Auditions will be held on:
Monday, June 8, 5:00-7:30pm
Tuesday, June 9, 5:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, September 2, 5:00-7:30pm [Sign-ups available in August 2026]

Auditions will take place in Room B-126 of the AJ Fletcher Music Center at ECU.

IMPORTANT: You Must Register For These Auditions Online Before You Come (CLICK HERE).

Sign up for a June audition day/time, and please dont forget to read the information below so you know what to prepare and what to expect!

WHAT TO PREPARE
1. Scales in one, two, or three octaves that demonstrate your proficiency and range on your instrument
Strings should consult with their teacher to choose the most appropriate keys and ranges to demonstrate their current proficiency level.
Woodwinds and brass should prepare at least one scale from a key with two or more sharps.
Percussion will perform scales on a bell kit.

2. A 2-minute solo excerpt that demonstrates your technical and artistic abilities on your instrument. Suggested repertoire might include one of the following:
A current or recent solo piece you are working on with your teacher.
ERO/JERO (strings) or All-District (winds/percussion) audition solos from the previous or upcoming year.
Two minutes of ensemble excerpts you recently performed with your school ensemble that demonstrate your abilities on your instrument.
Percussion should contact Dr. Nowak in advance to let him know what instruments/equipment you will need.

AT THE AUDITION
The conductors will ask you to perform:
Two of your prepared scales: one you will choose, and one the conductors will choose.
Your solo excerpt.
A sightreading excerpt that matches the approximate difficulty level of your solo excerpt, selected by the conductors.

AFTER THE AUDITION
The conductors will place each student into one of three orchestras (described below) based on the audition scores and the balance and leadership needs of each ensemble.
The conductor of your group will contact you within approximately one week of the audition with registration information.
Complete the registration information ASAP to secure your spot in the ensemble and allow the conductor to begin programming for the group.

ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTIONS

Philharmonic
The Philharmonic orchestra is designed for string, wind, and brass students who have achieved a high degree of proficiency and artistry on their instruments. This orchestra strives to expand students' repertoire and experiences by performing a wide variety of orchestral works from various musical periods.

Audition Suggestions:
Prepare scales similar to the Eastern Regional Orchestra (ERO) or All-District Band audition requirements.
Prepare a solo of at least Grade 4.5. Consult the Eastern Regional Orchestra (ERO) audition requirements for the approximate difficulty level.

Sinfonia
The Sinfonia is designed for string students with significant orchestral skills and experience. This orchestra endeavors to expand on the musical, technical and experiential foundations of orchestral playing. The emphasis of this group is to challenge technical and musical acquisition and develop a refined orchestral tone.

Audition Suggestions:
Prepare scales similar to the Junior Eastern Regional Orchestra (JERO).
Prepare a solo of at least Grade 3. Consult the Junior Eastern Regional Orchestra (JERO) audition requirements for the approximate difficulty level.

Prelude
The Prelude orchestra is a string orchestra designed to introduce and put into practice the foundations of orchestral playing. This orchestra seeks to develop good ensemble playing, expand reading skills, and encourage technical development. Emphasis is placed on acquiring good ensemble practice proficiencies.

Audition Suggestions:
Prepare at least one two octave scale (except basses) that begins on your lowest open string.
Prepare to sightread one line of Grade 1-2 music.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I select which orchestra Im auditioning for? You won't this year. All string students will be considered for all the orchestras, and the conductors will place students based on their audition ratings and the balance needs of each group.

How do I know what scales to prepare? You get to pick! If you have a specific orchestra in mind you would like to aim for, consult the descriptions above to gauge the difficulty the conductors will expect for each group. At the audition, youll tell the conductors what you prepared (which keys and how many octaves), whatever they happen to be. Youll choose one to perform, and theyll choose one from your list of scales you prepared.

What solo should I select? Whatever solo youre currently working on, or any solo you finished recently, will work. Again, if you have a specific orchestra in mind you would like to aim for, consult the descriptions above to gauge the difficulty the conductors will expect for each group. You can also use an ERO/JERO or All-District audition solo youre currently preparing, or one that you have prepared in the past.

What if I dont have any solo pieces to play? Dont panic. Select a few lines from some ensemble music that youre played in school recently that demonstrate what you know on your instrument. Find some of the harder spots that youve practiced a lot to show off your skills. Try to pick an excerpt thats about 8-16 measures long if possible, but dont worry too much about length—that will depend on the piece and whats in it. Feel free to pick multiple excerpts, too. As long as you have 1-2 minutes of music that shows your abilities in the instrument, that will work.

What if I'm bad at sightreading? Just do your best. The conductors use it as a measure of how quickly you might learn music, which also helps guide them on the music they will select. Bottom line: dont let this scare you; its only one part of the audition, not the whole thing.

When will I find out about what group Im placed in? The conductors will reach out to everyone placed in their ensemble within one week of the audition. If you dont hear immediately, dont panic. Sometimes it takes the conductors a few days to discuss the results and decide on the best fit for everyone.

Does the group I was in last year matter for what orchestra Im placed in this year? No. The conductors start with a clean slate each year to try and create three groups that are each equally balanced and matched across the orchestra. Theres no such thing as a “demotion” or “promotion” from one group to another; each group has slightly different aims and each needs a mix of players with different abilities. Your group placement could change from year to year depending on what each group needs each year.

Is there anything I need to pay or sign before the audition?No. You will receive registration information in the placement email from your conductor after the auditions are completed. This information will include (among other things) tuition information, liability waiver forms, and policy agreement forms.

How do I sign up for an audition? Use THIS LINK to complete the signup form to reserve a date and time. Make sure you note the auditionees name (i.e., the students name) in the appropriate spot.