Chamber Orchestra Audition Information

Auditions for Chamber Orchestra for the 2025-26 school year will take place after school the week of May 19. The auditions will be “blind” because you will play behind a screen, and the audition committee will not know who is playing. This will provide us with the most objective, unbiased results possible.

Here is how the process will work. When you arrive on the day of the audition you will draw a number from a hat to determine your audition time. If you would like to swap times with someone else that is fine as long as you let the audition monitor know so they can keep track of who will play at the specified time.

You must be registered for orchestra next fall in order to take the audition. If you are not registered for orchestra next year and would like to audition, please contact your counselor to change your registration. If you know someone who wants to audition for Chamber Orchestra but is not currently in orchestra, please ask them to see Mr. Blough for more information.

For the audition you will be required to play the 2025 NAfME All-NW String Audition Requirements—Set A (included below)  Here is the schedule:

•        Monday 5/19, 3:00 – 5:30 – cello and bass

•        Tuesday 5/20, 3:00 – 5:00 – cello and bass

•        Wednesday 5/21, 1:30 -5:00 – violas

•        Thursday 5/22, 3:00 – 5:00 – violins

•        Friday 5/23, 3:00 – 6:00 – violins

  1. The first step is to register for an audition is to complete a short Chamber Orchestra Audition Survey. You must complete the audition survey by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 25. Late submissions will not be considered.
  2. The second step is to click on the link to download the Chamber Orchestra Audition Application that pops up after you fill out the survey. *Be sure to click the link and download the application before you leave the screen or the link will be gone! Please note that whether or not you can follow directions is part of the audition.
  3. The third step is to submit your Chamber Orchestra Audition Application by attaching it to an email to Mr. Blough by Friday, May 2. 

The final step is to schedule an audition time.  You may only sign up for one time slot, and you must sign-up by Friday, May 2. Follow the link for your instrument below to sign up for an audition:

Violin Audition – Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23

Viola Auditions – Wednesday, May 21

Cello and Bass Auditions – Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20

Chamber Orchestra Audition Requirements

Prepare all of the following selections from the 2025 NAfME All-NW String Audition Requirements—Set A.

2025-HS-NW-Strings-Set-A-√Download
2025-HS-NW-String-Resources-Set-A-√Download

Solo:

  • If you don’t have a solo from a private teacher, SEE Mr. Blough for a suggestion.
  • Make sure your solo demonstrates your ability to vibrate, play in the upper positions, and gives a good example of your most polished and musical playing. 

Additional Factors

  • Chamber Orchestra Application (due by Friday, May 2)
  • Outside of school rehearsal and performance participation
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY: Your daily work in orchestra class.

Remember: “EVERY day is an audition.”