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BYWO & BYSO AUDITIONS 2024-2025
We are holding auditions for our new Berkshire Youth Wind Orchestra alongside our BYSO wind, brass and percussion auditions.
The auditions will take place on:
29 September
6 October
Time slots will be allocated nearer the date.
We are auditioning for
BYSO = Bassoon, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba and Orchestral Percussion only
BYWO = Bassoon, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, All Saxophone types, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium Tuba, and Orchestral Percussion
If you would like to sign up for an audition, please complete the form below:
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION
Grade/level requirements:
Woodwind = Grade 7 +
Brass = Grade 7 +
Percussion = Grade 6 +
BYSO and BYWO are charged termly (£116 per term). It is an annual commitment for the academic year: 24-25.
This ensemble will meet 3 times a year with courses running in the October Half Term, Easter Break and Summer.
What to prepare/expect in the audition:
- A timeslot will be sent to you nearer the time.
- Sign up via the link above.
- In the audition, you will be required to perform a piece of your choice, lasting no more than 2 minutes
- In the audition, you will need to perform the prepared excerpt that is available to download below.
- In the audition, you will be given a sight-reading piece on the day to perform.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CONDUCTORS – Regarding the excerpts:
A student who wishes to be considered for BYSO, will need to prepare the orchestral excerpts as listed (Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony). This is because it covers some technical aspects more common in orchestral music. E.g. transposition or different clefs. Any student playing the orchestral excerpts at audition will also be considered for BYWO where audition staff feel this is the right ensemble for the student.
A student that wishes to be considered for BYWO need only prepare the BYWO excerpts. (Festivo)
Although we will expect the excerpts to be prepared, the solo piece played by the student will carry more weight in the audition so please do not let the excerpt put you off.
Download your BYSO audition excerpt here: (BYWO audition excerpts below)
You will be asked to play this in the audition
Click here for the full pieces of Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 on IMSLP.
Download your BYWO audition excerpt here:
If you are not a tuned percussionist, you are not required to perform the Glock excerpt in the percussion excerpt pack for BYWO. Please prepare the two other percussion pieces for the audition
Any Eb Tenor horn players will need to play the French horn excerpt.
They will need to play this transposed up 1 tone. If you are unsure how to do this please ask your teacher.
We look forward to hearing you play!
Any questions, please email Jess at jessicawilkins@berksmusictrust.org.uk
Photos from the BYSO Spring 2023 concert at the Hexagon Theatre:
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