Auditioned Groups

For certain groups we ask students to audition. Applications are welcomed from dancers or musicians who wish to join one of the groups below or to progress to a more advanced group. The audition panel will consist of group leaders and tutors who will give every assistance in making students feel at ease. We strive to ensure that there is an informal atmosphere that we hope will make the whole process as enjoyable as possible.

Dance Auditions:

Youth Dance Company
The audition is open to male and female students aged 14-18 years (Year 10 and above) who have been recommended by schools, colleges or dance schools in the local area.

Recommended students must display the following:

A high level of technical skills
A good understanding of contemporary dance technique
Openness to exploring different choreographic approaches
Ability to work creatively in groups and individually
A strong desire to perform
A full commitment to the rehearsal & performance schedule - including additional dates as and when they are available

Orchestral/Band Auditions

Applications are now being welcomed from young musicians who wish to join an orchestra or band or progress to a more advanced orchestra/band. The audition dates are listed below and you will be notified of the time of your audition after the deadline for applications. Please notify us on application if your child needs to be scheduled with another pupil for travel arrangements as we will be unable to change the date and time of auditions once allocated as the audition panel will be appointed appropriately for each orchestra or band and type of instrument.

Audition Dates

Auditions to join orchestras and bands
Thurs 25th June from 5.30pm - BYO and BYO String Ensemble
Mon 29th June from 5pm - BHYP
Tues 30th June from 4.30pm - BHJYO
Thurs 2nd July from 5pm - BHYCB
Thurs 9th July from 5pm - BHBB

Seating Auditions (Information and applications available in July)
Mon 7th September from 5pm - BHYP
Tues 8th September from 4.30pm - BHJYO
Friday 18th September from 4pm - BYO

There may be further back up audition dates in special circumstances for those unable to make the above dates but we would like to make sure parents and pupils are aware that some places may no longer be available at this stage.

Seating auditions information sheet 2009-10

Seating audition Application Form 2009-10

THE PANEL
The panel will give every assistance in making players feel at ease and there will be a somewhat informal atmosphere that we hope will make the whole process as enjoyable as possible.

NOTIFICATION OF LEAVING
If players are leaving an orchestra/band at the end of the summer term it would be helpful if parents could advise Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support before the closing date for auditions (8th June) so that the orchestra leaders can assess the number of places available. All other withdrawal notifications must be received by 1st July at Music, Arts & Study Support, as stated on your invoices and Tuition Agreement if notice is not received by 1st July payment of half the next term’s invoice will be due in lieu of late notice to withdraw.

If players apply to move up to another orchestra/band no notification of leaving the previous orchestra is required.

HOW TO APPLY

» How to Apply

Please fill in the accompanying application form and return by Monday 8th June to:
Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support
County Oak Avenue
Brighton
BN1 8DJ

ENTRY STANDARDS
The Standards outlined below are broad guidelines of the standards we would require for each ensemble. These may vary a little according to instrument. Grades stated are for guidance only and for musicians who do not take exams, please do not let this deter you. If you require further information, please discuss this with your instrumental teacher or contact Brighton & Hove Music, Arts and Study Support.

BHJYO is open to players of junior and secondary school age. All other ensembles are open to secondary age pupils only:

Brighton Youth Orchestra String Ensemble. The requirement is to be working towards Grade 8 or above. Please mention your interest in this ensemble if applying for BYO.

Brighton Youth Orchestra. The minimum requirement is Grade 7 (strings and woodwind), Grade 6 (brass) and percussionists must have had prior high level experience of orchestra/band/ensemble playing. N.B. If you have not quite reached this standard but are post GCSE, your application will be considered by the panel.

Brighton & Hove Big Band. The minimum requirement is Grade 6.

Brighton & Hove Youth Concert Band. The minimum requirement is Grade 5.

Brighton & Hove Youth Philharmonia. The minimum requirement is Grade 5. N.B. If you have not quite reached this standard but are in year 9 or above, your application will be considered by the panel.

Brighton & Hove Junior Youth Orchestra. The requirement is to between Grade 3 and Grade 5 standard. These auditions are very informal and sight reading will not be heard.

Prince Regents Musicians is open to players, many already in BYO, who are grade 8 or above and for whom making music is a serious part of their lives. Please mention your interest in this ensemble if applying for BYO.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Music requirements
There are no set pieces for the auditions but you will need to prepare to play at least one piece of music for up to 5 minutes (3 minutes for BHJYO), preferably showing a range of skills. We suggest that you do not play the most difficult piece(s) that you know, (but they must be of minimum grade required) in order to show yourself at your best, and to demonstrate the range of your ability and to give a real performance. Do not worry if the audition panel stops you before the end of your piece, or asks for a later part of your programme. This is normal practice in auditions!

Scales requirements
For entry to BYO, BHYP, BHYCB and BHJYO you will be expected to know some scales applicable to grade requirement of that orchestra (from any of the examination boards). For BYO you will be asked to play from a list of 6 scales or arpeggios of your choice. In BHYP and BHYCB you may be asked to play only two scales chosen by yourself. For entry to BHJYO you will be asked to play two scales at grade 3 – 5 standard. Violinists should prepare D major/minor 2 octaves and the other of your own choice and cellists should prepare D major/minor 2 octaves and the other of your own choice

Sight-Reading
Sight reading (excluding only BHJYO) will be given to you during the audition.

Accompanists
It is not expected that you will need an accompanist. However if you would prefer to bring an accompanist, please notify us in advance. The accompanist must attend at the time given, and changes are not possible for this reason.

Instrumental Concerto Soloist Auditions

All orchestras include concertos (works for soloist with an orchestra) as part of their natural programming. We feel it is very important to give concerto opportunities to young people rather than just using already established soloists. Because playing solo with an orchestra requires considerable confidence based on sound and highly developed technical and musical skills we feel that auditions are the best and fairest way to give those who wish to perform a concerto a chance to be heard.

Eligibility
All players and vocal soloists of 21 years or less living in Sussex.

Awards
Performances of chosen concerto soloists with Brighton Youth Orchestra (BYO) and its younger counterpart the Brighton and Hove Youth Philharmonia (BHYP) or with associated ensembles.

Performances of chosen vocal soloists to perform some jazz numbers with Brighton & Hove Big Band (BHBB)