| To Apply to a TCSYO Orchestra - Please complete these steps: |
- Complete Audition Application online and submit $45 audition fee through Pay Pal.
- Instructions on how to upload your audition video will be included in your confirmation e-mail after you submit your application and you can also review the the instructions here: Video Audition Instructions
- Review and prepare all audition repertoire requirements. This includes scales, solo piece and orchestral excerpt. Specific repertoire for each instrument can be found in the Audition Requirements by orchestra in the section below. It is recommended that you review the repertoire requirements with your private teacher.
- Submit your video using the Audition Video Submission Form.
- Results will not be given over the phone.
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| PO│SE│CO│SO│Perc│Frequently Asked Questions |
Prelude Orchestra
Conducted by Ms. Diana Chou
Elementary School level
Rehearsals: Monday 7:00-8:30pm
Katherine Johnson Middle School (formally Sidney Lanier Middle School)
TCSYO entry-level string orchestra offers the chance to enjoy making music with other young musicians from throughout area. The group includes a full complement of string instruments playing independent parts. Designed for students who have had limited orchestral experience and who are working on mastering their reading ability. Students should be comfortable playing in first position the keys of G and D. This ensemble builds solid, fundamental rhythmic and orchestral skills including improved sight-reading abilities.
PO - Audition Requirements
Scale requirement
Violin & Viola- one major AND one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Cello - one major AND one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Bass - one major AND one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Solo requirement
A solo of your choice. This solo should be representative of your overall musical and technical ability. Solos should be 2 to 3 minutes minutes in length only. No accompanists, please.
Suggested Material: Suzuki Books 1 & 2.
SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO
Video Audition Instructions
String Ensemble
Conducted by: Mrs. Diana Chou
Ages 10 to 13
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm
Katherine Johnson Middle School (formally Sidney Lanier Middle School)
The String Ensemble is The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras (TCSYO) newest ensemble, and was added in 2019 to bridge the gap in young string player's musical level between the Prelude and Chamber Orchestras.
TCSYO String Ensemble is open to students ranging in age from 10 to 13 from public, private and home schools who have had at least two years of private instruction on their instrument and play at Grade Level III and above. Ms. Diana Chou is the conductor/cellist, who has a gift for connecting with young Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass musicians. Musicians in TCSYO String Ensemble develop a higher level of stylistic refinement and expressive detail, while playing a wide variety of repertoire in a nurturing and fun environment. Designed for students who have had some orchestral experience. All students should have basic note-reading skills, including the ability to identify pitch names and play various rhythms. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. The String Ensemble will focus on ensemble playing, technical instruction and preparation for future work TCSYO Chamber Orchestra.
SE - Audition Requirements
Scale requirement
Violin & Viola- one major AND one minor scale of your choice, two octaves
Cello - one major AND one minor scale of your choice, two octaves
Bass - one major AND one minor scale of your choice, one octave
Solo requirement
One prepared piece demonstrating current technical level. Solos should be 2 to 3 minutes in length only. No accompanists, please.
Selected piece should be equivalent to Suzuki Book 3 or higher and should be well-played, polished and at appropriate tempo.
Excerpts HERE
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Video Audition Instructions
Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Dr. Cheri Collins
Ages 10-16
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00-9:00pm
Katherine Johnson Middle School (formally Sidney Lanier Middle School)
The most advanced of TCSYO’ three string orchestras offers the opportunity to perform great masterpieces of string repertoire, from the Baroque era to today. Designed for intermediate to advanced string students with 3 or more years of experience. This string orchestra focuses on cross-listening between sections, blend and balance, expressing various styles of music, and pursuing detailed, mature music making. Musicians are introduced to a variety of bowing techniques and historical styles, while also developing more advanced control of rubato, phrasing and expression. Students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. The Chamber Orchestra will also focus on preparation for future work with TCSYO' Symphonic Orchestra.
CO - Audition Requirements
Scale requirement
Violin & Viola- One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats, three octaves
Cello - One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats, three octaves
Bass - One Major and One Minor scale up to three sharps and flats two octaves
Solo requirement
One prepared piece, include a slow section and a fast section, preferably from a sonata or concerto movement. Selected pieces should be be well-played, polished and at appropriate tempo. Solos should be 3 to 4 minutes minutes in length only. No accompanists, please.
Excerpts: HERE
SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO
Video Audition Instructions
Symphonic Orchestra
Conducted by Dr. Cheri Collins
High School & Middle School level
Rehearsals: Monday 7:00-9:30pm
Katherine Johnson Middle School (formally Sidney Lanier Middle School)
TCSYO’s most advanced orchestra is comprised of the very best young musicians in the Washington, DC area. The TCSYO Symphonic Orchestra performs professional-level repertoire in premier venues at home and abroad. Comprised of outstanding players whose technical level is highly advanced, who show strong musicality and musicianship and who are capable of the discipline necessary to perform at the highest level. This ensemble is dedicated to performing the finest works in the full symphonic repertoire. In addition to the full orchestra rehearsals the students will work in sectionals with professional coaches who are among the finest performers and teachers in the area. Weekly rehearsals during the school year are carried out under professional standards. Members are expected to take private lessons and maintain leadership responsibilities in their school ensembles.
Percussion Ensemble
Conducted by Mr. Jacob Harpster
The energetic TCSYO Percussion Ensemble has a longtime tradition of delighting enthusiastic audiences each season. All TCSYO percussionists come together each Monday evening from 7:00-9:30 to rehearse an array of exciting percussion works.
Ensemble members learn different and unusual techniques of playing styles and experience the use of a variety of percussion instruments, both traditional and nontraditional. Musicians learn how to communicate with other musicians in a chamber ensemble setting, and have a unique opportunity to perform more difficult music with other advanced percussionists.
Learning professional responsibility is an important part of the TCSYO’s program for musical excellence. Members are required to prepare, to arrive promptly, and to attend all rehearsals.
SO Audition Requirements
Please refer to your specific instrument's 21/22 audition requirements on your excerpt sheet
Scale requirement
One Major and One Minor scale up to four sharps and flats. (Please refer to your specific instrument's requirements on the excerpt)
Strings: One prepared piece, include a slow section and a fast section, preferably from a sonata or concerto movement. Selected piece should be from the Classical era or later and be well-played, polished and at the appropriate tempo. All-State and region
etudes may not be used.
Woodwinds & Brass: Two prepared pieces, one slow and one fast, preferably an etude,
sonata or concerto movement. All-State and region etudes may not be
used.
Percussion Ensemble: (Please refer to all the requirements on the excerpt)
2. Solo or Etude on Snare Drum (approximately 2 minutes)
3. Two scales of your choice (major and/or minor, demonstrating your current technical ability)
4. Solo or Etude on Marimba or Xylophone (approximately 2 minutes)
Excerpts: HERE
SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO
Video Audition Instructions |
Orchestras