AUDITIONS FOR 2015 PROGRAMS

GENERAL INFORMATION
To ensure that all applicants are assessed in a fair and equitable manner, the Australian Youth
Orchestra tours panels of instrumental auditioners around Australia. These panels assess both the live
and recorded auditions for strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and timpani.
Recorded Harp and Piano auditions will also be assessed by relevant instrumental auditioners.
The auditioners are highly experienced instrumentalists, musicians, teachers and professionals from
the music industry. They are skilled in the assessment of instrumental auditions, and will accurately
assess your performance on the day of your audition. The results of your audition are completely
confidential and will not be discussed outside AYO, nor will they be made available to any other
organisation.
ORCHESTRAL EXCERPTS
A set of orchestral excerpts is included for you to prepare. These are in varying styles and degrees of
difficulty. Please check that you prepare all excerpts required for the programs you are applying for.
To prepare the excerpts to the best of your ability, take time to find out some background about each
work. It is important to listen to a recording of the orchestral work from which the excerpt has been
taken. Not only will this make it more interesting for you when preparing the excerpt, but it will assist
you in understanding the style in which it is usually performed. If you do not have access to a music
library, the online iTunes store supplies a comprehensive archive of recordings at minimal cost.
Excerpts are very important in the audition process. Whilst they may not seem as interesting to you as
your own choice piece, your performance of the excerpts helps the panel understand your approach to
music-making generally, and assess your knowledge of orchestral repertoire. Look carefully at all the
tempo, dynamic and articulation markings, and consider them when you are preparing each excerpt.
Aim for accuracy, beauty of sound, precise rhythm, and good intonation. Dont forget to seek the
guidance of your teacher.
The excerpts are of varying difficulty. Please do your best to prepare all the excerpts. Less experienced
or younger players should not be disheartened by a difficult excerpt - play it slower if necessary. The
auditioners will take into consideration the relative age and ability of each candidate when approaching
the excerpts. Simply by completing the audition, you will qualify for the opportunity to participate in an
AYO program, so do not be discouraged and start practicing!
Do not be concerned if the panel chooses not to hear all the excerpts.
Any metronome markings are provided only as an indication.

PIECE OF YOUR OWN CHOICE

All applicants (except percussion/timpani) are required to perform a short piece of their choice, without
an accompanist. It is recommended that candidates choose a work, or movement of a work, which they
know well and addresses the following points:
No more than 5 minutes in length
Clearly demonstrates your technical proficiency
Emphasises your musicianship
Presents contrasting musical material
Applicants are not required to present complete works - a carefully selected passage of a longer piece
is acceptable. Due to time constraints, the auditioners may elect to hear only part of the candidates
piece. Applicants are strongly advised to check the selection of their piece with their teacher.
PIANO APPLICANTS
Pianists applying are required to prepare and record a short work of your own choice of not more than 5
minutes in duration. You are also required to perform set works, copies of which are enclosed. Please
see the Recorded Auditions sheet for further information.
HARP APPLICANTS
Harpists applying are required to prepare and record a short work of your own choice of not more than
5 minutes in duration. You are also required to perform set works, copies of which are enclosed. Please
see the Recorded Auditions sheet for further information.
DOUBLING INSTRUMENTS
Wind instrument applicants are strongly encouraged to also audition on their respective doubling
instruments; Piccolo, Cor Anglais, Eb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Contrabassoon. AYO needs to be
aware of your ability to double on these instruments so as to be better equipped to roster the orchestra
more effectively within each section.
ALL APPLICANTS
Further details and an audition time will be emailed to you by Monday 30 June 2014. If you are
unavailable to audition on your allocated date or time for a compelling reason, or if you do not receive
your excerpts and audition time, please contact Michelle Zarb at AYO immediately on 02 9252 3855 or
1300 668 500. Please note that it will not be possible to change your audition time once it has been
assigned, except in extreme circumstances and usually only on medical grounds.

