CLICK HERE to download our Audition Etude.
Below is an explanation of how your points accumulate during the audition process. Chair placement is based on your audition result, not your age or grade so if you want to perform with the Wind Ensemble then keep practicing! You can do it!
ETUDES = 30 points
The etude will be graded based on all of the elements of music: tone, pitch, tempo, rhythm, technique, articulations, dynamics, musicality, expression, style, etc. A compelling performance of the etude can earn you 30 points. Be sure to pay attention to the time signature, tempo marking, and key signature.
Perform as many major/minor scales as you can in 2 minutes. You can receive a maximum of 3 points per octave that is performed correctly (1 point ascending, 1 point descending, and 1 point for the arpeggio.) If you make a mistake you may correct it, but you only have 2 minutes to complete your scales. If time runs out you may finish that scale for full credit. If you have made it to minor scales you are welcome to perform all three forms of the minor scale before performing your arpeggio. The arpeggio will only count 1 point per octave. If you play them separately then the arpeggio will only count on the first form that you perform, since the arpeggio is the same for each form of the minor scale. (Example - A minor 2 octaves performed in natural, harmonic, then melodic can score you a total of 2 points ascending and descending per form for a total of 4x3=12 points and 2 points for the 2 octave arpeggio for a total of 14 points. If the timer stops you in the middle of the minor scale you may only complete whichever form of the minor scale that you are on and the arpeggio. Articulation and rhythm does not matter for scales, but note accuracy is imperative. Keep in mind: your scale score is not limited by anything except time. You can really earn a lot of points in this category if you practice diligently. It is rare, but not unheard of for students to perform 12 major and 12 minor scales, 2 octaves in a 2 minute period. Are you up for the challenge?
CHROMATIC SCALE = 10 points
Please perform your chromatic scale the appropriate range for your instrument. This is worth 10 points and is graded on accuracy, steadiness, and evenness of sound throughout the range of the scale.
High School Ranges
Flute 3 Octaves from Low C
Oboe Low Bb to High D
Bassoon 3 Octaves from Low Bb
Soprano Clarinet Low E to High G above High C
Bb Bass Clarinet Low E to High C
Alto Sax Low Bb to High F
Tenor Sax Low Bb to High F
Baritone Sax Low Bb to High F
Trumpet Low F# to High C
French Horn Low F to High A
Trombone Low E to High Bb
Bass Trombone Low (Pedal) Bb to High F
Baritone (BC) Low E to High Bb
Baritone (TC) Low F# to High C
Tuba Low E to High Bb
Percussion Full Range of the Keyboard
Middle School Ranges
Flute Low C to High F
Oboe Low C to High C
Bassoon Low Bb to High F
Soprano Clarinet Low E to High D above High C
Bb Low Clarinet Low E to High A Bb
Alto Sax Low C to High D
Baritone Sax Low C to High D
Tenor Sax Low C to High D
Trumpet Low F# to High G
French Horn Low F to High F
Trombone Low E to High F
Baritone (BC) Low E to High F
Baritone (TC) Low F# to High G
Tuba Low E to High F
The sight-reading will consist of a short excerpt that you will have 30 seconds to study before performing. During the study period, we encourage you to use Air and Fingers through the music but you are not allowed to make a sound on your instrument during the study period. Sight-reading is graded on all of the elements of music like the etude is graded. It is important to be well versed in all rhythms, scales, keys, dynamics, articulations, etc. to be a good sight-reader. The students who are able to perform a compelling interpretation of the sight-reading beyond the notes and rhythms will be awarded more points.
