Auditioning For Local Youth Orchestra

[JazzGirl301]

I am 15, going into my sophomore year of high school, and I've been playing flute for 5 years in my elementary, middle school, and then high school. I am currently 3rd chair in the flute section at my school out of eight flutes. The first two players are a year older than me and auditioned last year for our local youth philharmonic orchestra going into their sophomore year and made it into the top orchestra (out of three). I would really like to audition for it too, but I don't know what music and scales I should play to follow the requirements (I listed the audition requirements below). I normally play at an intermediate level and sometimes advanced. I'm thinking of playing Debussy's "Syrinx" as one of my songs, but I don't know what to play for the other contrasting piece. For my scale, I though I could do a two octave B flat major scale or a three octave chromatic scale starting on the low C. Do you have any two contrasting pieces or scales you would suggest I play?

I've also not been very good at auditioning in the past because I get so shaky and nervous. Even though I could have played the music perfectly alone at home with a good tone, when I sit in front of the judges, I have a weak tone and my fingers get so frozen and shaky I can hardly play. In the past, my nerves have caused me to be put in a lower band than I think I deserved. I hope that doesn't happen this time because I would really like to make it into the top orchestra like the other kids my age did. Do you have any tips on how to keep calm and not get so nervous when you audition?


Audition Requirements:

A solo with two contrasting pieces of your choice or two contrasting movements from a sonata or a concerto, demonstrating your musical and technical abilities. The works will be performed without accompaniment at the audition.

Scales appropriate to your instrument and level. Choose scales that show your playing to your optimum advantage. Scales should be played at a moderate tempo, with any desired articulation and bowing.

Auditions are a maximum of 10 minutes long—conductors will be able to hear only portions of what you have prepared.

[JazzGirl301]

Auditions are at the end of next month.

[pied_piper]

There are literally dozens of suitable pieces that you can choose from. Here's good list of standard flute repertoire that you pick from.
http://www.barbarahopkins.com/basic_flu ... rtoire.htm

Debussy's Syrinx is one of the pieces on that list, but be sure that you can play it well. Technically (notewise) it's not super difficult to play, but it is very hard to play it musically. Search YouTube for some professional performances of Syrinx and listen to HOW they play it. (i.e. Jean-Pierre Rampal, Emmanuel Pahud, and James Galway)

If you choose to play Syrinx as one of your pieces, then the other one should be a contrasting piece. Syrinx is a slower, moody piece. Your second piece should be faster and more energetic. Perhaps a fast movement from a Bach Sonata, Handel Sonata, or a Mozart Concerto if it's within your abilities. Since you are limited to 10 Minutes, be sure that you time the pieces and scales. If you allow about 2 to 3 minutes for scales, you can have about 7 or 8 minutes for the pieces. Syrinx is about 3 and 1/2 minutes. Your second piece should be about 3 to 4 minutes.

You said:

I've also not been very good at auditioning in the past because I get so shaky and nervous. Even though I could have played the music perfectly alone at home with a good tone, when I sit in front of the judges, I have a weak tone and my fingers get so frozen and shaky I can hardly play.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you can play it well (all the correct notes, phrasings, and dynamics, etc.). It's better to play a less challenging piece well and with confidence than to overstretch your abilities and risk "messing up". It's normal to be somewhat nervous when performing, but you have to learn to control it and channel that nervous energy into excitement in your playing. The best way to get over being nervous is to practice playing for others. You can do this with family members, friends, other flutists, etc. Anyone really... Just practice playing by yourself in front of others every week and ask for feedback. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

For the scales, Bb is a good scale for band but there may be some better choices for an orchestra audition. Orchestras more frequently play in sharp keys so consider playing two octaves of the G, D, A, or E Major scales. Practice playing your scales for your family and friends too.