Auditions

for

The Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
and the Junior String Ensemble

2008-2009 Season

(See below to register for auditions)

The Youth Orchestra, sponsored by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and conducted by Augusto Diemecke and Scott Kelley, is a collection of the finest young musicians in the Twin Tiers region. It provides advanced challenges and opportunities for young people who are enthusiastic about music. The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes also proudly sponsors the Junior String Ensemble! This group, conducted by Gary Chollet and Paul Feissner, aims to help the development of young string players. It provides advanced challenges and opportunities for young people who are enthusiastic about music and it serves as a feeder program for the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.

For the YO, string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are all welcome. Members are of advanced high school and extremely advanced middle school ability. Students are drawn from communities throughout the region. For the JSE, string players are welcome to audition. Members will be of advanced middle and high school ability. Students will be drawn from communities throughout the region. Auditions are based on playing level and ability, not on age.

Both ensembles will rehearse weekly throughout the school year to prepare for three public concerts. Concerts and rehearsals take place at various locations in the Elmira-Corning area.

Who is Eligible to Audition?
YO - Musicians of high school or middle school age who play an orchestral instrument are welcome to audition. We recommend that string musicians play at approximately NYSSMA Level 4 or higher. We recommend that brass and woodwind musicians play at approximately NYSSMA Level 5 or higher. Click here to register for a YO audition
JSE - Musicians of high school or middle school age who play a string instrument are welcome to audition. We recommend that string musicians play at approximately an advanced NYSSMA Level 3 through Level 4. Students should be capable of playing in keys with up to three flats and three sharps. Beginning shifting is a must. Click here to register for a JSE audition (Those not familiar with NYSSMA ratings should call or e-mail for information.)

What to Expect at the Audition?
You will be asked to play a solo selection of your choice without an accompanist. The audition will also include sight-reading. Trumpet and French Horn players may be asked to transpose.

How Long Will the Season Last? September 2008 – May 2009.

How Do I Schedule an Audition? See the section on eligibility and choose which group to audition for. Then click on the appropriate link below:

• Click here to register for a YOUTH ORCHESTRA Audition.
• Click here to register for a JUNIOR STRING ENSEMBLE Audition.

For more information or to schedule contact the Orchestra Office at (607) 936-2873 or e-mail youth@osfl.org You may inquire about alternate audition dates, if necessary.