical experience while encouraging the talent and musical development of our student members with a diverse repertoire of music. Bring your school experience to Detroit MYS and your Detroit MYS experience back to your school. The experience you get with Detroit MYS complements your school music program and helps you grow as a musician. One of the oldest youth symphonies in the state of Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony is recognized for the outstanding accomplishments of our four student orchestras directed by our very accomplished professional conductors: Olivia Zang with Junior String Orchestra, Victoria Haltom with String Orchestra, Paul Shawver with Concert Orchestra and Geoff Benes with Symphony Orchestra. Our professional conductors are dedicated to excellence, earning honorary awards with MSBOA, teaching at local middle and high schools, adjudicating at regional and state music competitions, as well as being accomplished musicians in their own right. Our students come from nearly 50 communities in the Detroit metropolitan area and rehearse September through mid-May. Our four orchestras perform concerts in November, February and May at acoustically excellent venues in metropolitan Detroit. Detroit MYS has two full orchestras and two string orchestras: • • • •
Junior String Orchestra: String Orchestra: Concert Orchestra: Symphony Orchestra:
Grades 2 - 7 Grades 5 – 9 Grades 8 – 12 Grades 10 – 12
All Strings - music, no previous ensemble experience necessary All Strings - music, 2 years instrumental experience suggested Full Orchestra – All Instruments, 3 yrs instrumental experience suggested Full Orchestra – All Instruments, 4 yrs instrumental experience suggested
Check us out at www.DetroitMYS.org and click the ABOUT tab on the menu, then go to Our Music, and Our Orchestras pages. To hear us, simply click the links on the Our Music page. We invite any interested students and their parents to enjoy one of our concerts. Just click CONTACT US to request complimentary tickets and we’ll hold them for you in WILL CALL. Come hear our music and meet our conductors! Click CONTACT US. Scheduling Auditions for the 2017-18 season - click the big blue AUDITION button on our home page:
May 13 - May 20 - August 19
Come meet our Conductors and show them what you can do!! Please see the following pages for specific information and requirements.
www.DetroitMYS.org
AUDITION FAQs PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
WHEN and WHERE are auditions? Auditions are May 13 and 20, 2017 and August 19, 2017 at Royal Oak First Presbyterian Church - 529 Hendrie Blvd., Royal Oak MI. 1 block west of Woodward, ½ mile north of the Zoo. Submit your application online to be scheduled. http://www.detroitmys.org/mys-store/audition-application Does it cost to audition? Yes. There is a $30 non-refundable audition fee. What do I do at the audition? You’ll meet with the Conductor of the orchestra you’re auditioning for and play your instrument for them. Requirements for each orchestra are attached. What kind of music do Detroit MYS Orchestras play? All kinds! On our website, www.DetroitMYS.org, go to the ABOUT > OUR MUSIC page to see what we’ve played the last few years. If you’re not familiar with some of those pieces, you can look them up on YouTube. If you click the YouTube icon on our webpage, it takes you to Detroit MYS playing some pieces from recent years! Hey, I’m in Marching Band and I want to do this too! No problem! Audition with everyone else and actually START with Detroit MYS after Marching Band is done. We encourage all wind players to audition in May since the sections fill up quickly. Please discuss this with our Audition Manager. Does it cost to be part of Detroit MYS? Yes, your tuition helps pay for our amazing Conductors, rehearsal space, the music we play and the acoustically excellent concert halls we perform in. How much is tuition? $375 per student for the 2017-18 season When are rehearsals? All of our orchestras rehearse on Saturday mornings at the same location and same general time. Our season starts right after Labor Day and ends early May. •
Symphony, Concert and String orchestras arrive by 915am to begin rehearsals promptly at 930am and end at 1230pm.
•
Junior String Orchestra arrives by 915am to begin rehearsal promptly at 930am and end at Noon.
