Auditions
By appointment only:
August 23, 2024
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
August 24, 2024
8:30 am - 7:30 pm
FAQs
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit an application
Pay the audition fee
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
A: Good question!! We offer audition appointments to the first 122 students who submit an application. After the schedule is full, interested students will be asked to submit an application but NOT to pay the fee. If someone cancels their audition appointment, those on the wait list will be contacted, asked to pay the audition fee and offered an audition appointment.
Q: When will I be assigned an audition time?
A: Within a week (probably sooner) of submitting your application. Each application is time stamped. Students will be contacted in the order in which their application was received.
Q: When will the application page be available?
A: April 1, 2024
Q: When will the 2024 excerpts be available?
A: June 1, 2024
Q: Where are the auditions?
A: Calvary Church of Santa Ana
1010 N. Tustin Ave.
Santa Ana CA 92705
Choir room
Q: Who is eligible?
A: String players who will be in grades 3-8 (‘24-’25 school year) and study privately are eligible to audition.
Q: Should I play Concerto #1 by Barney Fife or Sonata #4 by Thelma Lou?
A: We cannot give advice about particular pieces. Please consult with your private teacher.
Q: Are there excerpts to prepare?
A: Yes. Excerpts are here.
Q: My child is in 2nd grade now but will be in 3rd grade this Fall. Is he/she eligible to audition?
A: Yes
Q: My child is in 8th grade now but will be in 9th grade this Fall. Is he/she eligible to audition?
A: No
Q: Will there be somebody at the audition who can help me tune my instrument?
A: Yes
Q: If I was 2nd violin this year, am I guaranteed to be 1st violin next year?
A: No. Placement depends on many factors, including quality and competition.
Q: If I was in a Prelude orchestra this year, am I guaranteed a position next year?
A: No. Placement depends on many factors, including quality and competition.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress comfortably so you can easily play your instrument. It is not necessary to wear formal attire but do not wear very casual attire such as shorts, flip flops, etc.
Q: How long is the audition?
A: The audition is about 5 minutes. However, please plan to be at the audition site for 1 hour. 5 students are scheduled every half hour. Your audition could be anytime during that half hour. You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time and allow another 15 minutes after your scheduled half hour in the event we are behind schedule. Whenever possible, siblings will be scheduled during the same half hour.
Q: Do I need an accompanist?
A: No. An accompanist is not permitted.
Q: Who is allowed in the audition room?
A: The applicant, conductor, manager and string coach. Other people are not permitted.
Q: What do you evaluate?
A: We evaluate the following:
following directions - prepare all materials requested on the website
rhythm
tempo
intonation
dynamics
articulation
expression
musicality
tone
notes
shifting (if applicable)
vibrato (if applicable)
over-all technique on the instrument and with the bow
interest/attitude
proper attire
Q: When do I find out if I am accepted into an orchestra?
A: You will be contacted by e-mail within one week of your audition with the results.
Q: If I audition for Prelude Sinfonia or Prelude Chamber Strings and I don’t qualify, am I automatically considered for a lower level orchestra?
A: Yes.
Q: Are the adjudicators nice?
A: Yes!!! We are cheering for you! We want you to be comfortable and play well. Enthusiastic, dedicated and hard working musicians is what makes Prelude great!
Prelude String Orchestra
Prepare the following:
solo piece: minimum level - end of Suzuki book 1 (or the equivalent). You are not expected or required to play a piece from the Suzuki books. It is only mentioned as a guideline. Memory is not required. Bring an extra copy (photo copy). It will not be returned to you.
Sight read in the keys of C, G, D, A, their relative minors and accidentals
2-octave scale in the key of student’s choice, memorized. Minimum tempo: quarter note=60
Prelude Sinfonia
Prepare the following:
solo piece: minimum level - Suzuki book 3 (or the equivalent) with shifting. Use of Vibrato is preferred. You are not expected or required to play a piece from the Suzuki books. It is only mentioned as a guideline. Memory is not required. Bring an extra copy (photo copy). It will not be returned to you.
Sight read in the keys of B-flat, F, C, G, D, A, their relative minors and accidentals
2 or 3-octave scale in the key of student’s choice, memorized. Minimum tempo: quarter note=60.
Prelude Chamber Strings
Prepare the following:
solo piece: minimum level - Suzuki book 4 (or the equivalent) with vibrato and shifting. You are not expected or required to play a piece from the Suzuki books. It is only mentioned as a guideline. Memory is not required. Bring an extra copy (photo copy). It will not be returned to you.
sight read in the keys of E-flat, B-flat, F, C, G, D, A, their relative minors and accidentals
3-octave scale in the key of student’s choice, memorized. Minimum tempo: quarter note=60.
Additional Details
Acceptance and Orchestra placement will be determined by the Conductors, Manager and String Coach based on technical and musical proficiency demonstrated at the audition. Performing a particular piece or scale does not guarantee placement in Prelude Strings.
Please remember the following for your audition:
One photocopy of your solo piece for your adjudicators (cheerleaders!). It will not be returned to you.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition time to allow time for tuning and warm up.
It is better to play a lower level piece well than a higher level piece poorly. If you play a higher level piece poorly, we only know what you cannot do and not what you can do.
Observe all markings in the excerpts.