SEMYO Audition Materials for Cello, 2020-2021

SEMYO Orchestras
Bravura Strings is an ensemble for students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass with 1-2 years
playing experience (or Suzuki grade 1-2). Orchestra’s members will increase musical aptitude and
learn basic ensemble playing skills while rehearsing and performing in a string orchestra.

Chamber Strings is a string orchestra for students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass with 2
or more years playing (or Suzuki grade 3). Orchestra members will rehearse and perform
arranged and original works for string orchestra while preparing for participation in the SEMYO
Philharmonic Orchestra.

Philharmonic Orchestra is a full orchestra experience for students of all ages who play a string,
woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. String players typically need 3-4 years experience
and percussion and wind players need 2 or more years playing experience.

Concert Orchestra is a full orchestra experience for advanced students on string, woodwind,
brass, and percussion instruments. Literature includes original masterworks for full symphony
orchestra. Students will play music in all keys and utilize advanced bowing and string
techniques.

1. Solo
• Record one solo between 1-2 minutes that best demonstrates your abilities. Solos need not be
memorized.
• Students auditioning for Bravura Strings do not have to record a solo. Only record scales and
excerpts.
• Choose your selection with guidance from your private teacher or orchestra/band director. If you
need a suggestion on which solo to prepare, please contact us at info@semyo.org!

2. Excerpts
• For Bravura Strings, record Excerpt #1.
• For Chamber Strings, record Excerpts #1 and #2.
• For Philharmonic Orchestra, record Excerpts #2 and #3.
• For Concert Orchestra, record Excerpt #3 and #4.

3. Scales
• For Bravura Strings, please record scales #1 and #2. Suggested tempo is = 60.
• For Chamber Strings, please record scales #3 and #4. Suggested tempo is = 80.
• For Philharmonic Orchestra, please record scales #4 and #5. Suggested tempo is = 120.
• For Concert Orchestra, please record scales #5 and #6. Suggested tempo is = 160.

Here are the scales you should record:

#1: D Major, 1 Octave



#2: C Major, 2 Octaves

#3: D Melodic Minor, 2 Octaves

    
   

#4: G Major, 2 Octaves



#5: G Melodic Minor, 2 Octaves

   

    

#6: C Major, 3 Octaves

 Audition Excerpts for Cello
Play the portion of the excerpt between the brackets.

Excerpt #1: Vivaldi arr. Phillips: “Allegro” from Concerto for Two Trumpets, mm. 43-55
Allegretto moderato (Quarter = 140)

Excerpt #2:
Saint-Saëns arr. Halferty: Carnival of the Animals, Mvt. I: Royal March of the Lion, mm. 17-32
Excerpt #3: Bizet arr. Guiraud: L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2, Mvt. I: Pastorale, mm. 28-44. (Quarter = 76)

Excerpt #4: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Op. 64, Mvt. III: Valse, mm. 144-164
Allegro moderato (Quarter = 142)