The Program
General Membership information:
Membership is not automatically renewed. All orchestra members are expected to maintain the established standards of the organization, including a positive attitude, professional commitment to the orchestra, fellow students and GCYO staff, and have good attendance. All GCYO members are required to participate in their school instrumental music program. Home-schooled students and students who attend schools that do not have a school orchestra are exempt. All orchestra members are strongly encouraged to take private music lessons with a professional, qualified string teacher.
Starter Strings
This program requires no audition and is for students who wish to study violin, viola, or cello; no previous experience required. Learn ensemble skills, proper handling and care of a string instrument, basic right-hand technique – bow hold, basic left hand finger placement and note recognition. All applicants for Starter Strings must be at least 4th grade or above. Students supply their own instruments. Instruments must be sized for the smaller students by a reputable String Instrument Specialist.
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Junior Strings
This program requires no audition and is for students who wish to study violin, viola, or cello; one year or more previous experience required. Learn ensemble skills, proper handling and care of a string instrument, basic right-hand technique – bow hold, basic left hand finger placement and note recognition. All applicants for Junior Strings must be at least 4th grade or above. Students supply their own instruments. Instruments must be sized for the smaller students by a reputable String Instrument Specialist.
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Intermediate Orchestra
You will be asked to play two scales; the first will be your choice, the second will be the auditor’s choice. Key and number of octaves will affect the scoring. Two octave scales are preferred but two one octave scales utilizing all 4 strings will be accepted. Sight reading at student’s level. Up to four minutes of prepared music of the applicant’s choice, which must be a solo piece or etude. Orchestral excerpts will be acceptable if the student doesn’t have access to solo works or etudes. No popular music selections for auditions please. Applicants are required to bring two copies of their prepared audition piece for the judges. Applicants are required to bring two copies of their prepared audition piece for the judges.
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Advanced Orchestra
You will be asked to play two scales; the first will be your choice, the second will be the auditor’s choice. Key and number of octaves will affect the scoring. Three octave scales are required, but two octave scales shifting into third position will be accepted, 4 note slurs will be required. Sight reading at student’s level. Up to four minutes of prepared music of the applicant’s choice which must be a solo piece or etude.
Applicants are required to bring two copies of their prepared audition piece for the judges. Applicants are required to bring two copies of their prepared audition piece for the judges.
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Summer Program
A six week educational experience designed exclusively for string players. Learn new music, develop and improve your technique, listening, and ensemble skills. Be part of a group of motivated, goal oriented and talented young musicians.
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Suggested etude books for auditions are below.
Also acceptable will be any Baroque or Classical solo composition written for that solo instrument.
Violin:
– Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin, Book I or II; Carl Fischer Publishing – New Edition arranged in progressive order by K.H. Aiqouni
– Kreutzer 42 Studies, International Music Company
Viola:
– Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Viola, Book I or II; Carl Fischer Publishing – New Edition arranged in progressive order by K.H. Aiqouni
– Mazas 30 Etudes Speciales, Op. 36, Book 1, International Music Company
Cello:
– Schroeder 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello, Vol 1; Carl Fischer Publishing
– Popper High School of Cello Playing, International Music Company
Bass:
– Storch-Hrabe 57 Etudes in Two Volumes, International Music Company
See below for the directions to GCYO rehearsal location
Rehearsal Location
All Saints Lutheran Church
7875 W McNab Road
Tamarac, FL 33321