2011 Mid-Year Auditions
We will hold limited mid-year auditions on Tuesday July 12. There are vacancies for Viola, Cello, Horn and Bassoon particularly. All prospective new players should read the Audition policy and contact us about audition music (available 2 weeks before the audition) and times. Please email: or call Louise Drummond on (03) 464-0609 for further information.The first rehearsal for the second semester will be on July 15, working towards a concert on Sunday 25 September.
Dunedin Youth Orchestra Audition Policy
Auditions are usually held in the first week of March. All previous members of the orchestra must register although not all will need to re-audition. We audition all violins each year as seatings change according to the orchestras needs. We endeavor to audition all current members in each section on the same day, followed by new players. If you are unable to attend on that day, please contact the audition convenor to re-schedule your audition.All new players need to audition. You need to be younger than 25 years old and the minimum standard is about grade 6 level, however this will not necessarily guarantee entry. Please register well in advance (early February) so audition music can be sent to you. Please consult with your teacher in the preparation of audition material. You will need to contact us again to receive an audition time.
The auditions will consist of a list of previously received excerpts, and will include sight-reading.
It is our policy to make the placement process a relaxed and positive experience. Two selectors will be either specialist players and/or teachers in the section they are auditioning, with the aim of providing at least one impartial selector (not a teacher or parent to the player). The panel will also include one or two of the conductors for the upcoming year's concerts. The members on the panel will each fill out a rating sheet on each audition, which will be reviewed by the panel to make their necessary decisions. The DYO endeavors to provide the same selectors for the duration of each section's audition timeframe. Previous attendance, positive attitudes and musical leadership exhibited during rehearsals may also be taken into consideration by the panel. Results will be shared with the current DYO chairperson so that applicants can be quickly notified. We endeavor to notify players about their seating position before the first rehearsal.
The DYO audition is an internal process, and as the information gained from the audition is private and confidential, no DYO representative will enter into correspondence regarding a player's specific audition results with the player, the player's parents, past or present teachers, or any other outside parties. This mirrors the audition processes in the music profession. If a player wants feedback this will be at the discretion of, and only through, the chair.
After auditions have been held, should there be insufficient numbers of suitable candidates, or lack of suitable instrumentalists that could jeopardize artistic activity, the conductor may appoint players to positions without holding auditions, in association with the committee.
At the discretion of the conductor and selectors, some players may be able to rehearse with the orchestra, even when a position may not be available, to assist their musical development.