USM Youth Ensembles

Instrumental and Vocal Auditions for the USM Youth Ensembles
Please call Binney Brackett 780-5003 to schedule an audition time

Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Vocal, and String Auditions

Thursday, May 24, 2012
Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano, Harp, Vocal, and String Auditions

Friday, May 25, 2012
Brass, Percussion, and String Auditions

About Your Audition

Auditions are approximately 8 minutes in length and will consist of a prepared piece(s) of the applicant’s choice. You may perform two different works or movements, or two portions of one work. The prepared piece(s) should be from your instrument’s standard repertory and demonstrate slow, lyrical playing and faster, more technical playing. The piece(s) should demonstrate command of the elements listed under the following requirements. Please consult with your private instructor if you have questions about what is considered standard repertory.

The Portland Young People’s
String Consort
conducted by Deborah Dabcyznski

The Portland Young People’s String Consort gives less advanced string players training for the PYJO, a chance to become familiar with playing in an ensemble situation, following a conductor, and gaining formal concert experience. Established in 1979, the PYPSC offers adjunct support to string programs in Maine schools.

Audition requirements: Candidates must have the ability to read music, use basic bow strokes (legato, staccato, detaché) and have started shifting and vibrato. Candidates should prepare one or two contrasting pieces of their choice and two-octave major scales through three (3) sharps or flats. Sight-reading will be asked.

The Portland Youth Junior Orchestra
conducted by Dino Liva

The Portland Youth Junior Orchestra is an intermediate-level string orchestra, which has as its primary goal to train its players to move into the PYSO. It stresses the building of solid fundamental orchestral skills, improvement in sight-readiing ability, and presents members with challenging and varied repertory.

Audition requirements: Same as PYPSC (above). In addition, candidates must play one major and one minor three-octave scale (any form), demonstrate spiccato bow stroke, familiarity through five (5) positions (cellos should have an acquaintance with tenor clef), a well-developed vibrato and tone, and moderate sight-reading proficiency. Sightreading will be asked. Ferdinand Liva of the Deponta String Qaurtet conducts PYJO.

The Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Robert Lehmann

The Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra is made up of more than 70 musicians, ranging in age from 11 to 18. Established in 1942, the PYSO has grown into a pre-professional program of high caliber, which challenges its members with a diverse repertory of orchestral literature.

Audition requirements: Candidates should have the same skills as described for PYJO (above) plus comfort in upper positions and advanced control of intonation and tone quality. All players should have previous ensemble experience and be well-advanced in the command of their instrument. Confidence in sight-reading and familiarity with all major and minor scales is required. The solo selection should demonstrate advanced technical command and lyrical expression. Sight-reading will be asked.

The Portland Youth Wind Ensemble
conducted by Peter Martin

The Portland Youth Wind Ensemble began out of a need in the greater Portland area for a select wind ensemble for talented young wind players. It is dedicated to refining concert techniques through a sophisticated repertoire of wind and band literature. The principal chair musicians are also members of PYSO.

Audition requirements: All candidates should perform a piece(s) of their choice that best demonstrates their technical and musical skills in both fast/technical and slow/lyrical music. About Your Audition Auditions are approximately 8 minutes in length and will consist of a prepared piece(s) of the applicant’s choice. You may perform two different works or movements, or two portions of one work. The prepared piece(s) should be from your instrument’s standard repertoire and demonstrate slow, lyrical playing and faster, more technical playing. The piece(s) should demonstrate command of the elements listed under “requirements.” Please consult with your private instructor if you have questions about what is considered standard repertory.

The Southern Maine Children's Choir
conducted by Paul McGovern

Southern Maine Children's Choir members should have an interest in and love of singing, and be able to focus in a rehearsal lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. They are expected to be able to sing on pitch with a pleasant tone quality, maintain their own part when singing in harmony, and have a welldeveloped tonal memory. Previous experience singing in a choir is preferred. Prospective members do not have to know how to read music in order to join.

Audition requirements: Candidate singers have the option of singing a prepared song or a familiar song, such as “Happy Birthday.” The audition will also include singing back pitch patterns and a range check. The audition will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Fees for 2012-2013 (September through May)

     Family with 1 child particpating: $300

     Family with 2 children participating: $425

     Family with 3 children participating: $530

     Family with 4 children participating: $600

 Those interested in youth music programs will also be interested in USM's Summer Youth Performing Arts Camps.