What is the attendance policy? We expect you to attend rehearsals and be prepared for them. Each orchestra is a team and it takes teamwork to make a good sound. See the next page for our attendance policy. Want to know more? We look forward to meeting you! If you have additional questions please contact:
[email protected]
ATTENDANCE POLICY PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
1. You are expected to be ON TIME, prepared for, and attend all rehearsals and concerts. 2. As a member of Detroit MYS, you are expected to show proper respect to your Conductor, Manager and fellow musicians. If you need guidance as to the proper behavior, please ask your Orchestra Manager. 3. If you know you are going to be absent on a specific date, use the electronic Absence Note on our LOGIN page to email your Orchestra Manager as soon as possible. 4. If you must leave a rehearsal early this is considered half an absence and DOES count toward your three allowable absences. Use the electronic Absence Note to inform your Manager. 5. If you are tardy, this is considered half an absence and DOES count toward your three allowable absences.
6. STUDENTS WHO HAVE MISSED 3 REHEARSALS WITHIN A CONCERT PERIOD WILL BE CALLED IN TO PLAY FOR THE CONDUCTOR. At this assessment, the Conductor will decide whether the student’s seating will change and/or be denied the opportunity to perform in the upcoming concert, without return of any tuition.
7. STUDENTS WHO MISS 4 REHEARSALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY THE UPCOMING CONCERT. 8. If you are sick and cannot attend rehearsal, please CALL your Orchestra Manager 9. If you are participating in events such as Solo and Ensemble, you are still expected to attend Detroit MYS rehearsal that day. Please request a Solo and Ensemble performance time outside of the Detroit MYS rehearsal time.
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Students in Grades 10-12 interested in joining the Symphony Orchestra will be asked to perform the following repertoire: • Solo from a standard concerto or solo piece - 3 to 5 minutes of music •
4 scales: 2 major, 2 melodic
Violin, Viola, Cello: three octaves
Bass: two octaves
Woodwinds, Brass: one or two octaves (two octaves preferred)
•
Sight-reading. Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented at the audition. One minute will be allowed to silently review the selection before performing.
•
Students can perform 4 additional scales (2 major, 2 melodic minor) on the following instruments for additional consideration: piccolo, English horn, Eb clarinet, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon. These are not required but will increase a student’s chances for placement in the orchestra.
•
On occasion, positions for harp or saxophone may be available. Students wishing to be kept on our contact list may do so by performing the audition requirements listed above. Selected students will then be notified if these parts are needed.
•
We play a full range of repertoire. Woodwind and brass players may occasionally be asked to transpose.
Percussion Requirements Percussion auditions will consist of the following: •
2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for a melodic instrument of your choice: marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, etc.
•
2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for snare drum
•
An excerpt of your choice demonstrating proficiency on timpani. Students can choose (but are not limited to) a selection from orchestral or concert band literature.
•
Percussionists should have an advanced level stick collection of good quality:
•
concert snare drum sticks
general use tympani mallets
medium yarn-wrapped marimba mallets
xylophone/bell mallets.
For performances, students may be asked to provide hand-held/"small" percussion items (e.g. triangle, cabasa, guiro, maracas, castanets, etc.). For rehearsals, percussion instruments will be provided by Detroit MYS.
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Students in Grades 8-12 interested in joining the Concert Orchestra will be asked to perform the following: •
Solo from a standard concerto or solo piece - 3 to 5 minutes of music
•
4 scales: 2 major, 2 melodic up to 3 sharps and 3 flats
Violin and Viola: three octaves
Cello: minimum of 2 octaves although 3 octaves are preferred
Bass: two octaves
Woodwinds, Brass: one or two octaves
•
Sight-reading. Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented at the audition. One minute will be allowed to silently review the selection before performing.
•
Students can perform 4 additional scales (2 major, 2 melodic minor) on the following instruments for additional consideration: piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, and contrabassoon. These are not required but will increase a student’s chances for placement in the orchestra.
•
On occasion, positions for harp or saxophone may be available. Students wishing to be kept on our contact list may do so by performing the audition requirements listed above. Selected students will then be notified if these parts are needed.
•
We play a full range of repertoire. Woodwind and brass players may occasionally be asked to transpose.
