Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras’ Small Ensembles

For Auditions, you may audition for the ORCHESTRAS, and you will have an option to check to be considered for the Small Ensembles. (You do NOT need to do a separate audition.)

You may also choose to audition JUST for the Small Ensembles. Make sure to select “Small Ensemble Auditions” in the registration process.

All students will be assessed based on their performance of:

  • Prepared Solo
  • Orchestral Excerpts (only Flute Choirs and Harp Ensemble)
  • Scales
  • Sight Reading

More detailed information of guidelines/general audition can be found on our Audition Information page.

*Conductors will determine orchestra placement and seating for the mutual benefit of the musicians and the orchestras.

Please click on the PLUS (+) below to see the requirements.

* Note: Flutists auditioning for orchestras can be considered for Flute Choir, you do not need to do a separate audition.
* If you are a rising eighth-grader who would like to be considered for BOTH Junior and Senior Flute Choirs, please prepare and record BOTH excerpts (Junior and Senior) plus the required scales for Senior Flute Choir in addition to ONE prepared solo.

Junior Flute Choir: School Grades 6-8

2-Octave Major scales up to 4 flats and 4 sharps (slurred sixteenth notes) and Arpeggio (tongued triplets), at quarter note = 80 to 92

Chromatic Scale (chromatic scale should be at least 2 octaves) at quarter note=72 (even and controlled, NOT fast and rushed)

Excerpts (Download):

-Excerpt 1: Prelude from Suite Antique (QN=104): Emphasis on tone, intonation, high register notes, dynamics, phrasing, expression, and rhythm

-Excerpt 2: Gariboldi Etude in F (Dotted QN=62-70): Emphasis on rhythm, articulation, tone, and finger technique

• Prepared Solo – MBDA level 3-5:

Repertoire that best demonstrates the applicant’s highest current level of musical and technical abilities

• Sight Reading

* Note: Flutists auditioning for ORCHESTRAS can be considered for Flute Choir. You do not need to do BOTH auditions.

Senior Flute Choir: School Grades 8-12

All 2-Octave Major scales (slurred sixteenth notes) and Arpeggio (tongued triplets), at quarter note = 100

Chromatic Scale ( 2 octaves, full range preferable at quarter note = 92 (even and controlled, NOT fast and rushed)

Excerpts (Download)

-Excerpt 1 –Ferling Etude in E minor (QN=52-60): Emphasis on tone, intonation, breathing, dynamics, phrasing, expression, and rhythm (You may subdivide in eighth notes)

-Excerpt 2 – Bach Gigue in F Minor (Dotted QN=69): Emphasis on tone, articulation, finger technique, rhythm, and phrasing

Prepared Solo: MBDA level 5-6:

Repertoire that best demonstrates the applicant’s highest current level of musical and technical abilities

• Sight Reading

* Note: Clarinetists auditioning for orchestras can be considered for Clarinet Choir, you do not need to do a separate audition for choirs.

School Grades: 6 – 12

As for solos, please prepare the same grade level as the orchestras. So if you are in 6-9th grade, prepare Young Artists requirements; 8-10th grade, can prepare for Symphony, etc.

Scale Requirements: F Major, E Major, and a Chromatic Scale. 

The audition Date is August 30, 2023

School Grades: 5 – 12

– Please prepare a solo that best represent your playing level/skills. If you are also interested in performing with the orchestras, you should also prepare an orchestral excerpt that reflects upon current ability.
– If any harpists would like to play in the orchestras, they need to audition for Harp Ensemble. Musicians within Harp Ensemble will be selected to play with the orchestras.