Auditions
Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra
Brett Nelsen, Director.
9 April 2012
AUDITIONS FOR 2012-2013
As Benjamin Franklin said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all others.” The same parallels can be made about auditions; they are the worst form of selecting student placement except for all others. There is a place for you in the orchestra program; we just have to find out where. That’s what auditions do, we find the best place for your personal success and balance the success of the six ensembles we will have next year. Students missing an audition for any reason will be assigned to the most junior orchestra.
Your audition will have 3 components: scales, a prepared piece, and sight reading.
Scales: Prepare the following scales. You will play two of the four scales listed below. You pick the first scale, and we’ll pick the second. Demonstrate your versatility by preparing the scales in a variety of styles: slurring 2 notes, 4 notes, 6 notes, and 8 notes per bow. (Remember: You choose how you’re performing that first scale!) We won’t ask you to perform anything that you don’t feel comfortable or prepared.
Violin: B-g# and F-d Viola: Eb-c and E- c# Cello: Eb-c and Ab –f Bass: E-c# and A-f# Piano & Harp: Call Mr. Nelsen
Students auditioning for Sinfonia or Sinfonietta must demonstrate proficient knowledge of the spiccato bow stroke on a 3 octave scale. Quarter notes must equal 60 beats per measure or faster. (You will play individual sixteenth notes in your scale) Students auditioning for Philharmonia White, Philharmonia Maroon, Camerata or Concert must demonstrate proficiency in two octave scales.
Prepared Piece: Sinfonia and Sinfonietta students will have a two round audition. The first round takes place in May. At this round, students will prepare an excerpt of one etude used for the 2012 Texas All State Orchestra. These etudes will be announced on the TMEA website on May 1. We will decide the excerpt you will audition. The second round will occur in August prior to the first day of school. At this audition, students who were accepted to the Sinfonia or Sinfonietta orchestras at the conclusion of the first round will audition to determine chair order, and in the case of violins, section assignments. It is possible that students, who advance through the first round, will not pass the second round. Should that occur, students will be assigned their orchestra placement based on the results of the second round. In short, anyone considering the audition for Region or All-State should prepare the etude for their May audition.
All students auditioning for the Philharmonia White, Philharmonia Maroon, Camerata or Concert orchestras in May should perform any piece that best demonstrates abilities. Solo literature is preferred. Stopping a student during the solo will not indicate judgment of the performance, just a respect for your time and those that follow. Strong performances may be considered for the Sinfonia and Sinfonietta orchestras. Should a student be placed in this ensemble by the May audition, then passing a second round audition in August will be expected to maintain your rank and class assignment.
Sight Reading: All students will sight read an excerpt. We will judge on technical mastery of specific elements as well as musical acuity.
All auditions will be held in the orchestra room at Cinco Ranch High School. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your check in time. Print and return the completed the student information questionnaire to us at the time of your audition. Students waiting for their audition will have the opportunity to meet the student officers for next year. Parents of students are encouraged to wait with your child inside the orchestra room. You may meet many of the fine parents of the orchestra program.
Best of Luck on your preparations for a successful audition
The 2012-2013 Audition Music can be obtained by clicking on the following links:
Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Bass Etude
Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Cello Etude
Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Viola Etude
Sinfonia/Sinfonietta Violin Etude
The "Audition Questionnaire 2012 - 2013" document can be obtained by clicking HERE. Please download and print this form and bring it with you to your Audition.
A PDF version of the Audition Criteria above can be obtained by clicking HERE.
Audition Schedule
May 4 - Incoming Students Audition 3PM - 6PM
May 5 - Incoming Students Audition 9AM - 12PM
May 14 - May 17 - Returning Students Audition - Please check your audition time posted in Orchestra Room
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Common Questions/Common Answers
about the Orchestra Program
A PDF version of the Questions/Answers can be obtained by clicking here!
1. Can just anyone be in the Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra?
Because not just anybody can join the orchestra program, those students who play violin, viola, cello and bass become very special people. The orchestra is one of the most respected organizations on campus. It is an honor representing Cinco Ranch High School by performing in the Sinfonia, the Sinfonietta, the Philharmonia or the Camerata—the four performance ensembles.
2. Do students have to audition for the Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra?
There is a place for all students who choose orchestra as their elective. The Audition Process determines where each student could be the most successful. Entry Auditions this year will include performing scales, an etude or a solo, and sight-reading. Our website includes details about scheduling your audition and other related information. For more information, check our website at www.crhsorchestra.org
5. Can a freshman violinist sit in the first violin section?
Orchestra is a selfless act; students rotate seating for every concert. Each student is an important part of the orchestra and it’s important to work with one another for each other’s benefit. This contributes to our sense of family.
Everyone should have the experience playing in the front and the back of their section. It’s important that every violinist has an opportunity performing the first violin part. Students performing viola, cello and bass may often sit on the first stand of their section.
