Chris Brainard, conductor
Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-5:15 PM

Primo is a student’s first orchestral experience. Students must be enrolled in private lessons. Candidates should demonstrate ease of playing in first position on all four strings and be able to proficiently read those notes. Students should have modest sight-reading abilities, and may be working on beginning shifting.

Audition requirements: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, 1 or 2 octave scales of the musician’s choice

Whitney Tandon, conductor
Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-5:30 PM

Preparatory is designed for young string players ready for intermediate string repertoire. Candidates can read music proficiently and have strong sight-reading abilities. Preparatory students demonstrate ease of playing in the first three positions and may be developing or playing with vibrato.

Audition requirements: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, 2 octave scales of the musician’s choice

Susan Memoli, conductor
Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-5:30 PM

Sinfonia is for musicians who can rehearse and perform intermediate through medium-advanced string orchestra repertoire. Candidates are able to use a variety of bow strokes, demonstrate use of vibrato, and comfortably play in the first four positions.

Audition requirements: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, 3 octave major scales of the musician’s choice through 3 sharps and 3 flats (violin/viola/cello), 2 octave major scales of the musician’s choice through 3 sharps and 3 flats (double bass)

Colleen MacDonald, conductor
Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-5:30 PM

Philharmonia is for advanced string players that will perform advanced string orchestra repertoire. Candidates should possess highly developed technique, familiarity with the first five positions, mature sound, and proficient sight-reading abilities.

Audition requirements: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, selected 3 octave major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats

• Violin: E Major and Ab Major, 3 octaves
• Viola E Major & F Major, 3 octaves
• Cello: Bb Major & E Major, 3 octaves
• Bass:  F Major & G Major, at least 2 octaves

Christopher Memoli, conductor
Rehearsals: Fridays, 4:00-6:00 PM

This is the only orchestra for both string and wind players. RYS provides orchestra training for advanced student musicians. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to rehearse and perform advanced orchestral repertoire and excellent sight-reading skills.

Audition Requirements:
Strings: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, selected 3 octave major scales
Winds and Brass: 2 minute excerpt from 2 contrasting selections, full range of chromatic scale and selected major scales

Scale details:
Strings:  2 contrasting selections plus the following scales:

• Violin:  B Major & E flat Major 3 octaves
• Viola:  E major and A flat major 3 octaves
• Cello:  E major and A flat major 3 octaves
• Bass:  A Major and & B flat Major 2 octave

Winds and Brass: Please submit two scales of the student’s choosing as well as a chromatic scale demonstrating the student’s full range. All Woodwind students must submit scales in 2 octaves and clarinet students should submit at least 1 of the 2 scales in 3 octaves.