Audition
What is an audition?
An audition is your chance to show off your playing ability. Think of it as an opportunity to display what you have learned on your instrument, not whether you are good enough to get in. MAYSO auditions are an opportunity for our Music Directors to meet new and returning students and evaluate their playing ability to ensure that they are placed in an ensemble that will be challenging and fun. To get ready for your audition, prepare the material outlined below.
While we strongly encourage students to audition in person, we realize this may not be an option for everyone. Students may request to submit a video audition as an alternative to a live audition. Please email Operations Director Mark Wamma (operationsdirector@mayso.net) to make a request.
Audition Requirements
A solo piece. This should be a piece that you know well or have been practicing for a while; not the newest piece that you are learning. Remember, you want to show off the skills you have developed on your instrument.
A scale. Your scale may be one, two, or three octaves and in a key of your choosing. When you prepare your scale you should focus on playing with a full tone, good intonation, and steady rhythm.
Sight reading. You may be asked to sight read some music during your audition. Before you start to play through the music, remember to:
check the time and key signature
scan through the excerpt to note any accidentals or changes that may happen in the music
decide on a tempo that will allow you to play with a steady rhythm.
Audition Instructions
In Person Auditions
On the day of your audition, arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This will allow you time to set up, tune, and warm up on your instrument. When it is your turn, one of our audition helpers will accompany you to the room where the auditions are being heard. Your audition will only be about 10 minutes long. After you have finished playing, you are free to go! Decisions on ensemble placement will be announced 1-3 days following the end of auditions.
If you have questions about your audition or the audition process, please contact us at operationsdirector@mayso.net
Auditions are held in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.
Video Audition (by request)
A video audition may be allowed upon request in place of an in person audition. Please email Operations Director Mark Wamma (operationsdirector@mayso.net) to submit your request. Once you have received approval, please follow these instructions when making and submitting your audition.
Recording your audition
Set up the camera. Choose a spot in your home that is well lit and as quiet as possible so that you can record clear audio. In portrait mode, align the camera at eye level to get a good angle for your video. Pile a stack of books or boxes on a table to raise the camera to eye level if it is too low. Lastly, position yourself so that you and your instrument are fully within the frame of the camera.
Record your audition. Your audition video must be in one continuous take. Do not record parts individually and then edit them together. Use the following outline when you record your audition.
Introduce yourself. State your name and the instrument on which you are auditioning.
Introduce your music. State which scale and the title of piece along with its composer you are playing.
Play your music. Once you have finished your introduction, you can play your pieces.
Review your recording. Listen to your audition recording to see if you are satisfied with it. You may record it again if there is something you do not like. However, we encourage you to limit yourself to three attempts so you do not fall down the rabbit hole trying to fix every error. NOTE: Only submit one audition recording.
Submit your audition
Once your audition video is completed, you may submit it to Mark Wamma, Operations Director at operationsdirector@mayso.net using one of the following options.
Upload your video to the cloud service of your choosing (YouTube, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) and email the link to us.
Attach your video (if the file is small enough) to the email and submit it to us.
Please write the following in the subject line: Student Name Audition, Instrument, Ensemble (e.g. Jane Doe Audition, Viola, YSO)