• For each excerpt there will be detailed tempi instructions to prepare with metronome marks.
  • During the live audition, sight-reading skills will be tested (AMEB Grade 4).
  • Aural test will include interval, chord singing, and rhythm (AMEB Aural test Grade 4).
  • A link has been provided to download the excerpts you will need to learn for the live auditions below in yellow.
Youth Orchestra Live Audition
Instrument Technical Components
Strings
Dynamic control, intonation, tempo comprehension, stylistic awareness, bow control (legato/spiccato/vibrato), phrasing, rhythmic precision.
Wind
Breath control, pitch, articulation (patterns such as 1 tongue 3 slurred and 2 slurred 2 tongues), grade 7-8 AMEB double/triple tongue, intonation, high/low register control/colour, stylistic awareness, phrasing, rhythmic precision, vibrato, intensity/speed variation, lyrical phrasing.
Brass
Breath control, clarity of tone, expressiveness, connection at angular line, clean key, articulation pulse, sound quality, soloistic flair, high register control/colour, rhythmic precision.
Percussion
Rhythmic precision, technical mastery of tambourine, triangle, snare drum, timpani, xylophone, glockenspiel, sight-reading of rhythms/time signatures. Percussion applicants will receive a separate email with additional audition preparation details.
Piano
Ensemble skills, legato/staccato, expressive phrasing, clear articulation, rhythmic precision, sound quality, pedal control (versatility). Piano applicants will receive a separate email with additional audition preparation details.
Guitar
Rhythmic precision, dynamic versatility range, improvisational skills, chord reading.
Harp
Clarity of tone, use of pedals, stylistic flair, articulation pulse.
Euphonium
Euphonium applicants will receive a separate email with additional audition preparation details.
Tuba
Tuba applicants will receive a separate email with additional audition preparation details.
Live Audition Orchestra Excerpts To Learn
Youth Choir Live Audition
  • During the live audition, sight-reading skills will be tested (AMEB Grade 4).
  • Aural test will include interval, chord singing, and rhythm (AMEB Aural test Grade 4).
  • Two contrasting works for the live audition (accompanied or solo).