Assessments | MVYO | MagicValley-youthorchestra.org

Music Assessments

All string musicians are requested to arrange for music assessments for each Fall Session. Music assessments for Winter Session will be held for new members and previous members wishing to join a different ensemble. Music assessments are not auditions. They are a no stress opportunity for all musicians to:

enjoy playing beautiful and challenging music,
gain more confidence
improve their skill as a musician
receive music for the most applicable orchestra/ensemble and section
begin each session with the best possible experience

Typically musicians participate in two ensembles. Suggested options are:

Rising Strings only: Recommended for musicians participating in their first year or two of orchestral playing
Rising Strings and Sinfonietta Strings: As musicians increase in confidence and skills we recommend that they continue to participate in Rising strings as leaders and begin playing in Sinfonietta Strings
Sinfonietta Strings and Full Orchestra: Musicians desiring the full orchestral experience are encouraged to play in Full Orchestra and Continue playing in Sinfonietta Strings.
Chamber Ensemble and Full Orchestra: Musicians desiring more advanced ensemble experience should audition for Chamber Ensemble and continue playing with the Full Orchestra.

Music Assessments:

1. Select which groups you wish to participate in. Play through the excerpts linked to the buttons below to help you decide

which ensembles/orchestras will provide the optimal experience for you. These are sample excerpts to provide a level of

musical skill and may not be the music played this session.

2. Prepare the excerpts from the two groups you choose (or prepare audition material for Chamber)

3. Video your selections for music assessments. You may wish to make individual videos for each scale and each excerpt.

Remember to include a short excerpt of your own from a piece you enjoy and feel comfortable playing.

4. Music assessments will be held via Google Classroom. Click on the link below which will take you to the Magic Valley Youth

Orchestra classroom. Click on the "assignment" post and upload your video or videos. If you have problems please contact

Brenda Allen at 208-308-6667. Please submit your Music assessments before 9:00 pm on September 2, 2022

Link to Google Classroom

Music Assessment Excerpts

Rising Strings

Sinfonietta

Full Orchestra

Chamber Ensemble Audition

Returning Chamber musicians need not re-audition. New musicians interested in playing with Chamber Ensemble will be asked to play the following:

One three-octave scale of your choice.
A 2-3 minute excerpt from your solo literature. (Does not need to be memorized. No accompaniments.)
Sight-read an excerpt provided at the audition.

Auditions for Chamber Ensemble will be held at the first rehearsal of each session. Musicians interested in auditioning for Chamber Ensemble should email MagicValleyYouthOrchestra@gmail.com or call Brenda Allen (208-308-6667) to request placement on the audition schedule.