6. Does the No-Pass / No-Play rule effects a student's participation in orchestra?
Orchestra students must pass all classes to participate in the extra-curricular activities of the Orchestra: contests, performances and Region and All-State auditions. The class time instruction and all after school rehearsals are curricular and students participate in these regardless of academic eligibility.
7. Are there practice cards in the high school orchestra?
No; practice cards are not required for high school orchestra students. Most students have developed excellent practice habits from their junior high orchestra program; 180 minutes a week.
8. What is the Symphony Orchestra?
This is an established tradition that the orchestra competes at UIL contest. Many band students compete for the chance to play in the full orchestra. It’s that cool! The Symphony Orchestra at Cinco Ranch is the full orchestra, where the very best wind, brass, and percussion players combine with strings for performances at Christmas, UIL concert and sight reading. Sometimes, we perform at the Spring concert in May, and for the Musical. Because the members of the band and the strings cannot meet during the school day, rehearsals for this orchestra are in the evenings and meet for two hours. This will be Monday nights from 6-8:15 pm for students in the Sinfonia and the Sinfonietta.
Sometimes, EVERY string player meets on Monday nights. For instance, the Fall Concert involved all students. Looks like another Medley so, in order to do that piece really well, we have to meet on Monday nights from 6-8:15 pm. On some occasions we stop everything for a social. We also have a social in August. Again, these will usually take place on Monday nights.
9. Can a student participate in athletics and orchestra?
Yes! Athletic Director, Coach Clayton, the CRHS Athletic Director, and the Athletic Department work closely with us arranging practice times and rehearsal schedules to accommodate students participating in both activities. Coaches are very understanding about weekly after school sectionals. It is not always easy, and does require advanced planning, but most conflicts are worked out with good communication between student, parents, coaches and the orchestra directors. Last year, there were many students who played football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, and swimming.
10. What expenses can an orchestra student expect?
Overall, expenses associated with orchestra are much lower than other school organizations. For example, fees were set last year at $100.00. This includes the following items: uniform maintenance, tee shirt, and all social activities including the student ticket to the banquet. Please note that parents of cellos and bass students pay an additional $100 Katy ISD Instrument Maintenance Fee.
11. What if I am playing on the same instrument now as in the sixth grade?
It’s time to upgrade to a higher quality instrument. Find links to the websites of the best places to get an instrument from our website at www.crhsorchestra.org. Investing in a high quality instrument ensures the orchestra program as one of the premiere programs in Texas and the United States. A good instrument will help one progress through the ranks of the many fine orchestras here at Cinco Ranch. Ask your current director about upgrading your instrument as this normally occurs during the eighth grade or ninth grade year.
12. What if I already own my instrument?
For those that already own a good quality instrument, be sure you have a wire stand, shoulder rest, rock stop, a tuner, extra strings and rosin.
13. Can I store a second violin at school and keep my good instrument at home?
Violinists are expected to practice on the same instrument they use for class. Perfecting intonation, bow technique and musicality are all reasons why students should carry one instrument to and from school.
14. How much after school rehearsal time is expected of an orchestra student?
This commitment is much easier for orchestra than other organizations. The orchestra program and its students are successful because of the after school rehearsals. To best prepare for performances, students have an hour long sectional after school each week. Performances for string honor orchestra or contest will require a few additional evening full rehearsals typically on Monday nights.
15. In what kind of contests/competitions does the orchestra participate?
Each year the orchestra participates in at least two UIL contests. One contest focuses on string orchestra and another contest for full orchestra. In addition, the orchestra travels to another city for an invitational concert festival. Individually, students participate in All-Region Orchestra auditions and UIL Solo and Ensemble competitions. In high school, students may advance to the State level in these individual competitions, which is something not available at junior high.
16. Has the orchestra program enjoyed any competitive success?
Haven’t you heard? The Symphony Orchestra just performed at the 2010 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Perhaps the Symphony Orchestra will return to Chicago as a 2014 Midwest Clinic Performer…
We are one of the best high school orchestra programs because students like you understand that working everyday towards our best performance will makes us successful. Aside from earning Sweepstakes trophies at UIL Concert and Sight Reading, since 2000, we received the Director’s Choice National Award Winner Orchestra of Excellence in 2011, 2009 and 2008. The orchestra has performed in competitions in San Antonio, Dallas, Galveston, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Orlando, Florida. Cinco Ranch has even performed for the world at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Resort and received standing ovations from a huge crowd of several hundred people. We even played Carnegie Hall in 2006.
Because the orchestra is so well received from across the country, major colleges are sending admissions information for students. Even though few will enroll as music majors, these schools want orchestra students because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all of their activities.
