Auditioning for WMCO
We are accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Season and will audition students on an individual basis.
Click on the button above to schedule your audition and pay the $30 (+$2 service charge) audition fee. If you are unable to access the audition information, please email the WMCO Music Director randyward@wmpamusic.org
Click on the button above to schedule your audition and pay the $30 (+$2 service charge) audition fee. If you are unable to access the audition information, please email the WMCO Music Director randyward@wmpamusic.org
2020-2021 Audition Season Update: Due to Covid 19, all prospective students will audition via an electronic recording submission OR via “Zoom/Skype.” Click on the button above to register and pay the audition fee. After completing registration, students may submit a recording of a musical solo or etude of their choice along with 2 major and 1 melodic minor scale sent electronically to randyward@wmpamusic.org.
Recorded Auditions can be submitted as one long track or multiple tracks at the discretion of the student. Alternatively, students wishing for a live audition may select a date and time slot in order to perform via Skype or Zoom for the Music Directors. Please indicate in the comments section of your registration which manner of audition you prefer. Feel free to email the Music Director at anytime with questions or concerns.
Recorded Auditions can be submitted as one long track or multiple tracks at the discretion of the student. Alternatively, students wishing for a live audition may select a date and time slot in order to perform via Skype or Zoom for the Music Directors. Please indicate in the comments section of your registration which manner of audition you prefer. Feel free to email the Music Director at anytime with questions or concerns.
The primary goal of the WMCO is to offer students in grades 6-9 the opportunity to further their musical abilities through performance and collaboration. Membership is a family venture and parents are expected to assist with concert operations, public relations and fundraising.
Upon acceptance into the WMCO, musicians are expected to:
Tuition for the WMCO is $650 or about $23/week. Tuition covers the cost of music rentals, space rentals for at least 25 rehearsals and 3 concerts , printing and postage, and other WMPA overhead costs associated with running a youth orchestra. To learn more about WMCO Tuition and to pay the tuition fee, see the Tuition information page
To arrange for an audition, first complete and submit the Audition Request Information Form and follow the instructions on that page to pay the audition fee and schedule your audition.
Upon acceptance into the WMCO, musicians are expected to:
- Attend all weekly rehearsals (Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.). Rehearsals are held at Glasgow Middle School 4101 Fairfax Pkwy. Alexandria, VA 22312.
- Come to rehearsals prepared to perform their best, having practiced individual parts outside of the weekly rehearsal.
- Attend dress rehearsals and concerts as outlined in the schedule
Tuition for the WMCO is $650 or about $23/week. Tuition covers the cost of music rentals, space rentals for at least 25 rehearsals and 3 concerts , printing and postage, and other WMPA overhead costs associated with running a youth orchestra. To learn more about WMCO Tuition and to pay the tuition fee, see the Tuition information page
To arrange for an audition, first complete and submit the Audition Request Information Form and follow the instructions on that page to pay the audition fee and schedule your audition.
Audition Requirements:
Applicants should be prepared to perform the following audition material:
Scales:
Solo representing the student’s highest level of performance. Memorization is not required. A copy of the music must be provided to the audition adjudicators; the music will be returned immediately following the audition.
Sight-reading:
Music provided by WMCO at the time of the audition.
Applicants should be prepared to perform the following audition material:
Scales:
- Strings: Violin/Viola/Cello (2 octave scale); Double Bass (1 octave)
- Major scales: C, G, D, A and F, B-flat, E-flat
- Melodic Minor scales: a, e, b, f-sharp and d, g, c
- Woodwinds and Brass: Major scales: C, G, D, A and F, B-flat, E-flat
- Melodic Minor scales: a, e, b, f-sharp and d, g, c
- Chromatic scale (1 octave)
Solo representing the student’s highest level of performance. Memorization is not required. A copy of the music must be provided to the audition adjudicators; the music will be returned immediately following the audition.
Sight-reading:
Music provided by WMCO at the time of the audition.
Principal Chairs
Principal chairs are open to any qualified musician regardless of age or seniority at the beginning of the season. Audition performance and leadership skills are taken into consideration when selecting a principal. Auditions for principal chairs are conducted as appropriate by the Music Director.
