Auditioned Groups
For certain groups we ask students to audition. Applications are welcomed from dancers or musicians who wish to join one of the groups below or to progress to a more advanced group. The audition panel will consist of group leaders and tutors who will give every assistance in making students feel at ease. We strive to ensure that there is an informal atmosphere that we hope will make the whole process as enjoyable as possible.
Dance Auditions:
Youth Dance Company
The audition is open to male and female students aged 14-18 years (Year 10 and above) who have been recommended by schools, colleges or dance schools in the local area.
- A high level of technical skills
- A good understanding of contemporary dance technique
- Openness to exploring different choreographic approaches
- Ability to work creatively in groups and individually
- A strong desire to perform
- A full commitment to the rehearsal & performance schedule - including additional dates as and when they are available
YOUTH DANCE COMPANY AUDITION 2010
Auditions will be held in the Autumn term and are open to male and female students aged 14-18 years (Year 10 and above) who have a high level of technical skills and a good understanding of contemporary dance technique.
To apply please contact Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support by email, bhmas@brighton-hove.gov.uk, or telephone 01273 293524 with your contact details. An application form and pack with further details of the audition will be sent out in September.
Orchestral/Band Auditions 2010/11
Applications are now being welcomed from young musicians who wish to join an orchestra or band or progress to a more advanced orchestra/band. The audition dates are listed below and you will be notified of the time of your audition after the deadline for applications. Please notify us on application if your child needs to be scheduled with another pupil for travel arrangements as we will be unable to change the date and time of auditions once allocated as the audition panel will be appointed appropriately for each orchestra or band and type of instrument.
Audition Dates
Auditions to join orchestras and bands
Mon 28th June from 5pm - BHYP
Tues 29th June from 4pm - BHJYO
Tues 13th July from 4pm - BYO
Thurs 1st July from 5pm - BHYCB
Thurs 15th July from 5pm - BHYBB
Seating Auditions (Information and applications available in July)
Mon 6th September from 5pm - BHYP
Tues 7th Septemberfrom 4.30pm - BHJYO
Friday 17th September from 4pm - BYO
There may be further back up audition dates in special circumstances for those unable to make the above dates but we would like to make sure parents and pupils are aware that some places may no longer be available at this stage.
THE PANEL
The panel will give every assistance in making players feel at ease and there will be a somewhat informal atmosphere that we hope will make the whole process as enjoyable as possible.
NOTIFICATION OF LEAVING
If players are leaving an orchestra/band at the end of the summer term it would be helpful if parents could advise Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support before the closing date for auditions (7th June) so that the orchestra leaders can assess the number of places available. All other withdrawal notifications must be received by 1st July at Music, Arts & Study Support, as stated on your invoices and Tuition Agreement if notice is not received by 1st July payment of half the next term’s invoice will be due in lieu of late notice to withdraw.
If players apply to move up to another orchestra/band no notification of leaving the previous orchestra/band is required.
HOW TO APPLY
How to Apply
Please fill in the Music/Dance Centre application form and return by Monday 7th June to:
Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support
County Oak Avenue
Brighton
BN1 8DJ
Those players progressing from one orchestra to another, may complete the accompanying Orchestral Audition progression form.
ENTRY STANDARDS
The Standards outlined below are broad guidelines of the standards we would require for each ensemble. These may vary a little according to instrument. Grades stated are for guidance only and for musicians who do not take exams, please do not let this deter you. If you require further information, please discuss this with your instrumental teacher or contact Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support.
BHJYO is open to players of junior and secondary school age. All other ensembles are open to secondary age pupils only:
Brighton & Hove String Ensemble (formerly Brighton Youth Orchestra String Ensemble). The requirement is to be working towards Grade 8 or above. Please mention your interest in this ensemble if applying for BYO.
Brighton Youth Orchestra. The minimum requirement is Grade 7 (strings and woodwind), Grade 6 (brass) and percussionists must have had prior high level experience of orchestra/band/ensemble playing. N.B. If you have not quite reached this standard but are post GCSE, your application will be considered by the panel.
Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band. The minimum requirement is Grade 6.
Brighton & Hove Youth Concert Band. The minimum requirement is Grade 5.
Brighton & Hove Youth Philharmonia. The minimum requirement is Grade 5. N.B. If you have not quite reached this standard but are in year 9 or above, your application will be considered by the panel.
Brighton & Hove Junior Youth Orchestra. The requirement is to between Grade 3 and Grade 5 standard. These auditions are very informal and sight reading will not be heard.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Music requirements
Please prepare to give a fluent performance of an own choice work of appropriate difficulty (grade) and length of up to 5 minutes (3 minutes for BHJYO).
The panel will take into account the player’s ability to perform with confidence and to be convincing, meet the technical demands, to have a clear concept of expression and interpretation and a full, pleasing tone (vibrato where appropriate), to observe relevant dynamic and tempi, and convey the spirit and style of the music.
Scales requirements
The difficulty of scales prepared will be taken into account by the panel. You will be expected to fluently perform scales applicable to the grade requirement of that orchestra (from any of the examination boards).
For BYO please prepare a list of 6 scales and 6 arpeggios of your choice and present this list in the audition. For BHYP and BHYCB please to prepare 2 scales and 2 arpeggios chosen by yourself. For BHJYO you will be asked to prepare two scales and 2 arpeggios at grade 3 – 5 standard. Violinists should prepare D major/minor 2 octaves and the other of your own choice and cellists should prepare D major/minor 2 octaves and the other of your own choice.
Sight-Reading
Sight reading (excluding only BHJYO) will be given to you during the audition.
Accompanists
It is not expected that you will need an accompanist. However if you would prefer to bring an accompanist, please notify us in advance. The accompanist must attend at the time given, and changes are not possible for this reason.