Audition requirements vary by instrument and ensemble. Here's a breakdown to help you prepare:

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Parts of the Audition:

• Orchestral Excerpts: These are the most important part of the audition. Excerpts are taken from repertoire  recently performed by the ensemble you're auditioning for.

• Scales: Demonstrate your technical proficiency with scales specific to your instrument and artistic level.

• Solo (required for all orchestras): Choose a solo that showcases your musicality and technical abilities - perform between 2-3 minutes of a solo (can be an excerpt, does not need to be a full solo piece).

 

Preparation Steps:

1. Choose Your Orchestra: Select the orchestra (Symphony, Concert, etc.) that best matches your current playing level.

2. Find Your Instrument: Locate the specific requirements (excerpts, scales, solo) for your instrument listed below.

3. Prepare Your Materials: Download and save the PDF with specific requirements for your instrument/orchestra and prepare.

4. Record your Audition Video: Read the TIPS and INSTRUCTIONS for recording your audition video. PERCUSSION - you will have in-person screening auditions, please schedule via this link.

5. Complete the CKYO 77th Season Audition Application: Make sure to copy your Unlisted YouTube Link of your audition video and have it handy when you complete the application. The application with your completed video is due June 1, 2024.

6. CKYO will be in touch with results of your audition by July 1, 2024.

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Additional Tips:

• Review the audition information carefully.

• Ensure you understand the specific requirements for your instrument and chosen orchestra.

• Choose a solo that highlights your strengths and complements the orchestral excerpts.

• The title, composer (and arranger if applicable) is listed at the top of each orchestra excerpt in the audition packet. Use this to find recordings of the pieces to get an idea of style as you prepare. Listening is a crucial part of learning orchestra excerpts and understanding how your part fits in the orchestra.

 

For information about Musical and Technical Skills and competencies for each ensemble, click HERE.

 

For  the judging and scoring rubric the judges use to assess each audition, click HERE.​​

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (find the orchestra, then your instrument)

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SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, most advanced

Grades typically represented: 9th-12th

Conductor: Marcello Cormio

Rehearses: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30pm at Singletary Center for the Arts

Click HERE for Symphony Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

 

Symphony Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

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FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

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BASS TROMBONE

TUBA - There is no Symphony Orchestra Tuba opening for 2024-2025​

VIOLIN​

VIOLA​

CELLO​

DOUBLE BASS​

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PIANO - There is no Symphony Orchestra Piano opening for 2024-2025​

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CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, second most advanced

Grades typically represented: 8th-12th

Conductor: Marcello Cormio

Rehearses: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:15pm at TBA (23-24 location: Frederick Douglass High School)

Click HERE for Concert Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

 

Concert Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

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FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

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BASS TROMBONE

TUBA​

VIOLIN​

VIOLA​

CELLO​

DOUBLE BASS​

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PIANO​

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HARP

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REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, advanced beginner to intermediate, first full orchestra experience

Grades typically represented: 6th-10th

Conductors: Nancy Campbell and Lois Wiggins

Rehearses: Tuesdays, 6:30* - 8:30pm at TBA (23-24 location: Frederick Douglass High School)

*During Marching Band Season, winds and brass won't be called until 7pm.

Click HERE for Repertory Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

 

Repertory Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

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FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

TUBA​

VIOLIN​

VIOLA​

CELLO​

DOUBLE BASS​

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PIANO​

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BRAVO STRING ORCHESTRA

String Only orchestra, beginner to advanced beginner

Grades typically represented: 4th - 9th

Conductors: Nancy Campbell and Mary Elizabeth Henton

Rehearses: Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30pm at TBA (23-24 location: Frederick Douglass High School)

Click HERE for Bravo String Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

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Bravo String Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

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VIOLIN​

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VIOLA​

CELLO​

DOUBLE BASS

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PERCUSSION

Performs ensemble work and all percussion parts for the symphonic orchestras at concerts

Grades typically represented: 7th-12th

Director: Samantha Vivian

Rehearses: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30pm at Singletary Center for the Arts/UK College of Fine Arts

• Percussion will have IN-PERSON screenings. For more information and what to bring to your screening, click HERE.

  • Screenings will be scheduled on Wednesday, May 15 and Monday, May 20 from 5pm-7pm (you will select your preferred times on the page linked below).

• To schedule your in-person screening, visit this PAGE.

• Returning percussionists will not need to complete a spring ensemble screening audition to participate.

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ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLES (not auditioning until Fall 2024)​​

• JAZZ ENSEMBLES - CKYO's jazz season runs January thru May of each year as to not conflict with marching band. If you are interested in being notified when Jazz Audition Info is live in October 2024, please complete this form.

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