Please scroll down to the section that applies to you. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at Sarah.Lancaster@fcps.edu. Happy Practicing!!!!!!

Rising 7th Graders:

1. How many middle school orchestras exist at South County Secondary School?
There are three different orchestra classes at SCSS.
Beginning Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Advanced Orchestra

Beginners are welcome (encouraged!) to join us, even if you have never played an instrument!

2. Do I have to audition?
If you wish to be placed in Advanced Orchestra you must audition. All other students may just register for the class.
Auditions will be held Thursday, May 13 from 2:30 PM to 5 PM, and Monday, May 17 from 4:30-6:30 PM. Email Mrs. Lancaster at Sarah.Lancaster@fcps.edu to secure your audition time and date.

3. What class should I sign up for?
If you already play a stringed instrument, sign up for Intermediate Orchestra and if your audition shows that you need to be placed in a different class, Mrs. Lancaster will do that for you. If you do not already play an instrument, sign up for Beginning Orchestra.

4. What should I play at my audition?

A. Solo You should play any piece of music that shows your talent the best.
The piece should be no longer than two minutes in length.

B. Scales Violins should also be able to play a 2 octave A Major scale and a 1 octave F Major scale. Violas and cellos should be able to play a 2 octave D Major scale and a 1 octave F flat Major scale. Basses should be able to play a 1 octave D Major scale, G Major scale, C Major scale, and F Major scale.

C. Rhythm You should be prepared to sightread a short song/exercise.

High School Orchestra Auditions 2010-2011 School Year

WHO: All current orchestra members will need to audition for placement in an ensemble for the 2010-2011 school year. Chamber auditions will occur after school (see below) while symphonic auditions will be conducted as in-class playing tests.

Chamber auditions

WHEN: Tuesday, April 27
WHERE: Orchestra Room

TIME: 2:30 until 5:00pm

WHAT TO PREPARE: Your assigned SRO excerpts (see Mrs. Lancaster—materials were distributed at Elective Fair) and 3-octave scales up to 4 sharps.
There will also be a sight-reading exercise and brief info sheet/application (provided in class).

DETAILS: - Audition sign-ups will be in 5-minute increments. Please arrive 20 min before your audition time. See bulletin board for sign-up sheet.
- These auditions will determine placement in an orchestra for the following school year.
- All students interested in chamber will need to audition on Tuesday after school. This includes current chamber orchestra members.
- Your audition will count as a performance grade for 4th quarter if you are currently an SCSS symphonic or chamber student.

Current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will be auditioning for the following orchestras:
HS Intermediate Symphony

HS Advanced Symphony

HS Chamber Orchestra