17. How are the basic orchestra uniforms provided?
KISD purchases the formal orchestra uniforms for the Cinco Ranch Orchestra Program. Men wear tuxedos and ladies wear a black formal gown. Students should provide black shoes and black socks for men. Ladies may wear black flats or black heels and black socks or tights.
18. How much does the orchestra travel?
Katy ISD allows an annual trip. Most destinations are within Texas. Approximately every 4 years, the Cinco Ranch Orchestra has the opportunity to take a major trip. When a National Honor is involved, Katy ISD allows travel out of state before our next rotation. Enough fund raising opportunities will be provided so that a student may earn their way.
19. Can a student take private lessons at the school?
Yes. The Cinco Ranch Orchestra maintains an outstanding staff of private lesson specialists on each instrument. The teachers come to KISD campuses weekday evenings between 2:45 and 8:45pm. Lessons are 30 minutes in length, once a week. The current cost for lessons is $17 per lesson.
The majority of CRHS orchestra students take lessons because of their desire to excel on their instrument. Next year may be a good year to begin taking private lessons, as the music we perform becomes increasingly difficult. Students currently taking private lessons should keep taking lessons. Furthermore, to maintain our reputation as one of the premiere orchestras in Texas and in the United States, private lessons ensure progress which means advancing through the ranks of the many fine orchestras in the program.
Lessons are highly recommended.
Lists of private lesson teachers are available per request.
20. In what extra musical experiences can an orchestra student participate?
Orchestra students participate in All-Region and All-State tryouts, UIL Solo and Ensemble contests, and the “Pit” Orchestra for the Musical. There are also small groups that perform at various local civic and community functions as needed.
21. What instruments are available from the school?
Cello and bass students may use a KISD owned cello or bass during class at a fee of $100 per instrument per year. This fee is paid at the beginning of the fall semester. Almost have enough cellos and basses are present so every student has their own instrument during the school day.
22. Do orchestra students do a lot of fund raising?
Fund raising is always optional and these fund raising efforts are conducted in conjunction with the CRHS Orchestra Friends. Maybe you had your car washed one time by an orchestra student. When Texas is not involved in a severe drought, we have two or three car washes a year. They are a lot of fun and they have been very successful.
23. Is there a Booster organization?
Yes, Cinco Ranch High School Orchestra Friends is an extremely active group of parents and boosters who raise funds for the orchestra and provide crucial support. Their work benefits all students with buying lockers, purchasing instruments, or funding scholarships. This Booster Club does a great number of service projects, such as orchestra camp, the spring trip and the spring banquet. Participation is strongly encouraged and Family memberships start at $50 per year. That’s a bargain when compared to membership dues with other school organizations.
24. What other benefits are there to joining orchestra and traditions have been set?
It is important to belong to premiere organizations that foster lifelong friendships. There are opportunities to help at every level, from being an active member of the orchestra, to providing student leadership and even planning social activities. Student officers help with planning the annual banquet and other activities. Parties, like ice skating, car washes, and dodge ball are also scheduled throughout the year. Some of the unique traditions include having a senior conduct the Cinco Ranch High School Alma Mater at the end of the spring concert. This demonstrates that the students and the director are partners and share musical successes equally. It’s that spirit that makes this organization a family. There is still room for creating new lasting traditions and firsts, so there is always a need for energetic young people to take an important role. Be special by contributing to the orchestra next year:
- Become a student leader.
- Play in the pit for Musicals
- Winning a state or national championship
- Establish a new logo for the orchestra.
What traditions will you help establish?
25. When will summer camp orchestra practice take place?
This year we did a week long summer camp. All students met in the morning for rehearsals. In the afternoon, we did fun activities like a scavenger hunt, Laser Tag, and game day. Everyone had lots of fun. On the last day we had a concert at CRHS. Orchestra Camp is scheduled for early August. Don’t miss out on this fun new tradition at Cinco Ranch!
“High School musicians are recruits prized by more than colleges with elite
music programs”
Houston Chornicle December 30, 2002
“The things that go into making a good musician-discipline, hard work, problem-solving- are what make good students in general.”
Dennis Trotter, admissions director Coe College, Iowa
Did you know more colleges look for participation in classes like orchestra as part of their admissions process?
I will know you better than any other teacher on campus. Who else would you want to write your recommendations for college?
Past students have been accepted to:
Alabama
Auburn
Belmont
Cornell
Carnegie Mellon
Dartmouth
Duke
Hawi’i Pacific University
Houston Baptist University
LSU
MIT
New York University
Northwestern (Chicago)
Notre Dame
Oklahoma State University
Pepperdine University
Southern Methodist University
Rice University
SMU
St. John’s
Syracuse
Texas A&M University
Trinity University
Tufts
University of Houston
University of North Texas
USC
University of Texas
TCU
Vanderbilt
Become a part of something special: Experience the orchestra !
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