AUDITION PROCEDURE
The Australian Youth Orchestra receives many calls from prospective applicants and their teachers
seeking information about our audition procedure. We hope the following timeline will assist you in
understanding the sequence of events that comprise our annual audition program, and the selection of
applicants to participate in AYO programs.
1.

Audition panels and dates are established prior to publication and distribution of the annual
booklet.

2.

Orchestral excerpts are selected by specialists in each instrument.

3.

Applications open on Monday 26 May 2014. Applications are received. Orchestral excerpts and
further information are available once payment of the application fee is approved.

4.

Applications period closes on Friday 13 June 2014. Auditions are scheduled. Information
regarding time and location of each audition is issued to each applicant by Monday 30 June
2014.

5.

Live auditions are held across Australia and recorded auditions are viewed by the panels.

6.

Audition panels return results to the AYO office and individual results are recorded.

7.

Results are checked for accuracy of entry and any anomalies, eg. age limits.

8.

Offers depend on the needs of each individual AYO program, in particular the repertoire
requirements of that program. On this basis first round offers are decided. All results (successful,
reserve, and unsuccessful) will be emailed by 7 October 2014.

9.

Applicants must return acceptances of first round offers and payment of relevant fees by 17
October 2014.

10.

Based on responses to the first round offers, a second round of offers may be made. Chosen
reserves will be advised by 3 November 2014.

11.

Further offers (third round) may be made in some cases where an applicant is not able to
participate.

AUDITION EXCERPTS
For 2015 AYO Programs
Percussion
Please prepare the whole of each excerpt provided.
The auditioners may choose to hear only some of the excerpts.
All applicants need to prepare Excerpts 1 4.
If you are applying for AYO or TSO Fellowship please ALSO prepare Excerpts 5 & 6.

1.

SUPPE

La Dame de Pique

2. STRAVINSKY

Les Noces

3. RIMSKY-KORSAKOV

Capriccio Espagnole

4. STRAVINSKY

Petrushka (1911)

5. TCHAIKOVSKY

Sleeping Beauty

6. DEBUSSY

Images No. 2

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 1 of 6
All candidates must prepare this excerpt.
SUPPE
SNARE DRUM

La Dame de Pique (no repeats)

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 2 of 6
All candidates must prepare this excerpt.
STRAVINSKY

Les Noces

SNARE DRUM

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 3 of 6
All candidates must prepare this excerpt.
RIMSKY KORSAKOV

Capriccio Espagnole -4th Movement

SNARE DRUM

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 4 of 6
All candidates must prepare this excerpt.
STRAVINSKY

Petrushka (1911)

]
[
]

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 5 of 6
If you are applying for AYO or TSO Fellowship, please also prepare this excerpt.
TCHAIKOVSKY
GLOCKENSPIEL

Sleeping Beauty

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Percussion
Excerpt 6 of 6
If you are applying for AYO or TSO Fellowship, please also prepare this excerpt.

DEBUSSY
TAMBOURINE
Assez anim

Images No. 2 Iberia 1st Movement (Pas les reues et par les chemins)

AUDITION EXCERPTS
For 2015 AYO Programs
Timpani
Please prepare the whole of each excerpt provided.
The auditioners may choose to hear only some of the excerpts.
All applicants need to prepare Excerpts 1 & 2.

1.

BEETHOVEN

Symphony No. 1

2. CARTER

Variations for Orchestra

3. KRUGER

Etude No. 45

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Timpani
Excerpt 1 of 3
All candidates must prepare this excerpt.
BEETHOVEN
C, G

Symphony No. 1 3rd Movement

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Timpani
Excerpt 2 of 3
CARTER

Variations for Orchestra - Finale

Australian Youth Orchestra

Auditions for 2015 Programs Timpani
Excerpt 3 of 3
If you are applying for AYO or TSO Fellowship, please also prepare this excerpt.
KRUGER

Etude No. 45