Auditions

Audition Requirements

All students who audition will need to indicate on their application form the orchestra(s) and/or small ensemble(s) they would like to join, and prepare a solo of your choice representative of your current playing level, and scales as indicated below for the highest level orchestra or ensemble to which you are applying. 

Orchestra auditions will be in person.
Jazz auditions will be recorded and sent in via unlisted YouTube link.

Audition Information by Ensemble

Dolce String Ensemble

Students should prepare a solo (up to 2 minutes) and the scales according to their instrument.
Violin - G major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)
Viola - C major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)
Cello -C major - one octave (2 octaves if you can)​

​Preparatory Orchestra
Students should prepare a solo representative of their current playing level (up to 2 minutes) and the following scales:

• G, D, and C major scales - 2 octaves
• G and D Minor scales - 1 octave

In addition, please prepare the following excerpts:
Preparatory Orchestra Violin
Preparatory Orchestra Viola
Preparatory Orchestra Cello/Bass

Students will also have a small sight-reading selection

Concert Orchestra
Students should prepare a solo representative of their current playing level (up to 2 minutes) and scales as follows:

• Violin - G, D major , A melodic minor - 2 octaves
• Viola - G, D, major, D melodic minor- 2 octaves
• Cello - G, D major, D melodic minor- 2 octaves
• Bass - C, G major, A melodic minor- 2 octaves
• All winds and brass instruments - Please use IMEC Jr. Band scale sheet

In addition, please prepare the following excerpts:
Concert Orchestra Violin
Concert Orchestra Viola
Concert Orchestra Cello
Concert Orchestra Bass
Concert Orchestra Flute
Concert Orchestra Oboe
Concert Orchestra Clarinet
Concert Orchestra Bassoon
Concert Orchestra French Horn
Concert Orchestra Trumpet
Concert Orchestra Trombone
Concert Orchestra Tuba

Students will also have a small sight-reading selection.

Youth Symphony
Students should prepare a solo representative of their current playing level (up to 2 minutes) and scales as follows:

• ​Strings - Please prepare E Major, A-flat Major, and D melodic minor, all in 3 octaves. 
• Winds/Brass - Please use IMEC Sr. Band scale sheet​

In addition, please prepare the excerpts below according to your instrument.
Youth Symphony Violin
Youth Symphony Viola
Youth Symphony Cello
Youth Symphony Bass
Youth Symphony Flute
Youth Symphony Oboe
Youth Symphony Clarinet
Youth Symphony Bassoon
Youth Symphony French Horn
Youth Symphony Trumpet
Youth Symphony Trombone
​Youth Symphony Tuba

Students will also have a small sight-reading selection.

Jr. Jazz Ensemble

Students should prepare the following material: 

• Winds
  • 2 choruses of  Blue Monk
  • First chorus play the melody, Optional second chorus improvised solo
• Guitar/Piano
  • 2 choruses of Blue Monk
  • First chorus play the melody, second chorus comp chords
• Bass
  • 2 Choruses of Blue Monk
  • First chorus play melody, second chorus walk a bass line
• Drums
  • 1 chorus of Blue Monk swung
  • 16 bars drum pattern of your choice

Blue Monk Concert Pitch
Blue Monk Eb
Blue Monk Bb
Blue Monk Bass Clef

​Link to backing tracks

Sr. Jazz Ensemble

Students should prepare the following material

• Winds
  • 2 choruses of Cottontail
  • First chorus play the melody, second chorus improvised solo
• Guitar/Piano
  • 2 choruses of Cottontail
  • First chorus play the melody, second chorus comp chords
• Bass
  • 2 Choruses of Cottontail
  • First chorus play melody, second chorus walk a bass line
• Drums
  • 1 chorus of Cottontail swung
  • 16 bars Rock/Funk pattern
  • 16 bars Latin style of your choice (e.g. samba, mambo, salsa)

​Cottontail Concert Pitch
Cottontail Eb
Cottontail Bb
Cottontail Bass Clef


Link to backing tracks

Percussion Ensemble

No scales required. Students should prepare a 2 minute solo or etude on Snare Drum, Mallets, and/or Timpani. The Jr. or Sr. level ILMEA etudes would also be an appropriate choice for solo.