How to Audition for an Orchestra (Kids)

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After you have been playing your instrument for a while, you may feel like you are ready for something more advanced. Joining an orchestra can improve your instrument playing and add new people to your social circle! [1] If you feel prepared to join a group of young musicians like yourself, this article will help!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing For Your Audition

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    Ask them if you are ready, and ask them for suggestions to improve. They will certainly give you plenty of feedback.
    • If you do not know some techniques that you feel are fundamental for your audition, ask your music teacher for some exercises to learn the basics.
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    There are plenty of orchestras, so you must find one that fits your and your parents' needs and wants.
    • Show your parents your research and ask them which orchestra suits their budget best.
    • Assess the orchestra site and see if they include the instrument you shall be auditioning with.
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    Most orchestras require the auditioner to play a scale and a piece. Ask your music teacher which piece in your repertoire you can play the best to ensure a higher possibility of passing your audition.
    • D major scale (two octaves) is always a good choice.
    • Majority of the time, the person overseeing your audition shall stop you mid-play, so it is okay if you do not know the song fully off-by-heart.
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    [2] Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of practice into your schedule each day.
    • If your instrument sounds out of tune, and you don't know how to tune it, call your teacher to see if they can pass by and tune it for you.
    • Use your time wisely. If you have chosen 30 minutes of practice a day, spend 10 minutes practicing your scale, 15 minutes going over your piece, and 5 minutes practicing extra exercises to keep yourself warmed up.
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    Visualization is scientifically proven to boost real-life scenarios of the fancy! [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

During Your Audition

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    This will show that you are committed, punctual, and eager to join. [4] As a bonus, this may save you from being late if your parent/s take a wrong turn!
    • Do not forget to bring any useful equipment, along with your instrument and water bottle, with you.
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    Say your name, your teacher's name, how long you have played your instrument for, and more valid information.
    • To mention whether you can or cannot sightread is also an important piece of information to share.
    • Share any difficulties, eg: Your teachers kept traveling, so you would have long periods without any music lessons.
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    Play your scale first. When you finish, wait 5 or 6 seconds before continuing with your song of choice.
    • Be prepared to be stopped before you finish.
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    Your overseer shall share some information (your tonality, your tuning, your posture, etc.) and whether you made it in or not. If you did... congratulations!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.halsbury.com/resources/why-join-an-orchestra
      2. ↑ https://guitarnutrition.com/blog/why-you-really-need-to-practice-your-instrument
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/lidijaglobokar/2020/03/05/the-power-of-visualization-and-how-to-use-it/
      4. ↑ https://www.theactorspulse.com.au/acting-auditions/the-dos-and-donts-of-audition-etiquette/#:~:text=Just%20as%20with%20any%20job,value%20the%20opportunity%20it%20represents .

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