Audition for the PYO!
Who Needs to Audition
Any student new to our organization or any student seeking to transition from one PYO group to another. Special exceptions are made for students who have participated in the Shawnee Chamber Strings group. Please contact Mike Montero to determine your placement.
Steps to a Successful Audition
- With the help of your music teacher, determine which orchestra is the best fit for you, and have your teacher fill out the Teacher Recommendation Form.
- Determine which audition format is best for you - live or video
- For live auditions, contact Mike Montero to schedule an audition time
- Complete the audition form and prepare your music
- For video auditions, submit the audition form and teacher recommendation form by email and the video via WeTransfer to violinfixer4@icloud.com.
Audition Materials
Special Instructions for Video Auditions
1) Complete and email the Teacher Recommendation and Audition Forms to Mike Montero
2) Record your video, which must include:
- Basic Personal Introduction - name, selection you are playing
- Personal choice of music selection
- Scales based on orchestra requirements
- PYO - two major scales in three octaves
- PCSO - two major scales in two octaves
3) Send your audition video to violinfixer4@icloud.com using WeTransfer
Which Orchestra Is Right for Me?
Please use these guidelines to determine which orchestra is the best fit. The most important factor is whether you have mastered the required skills to successfully play the music. Ask your music teacher which group is right for you.
Pocono Junior Strings Orchestra Requirements
PJSO is a fun, introductory ensemble for string players with 1-2 years of study.
Students considered for this ensemble can hold their instruments and bows properly, read notes on A and D strings (G and D for bass). Students are learning to make visual contact with and follow the conductor while playing their instruments.
Techniques and skills required for this ensemble:
- Students can identify and play whole, half, quarter and eighth notes
- Students displays proper holding of instrument and bow
- Students can identify and play two note slurs
- Student can identify and play dynamics (forte to piano)
Pocono Chamber Strings Orchestra Requirements
PCSO performs a wider range of string repertoire. Students develop their ensemble skill: becoming more aware of their section players, understanding how sections of an orchestra are connected to each other, creating visual contact with the conductor, ability to follow the conductor, ability to match bow strokes and follow section leader. Students work on keeping balance and dynamic contrasts.
Candidates should be prepared to:
1) Perform their own selection of music
2) Prepare two major scales in two octaves
Techniques and skills required for this ensemble:
1) Students can fluently shift to third position
2) Students displays beginning/emerging vibrato
3) Student displays good tone quality
4) Student plays with musicianship
5) Students are familiar with key signatures containing up to three sharps and three flats.
Pocono Youth Orchestra Requirements
PYO provides the highest level of music.For some students, this is their first experience with a symphonic orchestra which includes woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. This ensemble performs original and arrangements of greater orchestral standards. Rehearsals consist of work across all sections. Ensemble work requires students to practice independently and in a group settings. Musicians learn the basic skills of performing with all orchestral instruments.
String candidates should be prepared to:
1) Perform their own selection of music
2) Prepare two major scales in three octaves
Wind candidates should be prepared to:
1) Perform their own selection of music
2) Prepare two major scales in two octaves
Techniques and skills required for this ensemble:
1) Students can shift fluently up to fifth position (String players)
2) Students displays good tone quality
3) Students play with expression
4) Students perform contrasting dynamics
5) Students perform with quality, centered tone
6) Students can perform a range of articulations
7) Students can comfortable read key signatures up to four sharps and four flats
Please Contact Us with any questions or comments!
P.O. Box 1101, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
