Audition Guidelines

INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ CAMP:
Students will only be asked to send an audition in advance if we receive more applications than openings. If this occurs, saxophone applicants will be asked to submit an audition tape/CD once the student's camp application is received. Applicants for all other instruments will have live placement auditions the first day of camp. Read the audition requirements for all jazz instruments in the attached pdf document. Jazz saxophone applicants should also print out this excerpt for their auditions.

SISKIYOU SAXOPHONE WORKSHOP:
Upon receipt of application, students may be asked to submit an audition tape/CD. The audition, if requested, should consist of two short excerpts of contrasting styles not to exceed 10 minutes in length:

• Technical facility–demonstrates instrumental techniques (rhythmic accuracy, intonation/chromatics, articulation, etc.)
• Artistic fluency–demonstrates musical expressiveness and beauty of sound (phrasing, vibrato, stylistic interpretation, etc.)
• Mail audition to: Rhett Bender, SOU, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520, no later than April 15, 2008

STRING QUARTET ACADEMY
LIVE AUDITION TOUR: March 14-23, 2008. Please schedule your audition time in advance:

• St. Louis - Sunday, March 2
  Contact Kurt Baldwin at kurt_baldwin@umsl.edu, or call
  314-749-4968 to schedule
• Portland - Friday, March 14, 2–6 p.m.
  Sherman Clay Piano’s Recital hall
  131 NW 13th Avenue
• Eugene/Corvallis/Salem - Saturday, March 15, 12-3 p.m.
  The Shedd Institute
  868 High Street, Eugene
• Medford/Ashland - Monday, March 17, 2-6 p.m.
  St. Mary’s School Auditorium
  816 Black Oak Drive, Medford

Please call Joelle Graves at 1-800-882-7488 or 779-0847 x122 to schedule your audition appointment. Application for admission to the camp must be received by Britt prior to your audition. If you are unable to audition live, you must submit a video audition.

All auditioners must perform two contrasting works that best represent both your technique and musicianship. Works composed for your instrument and piano may be performed without accompaniment. All recorded auditions must be on video, DVD preferred. No editing within selections and no audio enhancements. Audition repertoire should be a minimum of 10 minutes of total playing time, and only complete movements (or shorter works) should be submitted. Live auditions may be recorded on DVD for future review.

You may choose any music that you feel best represents your playing. However, we do suggest works of comparable difficulty to the following list of works. NOTE: Choosing more difficult repertoire will not necessarily increase your odds of acceptance. Consult your teacher to make the best repertoire choices for you.

• VIOLIN: Concertos by Bruch, Lalo, Mendelsshon, Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by Bach, Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano
• VIOLA: Stamitz Concerto, Bach Suites for Solo Cello (arranged for Viola)
• CELLO: Concertos by Saint Saëns, Boccherini, Lalo, Bach Suites for Solo Cello, Popper Etudes

RECORDING TIPS:

• Do not alter the recording or add reverb.
• Consult with your private teacher before choosing material.
• Carefully check your recording levels. Be sure they are neither too high nor too low.
• On the liner and the tape/CD itself, include your name/instrument and list the selections that are included on the tape (have this facing out so that it's visible).
• DO NOT include a spoken introduction to any of the selections.
• Be sure to include all required material on the tape in the order specified.
• Try to record on a machine that has minimal "wow and flutter," especially wind players.
• Place the microphone carefully (if too far away the sound tends to be "boomy").
• Include scales only if they are part of the requirements for your instrument.
• Before you send the tape/CD, listen to it; make sure all pieces have been recorded successfully.
• Mail or deliver to the Britt office by your camp's application deadline (String Quartet: March 15, 2008; Jazz and Saxophone Workshop: April 15, 2008).

Auditions need not be professionally recorded. Tapes/CDs/DVDs cannot be returned to you unless a self-addressed mailer with sufficient postage is enclosed.