Audition Information for Youth Ensembles

If you are interested in auditioning for any of these ensembles, please complete a Youth Ensembles Audition Form. We will contact you within 5-10 business days.

Please consider auditioning for any ensemble that interests you! If you have any questions, please contact Youth Ensembles Manager Chelsea Anderson at [email protected] or 401.248.7038.

Each audition for RIPYWE will proceed according to a simple plan:

1. Scales and range presentation
2. Presentation of prepared pieces
3. Sight reading

Symphonic Winds – Winds & Brass

1. Be prepared to play all major scales – students could be asked to play in any key. Each scale should be played in 2 or 3 octaves, if possible. Students should present the scales with facility – at least as eighth-notes at a metronome mark of 100 BPM. See details regarding minimum range (requirements are transposed for each instrument):
   
   
   1. Flutes – 3 octave C scale is preferred, 2 octave Bb scale is required
   2. Oboes – 2 octave F scale is preferred, 2 octave E scale is required
   3. Clarinets – 3 octave F scale is preferred, 3 octave E scale is required
   4. Bassoons – 3 Octave F scale is preferred, 3 Octave E scale is required
   5. Horns – 2 octave A scale preferred, 2 octave G scale required
   6. Trumpets – 2 octave Bb scale is preferred, 2 octave G scale is required
   7. Trombones – 2 octave F scale preferred, 2 octave E scale required
   8. Euphonium – 2 octave F scale preferred, 2 octave E scale required
   9. Tuba – 2 octave C scale preferred, 2 octave Bb scale required
   10. Saxophones – 2 octave F# scale required, 2 octave F scale required
   
   Students may also be asked to play a chromatic scale from the bottom of their range to the top, and returning down.
2. Present a movement or two of a standard Concerto, Sonata, or other District/All- State level contest piece. Students will be able to present about 4 minutes of their prepared piece. Be sure to include contrasting materials – there should be music in both fast and slow tempos; displaying articulation and legato; navigating syncopations; displaying technical facility across the full range; with dynamics and instrumental control; etc. Feel free to create a plan of sections from a larger work in order to present your best capabilities in the limited timeframe; be careful to retain context.
3. Be prepared to sight read a short musical example. It may require the same range as the scale requirements.

Wind Ensemble – Winds & Brass

1. The following scales from memory for all instruments:
1. Chromatic – 8th notes, legato, 2 Octaves preferred – Concert F where possible
2. Concert Bb Major – quarter, 8th note pattern
3. Another major scale of your choice
2. Solo or Etude selection of your choice, representative of the concert literature for your instrument
1. Include both legato and articulated passages
2. Include evidence of dynamic contrast and control
3. Sight reading of a short musical passage

Percussion – Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble

Students should prepare selections on snare drum, timpani, and mallet percussion (preferably xylophone, vibraphone, or marimba) which display their best abilities on these instruments. Presentations on all three instruments are not required to audition, but are strongly preferred. Sight reading will be required on any instruments presented in the audition.

1. Snare Drum – FF and pp drum rolls, as well as a single roll which begins pp, crescendos to FF and diminuendo to pp over 10 seconds.  As well, please prepare a solo selection which displays your best abilities - be sure to include a selection which demonstrates understanding of rudiments, and presents at least a moderately paced tempo.
2. Timpani – please present a selection which demonstrates rolls, 4 drum stick technique, and some minimum amount of tuning.
3. Mallets – students are required to demonstrate 2 mallet technique, but 4 mallet technique is preferred for Symphonic Winds. Present a selection which demonstrates your best abilities. Include music in both slow and fast tempos. Symphonic Winds students must be prepared to play all major scales across complete range. 

2019/20 Youth Jazz Ensembles (RIPYJazz)

Combos for 7 – 9th grade musicians

Scales: Concert key of B-flat, E-flat and F major (except for drummers)
Solo: Jazz tune, Jazz Etude or Classical solo of your choice
Sight-Reading: Short piece with some syncopation

Other Requirements:

• Guitar: Major and minor triads; the Blues progression  
• Electric Bass: Simple note reading; major and minor triads
• Drums: 3 part drum notation; Swing and Rock styles

Combos & RIPYJazz Big Band for 10 – 12th grade musicians

Scales: Chromatic 2 octaves, Major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats (except for drummers)
Solo: Jazz tune, Jazz Etude or Classical solo of your choice
Sight-Reading: Short piece with some syncopation
Optional: Improvisation – Solo on F blues

Other Requirements:

• Guitar: Major and minor triads; Major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th and minor 7b5 chords; the Blues progression
• Electric Bass: Simple note reading; Swing, Latin and rock styles from chord changes 
• Drums: 3 part drum notation; Swing, Rock, Funk, and Latin styles

2019/ Chamber Music

Solo: Please prepare a piece that best exhibits your skills and playing on your instrument
Sight-Reading: Students will be asked to sight read