IMPORTANT NOTICE
A little disclaimer from our director…
Usually, audition excerpts include the difficult passages of the most challenging work in the season. This year, exceptionally, as most material will be rented and isn’t currently available, the chosen excerpts are standard ones for orchestra auditions and might sometimes be a little intimidating. They are meant to give Prof. Grandis a general idea of your technical level, and your placement in the section.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions are open to students of all majors at William & Mary. All prospective and returning members must audition for a place in the ensemble.
How can I auditon after initial fall auditions?
Contact Professor Grandis at dfgrandis@wm.edu explaining your situation and he will determine if an audition may take place.
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The (2) Essentials
Each audition lasts no more than 15 minutes. Prepare to play…
- A 5 minute solo work/excerpt on your primary instrument
- Excerpts (linked below) for your primary instrument
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Mini FAQ!
Q: May I audition with a secondary instrument?
A: Yes, if you wish to demonstrate special proficiency (ex. piccolo, english horn, bass clarinet, etc.). Auxiliary instruments are welcome but NOT required.
Q: Should I play the first or second part?
A: Whichever part you wish to play in the orchestra. (You will be considered for both parts!)
Q: I have a question that is not answered here. Who should I reach out to?
A: Contact our director, Professor Grandis, at dfgrandis@wm.edu with any and all questions!
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What are we playing?
Common orchestral audition excerpts. We apologise for this break in precedent. See “A little disclaimer…” above.
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Where can I find the sheet music?
Below, or in this folder. Percussion players may audition with a piece of their choice. (Special links for Harp and Piano.)
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Quick tip!
TIP: Audition excerpts are to be played in full, unless specified in the title of the document.
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EXCERPTS
Notes from the director
Strings
Violin: Strauss/Don Juan: this is an excerpt; Glinka, up to 5 bars before B)
Viola: Strauss from beg. to D; Wagner, 1st half p.2 until Im massigen Hauptzeitmass
Cello: Strauss/Don Juan: this is an excerpt; Mendelssohn, excerpt marked with red brackets
Bass: Tchaik from A to B and C to D; Mozart, excerpt marked in red in part
Winds
Bassoon: Ravel, 216 to end; Mahler as is
Clarinet: Ravel, 215 to end; Beethoven, Prokofiev as is
Oboe: Ravel, 215 to end; Rossini, D to F
Flute: Ravel, 214 to end; Rossini, all
Brass
Horn: Strauss, Brahms, Mahler as is
Trumpet: Mussorgsky, Beethoven, Copland, Mahler as is
Trombone: Mahler, Hindemith, Wagner, Berlioz as is
Tuba/Harp/Piano: As is.
Links to parts
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Reference Recordings
No reference recordings at this time.
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