CUSD Honor Music MP3's, Group Audition Information & Frequent Asked Questions:

Students do not need to memorize the music, but all students will be tested on it during class mid-January for a grade.

Those who audition will be given a pizza party whether they make it or not. All students get to count the time at the honor group auditions, rehearsals and/or concerts on their practice cards.

Click here for the results of the auditions. Who made it last year? This year will be posted as results are given.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1) When & where are the auditions?

The 6th grade audtions are on Jan. 25 and the 7th/8th grade auditions are Jan. 29. All aduitons will take place at Niguel Hills M.S. Times will be given to the students the week of the audition with an exact time to audition on it. Sorry it may not be until the day of. We are at the mercy of the District when they can assign all of the times for the auditionees.

2) What are the audition day logistics?

Students will need to show up at Niguel Hills MS approx. 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time for their audition. They will check-in & go to the warm-up room where all the students will be warming up and getting help from other teachers with their tuning. Then the students will be directed by helpers as to which room they will be auditioning. Do not be late!!

3) Who are the auditioners?

The auditioners are made up of teachers & professionals in the area that have volunteered their time to listen to the students. Usually there is only one room per an instrument with only one adult in that room. As for the violins (since there are so many auditioning), there will mostly likely be 3-4 rooms of violin auditions and only 1 adult in each of those rooms. At then end of the night, the auditioners sit together and discuss instrumentation & other factors. They then decide the number of students that will be accepted in the orchestra or band.

4) Will there be an audience or only the candidate and evaluators in the room?

Students will be playing by themselves for only 1 (or maybe 2) auditioner(s). Most parents wait right outside the door where they can hear their child play, but not inside where it has a tendency to make the students more nervous. Therefore, parents should wait outside of the room for their child.

5) Does the music need to be played from memory?

Students do not need to memorize any of the music and they should use their music for all aspects of the audition. If they are able to play it memorized, make sure and bring your music anyway. Students have a tendency to forget things when they are nervous so their music there just in case. Even when the student has it memorized but has their music out, the auditioner can tell that they are playing by memory.

6) Do the students need to play the exact music sheet that they were given by their music teacher or is it OK to improvise or choose your own song?

The auditioners will be looking for the students to play exactly what is written because they need to know exactly what music skills students have compared to each other. The music chosen for the audition has key elements that they will be looking for.

7) The scales say that you have to have a minimum of quarter note = 120, how should you practice it when this is too fast to be played correctly now?

Start practicing it at a comfortable, slow & even speed. Then, using a metronome, speed it up slowly (one notch at a time) to a few clicks over the desired speed. Then when played at the desired speed it will feel very easy! (Slower & accurate is much better than fast & sloppy) Do not play it faster than 120 for orchestra. They want to hear it at that exact tempo. The band needs to play at least 120 which neans that they can play faster too. Just make sure it is accuate! They will be looking at students to play what they ask.

8) Any ideas to help me practice?

Private teachers are able to offer one-on-one help, but we will be learning both of the pieces and scales during class with all the students so that they can feel comfortable. We will be playing these songs in class almost everyday between now and the audition and all students will be tested on theses songs! Also read the How to Properly Practice Page on the home page.

9) What are the audition protocols the students &/or parents need to know?

Wear nice clothes (something you'd where in a nice picture), be presentable, and just play the best that he/she can! (Usually it's pretty common for students to be nervous and he/she should do just fine!) Introduce yourself and shake their hand! When finished, don't ask them if you've made it or not, they won't know until they compare everyone at the end of the evening.

10) When given the option to play and upper or lower part, usually one is more difficult than the other. Which one should he/she choose?

They are looking for the strongest players, whether it's a high or low part. The mroe difficutl part may get a higher chair but if the student doesn't know how to play the harder part, they shouldn't attempt it at an audition! The auditioners are just trying to see where everyone is at! Always remember that something played accurately is better than trying to attempt to play something that is not that well learned. Students should try to do what's comfortable over trying to attempt everything. Kids have a tendency to get fairly nervous when trying to do too many new things at once!

11) When will I find out if I have been accepted to play in the Honor Group?

Students usually receive a letter from the District within a week or so after the audition.

12) Should I audition if I am not sure that I can make every rehearsal?

No. Only those students that are committed to attending each and every rehearsal should audition. Please check your calendars.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: (Click on name for directions)

Niguel Hills M.S. - Arrive 20-30 minutes before your audition to check-in, warm-up & then find your warm-up room.

Coast Hills Community Church - When you get to the website, look for the directions link at the bottom of the page. Please allow plenty of time for parking. FYI - Police have been known to ticket the area.

SOKA University - Allow plenty of time for parking. Lots of seating available!

Please be at all rehearsals at least 10 minutes early & bring a pencil!
GOOD LUCK & PLAY YOUR HEARTS OUT!!