Other requirements Violas must be able to read treble clef Celli must be able to read tenor and treble clef Bassoons must be able to read tenor clef Trumpets and French Horns must be able to transpose Percussion Requirements Percussion auditions will consist of the following: •
2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for a melodic instrument of your choice: marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, etc.
•
2 to 5 minutes of solo music written for snare drum
•
An excerpt of your choice demonstrating proficiency on timpani. Students can choose (but are not limited to) a selection from orchestral or concert band literature.
•
Percussionists should have an advanced level stick collection of good quality:
•
concert snare drum sticks
general use tympani mallets
medium yarn-wrapped marimba mallets
xylophone/bell mallets.
For performances, students may be asked to provide hand-held/"small" percussion items (e.g. triangle, cabasa, guiro, maracas, castanets, etc.). For rehearsals, percussion instruments will be provided by Detroit MYS.
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS STRING ORCHESTRA
Students in Grades 5-9 interested in joining the String Orchestra will be asked to perform the following: •
•
Solo: o
3 to 4 minutes of a solo piece that shows your current skill level.
o
Minimum level: Suzuki Book 2
o
Solo must be from solo violin repertoire, NOT orchestra music
o
No accompaniment required
o
Solo does NOT need to be memorized
Scales: - all must be TWO FULL OCTAVES o
2 major scales
o
2 melodic minor scales
o
ALL SCALES MUST BE MEMORIZED
•
Ability to read music - proficient
•
Sight-reading o
Students will be asked to perform a passage of music presented by the Conductor at the audition. The music will be taken from previously played String Orchestra repertoire.
Other Requirements •
VIOLINS: knowledge of 3rd position on E String
•
VIOLA: knowledge of 3rd position
•
CELLO: confident in 4th position
•
BASS: confident in half, first, and second position on the G String
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
Page 1 of 6
Students in Grades 2-7 interested in joining the Junior String Orchestra will be asked to perform the following:
Scales: •
VIOLIN:
G, A and B flat major 2 octaves D melodic minor 1 octave
•
VIOLA:
C, D and E flat major 2 octaves G melodic minor 1 octave
•
CELLO:
C, D and E flat major 2 octaves G melodic minor 1 octave
•
BASS:
C, D and G Major 1 octave C melodic minor 1 octave
Solo:
Please have one prepared Solo upon Conductor request during your audition
Excerpts:
See following pages for each instrument • Page 3 - Violin • Page 4 - Viola • Page 5 - Cello • Page 6 - Bass
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA Page 2 of 6
Dear Junior String Orchestra Candidate: I am delighted that you have chosen to audition for the DMYS Junior String Orchestra and would like to share my expectations with you to help in your preparation for audition day. When you audition, I will be listening for the following: 1.
Are you playing in tune?
2.
Are you playing accurate rhythms?
3.
Are you keeping a steady beat?
4.
Are you following the key signature?
5.
Are you following fingerings and bowings that are in the music?
6.
Are you holding your instrument and bow properly?
7.
Are you playing with a beautiful sound?
All of these qualifiers help to determine whether you are ready to play in an ensemble. Performing the required prepared excerpts demonstrates that you can read music and properly prepare for our Saturday rehearsals. In the Junior String Orchestra, everyone must learn their music independently and come to rehearsal able to play it. When we rehearse, we are learning how to put the music together like a big puzzle, we are not learning notes. In addition, performing your scales properly demonstrates technical skill and discipline, both of utmost importance when performing in an ensemble. Your scales may be written down and do not need to be memorized. You may be asked to perform 1-2 minutes of a solo piece of your choosing, so please have one prepared. Find a teacher who can work with you to ensure that you understand and are able to play the required excerpts and scales for your audition. I look forward to meeting you, and I wish you a successful audition! Sincerely,
Olivia Zang Conductor, Junior String Orchestra
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA Page 3 of 6
VIOLIN AUDITION EXCERPTS
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA Page 4 of 6
VIOLA AUDITION EXCERPTS
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA Page 5 of 6
CELLO AUDITION EXCERPTS
PO Box 2504, Birmingham MI 48012 www.DetroitMYS.org Phone: 248-78-DMYS-8
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA Page 6 of 6
BASS AUDITION EXCERPTS
