Westlake High School Instrumental Music Department

Auditions for Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Studio and Lab Jazz Ensemble

OK kids, here is the info you have been waiting for. Auditions for next year's ensembles are coming up sooner than you know it, so please read the following information carefully. Everyone wishing to participate in Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Studio Jazz Ensemble or Lab Jazz Ensemble must audition, even if you are currently a member of that ensemble. In addition to the posted music, please note the other requirements for the various groups.

  • Band - All 12 Major Scales in the format given by CBDA**
  • Band - Chromatic Scale in the format given by CBDA**
  • Band and Orchestra - A short (1-2 minutes) prepared excerpt
  • Band - 8 count crescendo then 8 count decrescendo @ 60 b/min from PP to FF to PP on either concert Bb, Eb, Ab, or F
  • Band and Orchestra - Sight Reading
  • Band and Orchestra - Short Letter of recommendation from your private teacher (required for all incoming 9th graders wishing to audition for Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble)
  • Orchestra - See the additional information on the audition music page for scale requirements

** - go to www.cbda.org and click on High School audition lists. You will find printable versions of the scales. Use the exact chromatic scale on the website. For the major scales, the rhythm is what we want you to be aware of. We will pick from the 12 major scales, no minors.

All students wishing to audition for Jazz Band will have seperate requirements and audition music, to be posted soon.

Sign-ups are for incoming students only. All current students will be auditioning during their classes the week of June 2.

If you do not wish to audition you will be placed in String Orchestra or Symphonic Band. If you audition for, and are not accepted into Studio or Lab Jazz Ensemble, you have the option to audition for Concert Jazz Ensemble III in the Spring of 2009.

Now that you have read all of the info, please select the link that best suits your needs. The deadline to sign up for an audition is Friday May 2, 2008.