<p>Hello there! It is commonly known that Yale has hands-down one of the best undergraduate/graduate symphony orchestras of any university (discounting conservatories) in the United States. I am applying RD (intending to pursue a non-music major), with a strong interest in joining the symphony; however, given the top-class nature of the symphony and it's students, I am not entirely confident in my ability to get through the audition process.</p>
<p>This leads to my question: how difficult is it to place into the symphony? What are common pre-college musical credentials (HS All-State Orchestra, competitions etc.) of students who are in the symphony? What level of repertoire is generally "required" (especially for a cellist, but other instruments would be appreciated as well)?</p>
<p>I’m a violinist and also really excited about YSO!! I found the audition excerpts online (I don’t know if they use the same ones each year) but that might give you an idea about the level of play they expect:</p>
<p>I had an insanely awesome opportunity to take lessons with a Yale violin professor this summer at a music program and she seemed kind of casual about getting into the symphony so I hope that’s a good sign :\ </p>
<p>Are you submitting a music supplement? I did for SCEA and got in! I don’t know how much it helped though haha.</p>
<p>Wow, I am interested in YSO too. Although I have to get into Yale first =P got deferred SCEA. Just wondering Megnificent, have you sat a music exam? Like ABRSM or Trinity? I also want to know how good you have to be to get in. Any current YSO members on CC??</p>
<p>Thanks for the audition material Megnificent! Awesome; the music doesn’t look as hard as the Texas All-State audition material…with the exception of the keys. Just have to remember that everything comes with practice. It must be pretty competitive though, given that the cellos have six whole excerpts to differentiate the pack. Do you know if this is the audition material for next year?</p>
<p>I still remember one year where TMEA listed Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor as audition material - that was one fun year, haha.</p>
<p>No, I’m not submitting a music supplement - I wasn’t sure if would help given that I recently stopped lessons (can’t afford anymore). The quality of the recording wouldn’t as good as possible, and I don’t want to send in anything sub-par =/.</p>
<p>Hey guys! Musicians rock, btw We pretty much rule the world.</p>
<p>From looking at the YSO videos, they seem to be a pretty small orchestra, overall. It’s smaller than our state orchestra, anyway…not by much, but it’s definitely there. I imagine it’s pretty competitive… that said though, I played Holst’s The Planets in 7th grade, and the music wasn’t thaaaaat bad. So I guess it’s more about personal skill in auditioning… all of us can play the music once (if) we get in :)</p>
<p>The YSO sounds amazing (midnight Halloween concert![in full costume!?!]), but so amazing that as a violinist I don’t think I’ll have much of a chance at getting in as first violin… I was thinking I’d like to audition for second violin (which I have more experience playing in “good” orchestras), but I noticed that on the audition excerpt pages they just have “violin”, not separate for firsts and seconds… do you choose one or the other when auditioning, or are people divided between the sections after auditions?</p>
<p>YSO will be a highly competitive audition process, particularly in violin,strings in general, and virtually all other instruments. Those planning on auditioning need to be aware that you’ll be up against some very stiff competition, including conservatory level (and above talent) that may well have turned down a top conservatory acceptance to be at Yale.</p>
<p>Even if you’re experienced with serious audition prep, immersion programs and high level music as part of your background, I’d suggest you not treat this as a cakewalk and do what you need to do to nail the rep. If you’re studying privately, work on the audition requirements with your instructor.</p>
<p>Remember, every audition is a crap-shoot. </p>
<p>And if you don’t make it, there are many opportunities across the various Yale ensembles where you’ll find a spot for your desired level of talent and participation.</p>
<p>@pancakes Heh. It is optional for a reason. I’ve heard it before…sounds pretty brutal. All I can say is, thank goodness it’s only the first page. I don’t think I’ll start practicing until I know about my admission status to Yale; the time period of April to August offers ample practice time (or so I hope).</p>
<p>I agree the Yale orchestra is the best undegrad orchestra that I’ve ever heard! But for small schools I was impressed by Amherst when I went…the orchestra was about 60 I think (although they said they had done Mahler 2 with 99 people) and they did a LOT of music including operas & Sweeney Todd. The orchestra I think is all students too and most students get in. If I get in as a transfer I['m going to write a piece for that orchestra–they can really play!</p>
We pretty much rule the world.</p>