Here are some of our frequently asked questions.
When and where do you rehearse?
We rehearse on FLC campus, at two different locations. Mondays: FL1-20 (Community Room). Wednesdays: Harris Center (room 1045). From 7PM to 8:50PM
Do you accept anyone who qualifies for the level of music orchestra plays?
Yes
Do you limit the number of musicians for each section of instruments?
In the future, it is potentially possible. Yet, so far we have never experienced the necessity to do so.
How many openings in violin (viola, cello) section will there be for next season (2019-2020)?
We will take anybody who qualifies.
What are your Audition Requirements?
Audition requirements include: a concerto of the candidate’s choice (1st or 3rd movement), from the standard repertoire, OR a comparable large-form piece (sonata, partita, suite, variations)*, AND the orchestral excerpts, which will be sent upon registration for an audition slot. No scales are necessary.
*Example: For violins, the concerto, if desired, could be replaced with the candidate’s choice of Bach’s Solo composition (from Partitas, Sonatas, or Suites), Or one of the Caprices by Paganini, Or one of the “standard” virtuoso pieces written by the composers of Romantic era.
Which instrumental positions are available?
Traditionally, we offer positions for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet.
When is the next round of auditions?
The next round of auditions is scheduled on August 25, Sunday, starting at 10AM @room 1045, at the Harris Center for the Arts. The address is 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630.
Which logical algorithms do your adjudicators use to render their decision?
Student placement is competitive, and is ranked in order of artistic quality. Those qualities include: 1) beauty of tone, 2) accuracy of intonation, 3) dynamic range, 4) tempo, 5) rhythmic precision.
What is a general level of students’ experience/proficiency compared to other Youth Symphonies/Ensembles?
Many of our artists have experience of playing in the Premier or Academic orchestras of SYS/High School/Middle School/ orchestras and ensembles before joining our chamber group. It is good to have such experience, but it is not necessary. Ages range from 12 to 20+. Some talented students entered the orchestra being as young as 11 years old. There is no quota on the number of musicians per section.
Do I need to have a private teacher to audition/participate in the orchestra?
Highly recommended. In theory, it is possible to pass the audition without having a private teacher, but it has never happened before.
How much is your tuition?
The participation is FREE, as the orchestra is funded by the grant. Moreover, it is a college class (MUP 311 – Advanced Orchestra), so the students receive a college credit for participating. (“Advanced Education”, needs to be approved by the middle/high school counselors )
When is the next concert(s)?
December 14 [Saturday (7pm)] and December 15 [Sunday (2pm)], 2019
What is the program for the upcoming concert?
The program is to be announced during the first rehearsal – August 26 [Monday, @7pm, Community room (FL1-20)]
In our orchestra we are also required to have a baroque bow, so if you don’t have one, follow the link to order now!