Classical Instrumental Ensembles
CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL AUDITIONS
Auditions for Mr. Ebersole’s Upper School Classical Instrumental ensembles will place students for these classes:
Introduction to Chamber Music (1st year enrollees - piano, strings, winds)
Advanced Chamber Music (2nd-3rd-4th year enrollees - piano, strings, winds)
String Ensemble (strings, harp)
Auditions for Fall 2023 will be held in person (for students accessible to campus) and via Zoom (for students unable to come to campus) in 15 minute slots on:
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 3:45-5:00 pm
Wednesday, June 31, 2023 - by appointment
If you are interested in enrolling in one of these ensemble classes for 2023-2024, contact Mr. Ebersole (curt.ebersole@mastersny.org) to schedule the time for your audition, and see the specific audition materials for each instrument, below. Auditions will be scheduled in person or via Zoom. As a new student, choose either String Ensemble or Intro to Chamber Music when enrolling in courses; final placement will be determined after your audition.
For Middle School Orchestra: Note that auditions for will take place for all MS players on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 during the MS co-curricular period. Players are asked to bring their own music -- something familiar and comfortable to play.
For all Upper School auditions, please prepare:
The major scales indicated for your instrument, 1-3 octaves, according to your ability.
The excerpt below that you feel best fits your stage of development: Intermediate or Advanced (note that there are two options for advanced audition music options in some cases). Please prepare as much of the material as you are comfortable. In the long run, I'd rather hear less material played very well than struggling through the entire selection.
I will also ask you to sight-read a short excerpt (a PDF will be emailed to you just prior to the audition). Please note that advanced sight-reading abilities are required for pianists registering for Chamber Music.
VIOLIN
Major scales in G, A, E
Choose one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate – Advanced #1 – Advanced #2 (Allegro vivace only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
VIOLA
Major scales in G, A, E
Choose one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate – Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
CELLO
Major scales in G, A, E
Choose one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate – Advanced #1 – Advanced #2 (Allegro vivace only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
CONTRABASS
Major scales in G, A, E
Choose one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate – Advanced
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
PIANO
Major scales (2 hands, parallel motion, 4 octaves) in G, A, E
Prepare this musical excerpt, up to letter |A| on page 4 (the third page of the manuscript):
Intermediate/Advanced (Weber - Terzettino, all pages)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
FLUTE
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G
Prepare one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate (first movement only) – Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
OBOE
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G
Prepare this musical excerpt: Intermediate/Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
CLARINET
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G (written keys)
Prepare this musical excerpt: Intermediate/Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
SAXOPHONE (Alto, Tenor, Baritone)
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G (written keys)
Prepare this musical excerpt: Intermediate/Advanced (first movement only) - Alto Sax - Tenor Sax - Baritone Sax
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
BASSOON
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G
Prepare one of these musical excerpts: Intermediate – Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
TRUMPET
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G (written keys)
Prepare this musical excerpt: Intermediate/Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
HORN
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G (written keys)
Prepare one of these excerpts: Intermediate (first movement only) – Advanced (first movement only)
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.
TUBA
Major scales in Bb, Ab, G
Prepare this musical excerpt: Intermediate/Advanced
Be ready to sight read at the audition. Feel free to bring additional prepared music you have practiced with your private teacher.