MARYLAND CLASSIC YOUTH ORCHESTRAS Small Ensembles

MCYO's Small Ensembles

For auditions, you may audition for the orchestras and also 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.

Please click through the accordion below to see the requirements for each ensemble

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 1 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: Allegretto Mosso (DQN=60 or EN=180): Emphasis on rhythm, articulation, and finger technique

-Excerpt 2: Saterjentesn Sondag (QN=60): Emphasis on tone, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, expression, and rhythm

• 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

• 2-Octave Major scales up to 5 flats and 5 sharps (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 – Chante (QN=52): Emphasis on tone, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, expression, and rhythm (play bracketed section only)

-Excerpt 2 – Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Excerpt (Dotted QN=80): Emphasis on tone, articulation, breathing, 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.

School Grades: 5–12

Please prepare a solo that best represents your playing level/skills. If you are also interested in performing with the orchestras, you should also prepare an orchestral excerpt that reflects your 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.

School Grades: 6–12

The Percussion Ensemble program is open to musicians who are currently participating in one of our large ensemble programs.
If you are not currently part of a large ensemble but are interested in joining the Percussion Ensemble, please contact the office for more information about eligibility and enrollment.