8th Grade (rising 9th) Options
All 8th graders must complete the registration link in January/February 2023. It will be posted here.
You will have two course options:
- Enroll in orchestra and be placed in the on-level orchestra class.
- Enroll in orchestra and audition for orchestra placement into Philharmonia and/or Sinfonia.
Please note that you are asking to jump levels into an upperclassmen orchestra. We expect that you will act like a junior or senior at Walton if you are accepted to one these orchestras. This includes audition preparation, attendance, attitude, etc.
Chamber Orchestra auditions will only be open to current Walton students and 8th graders by middle school teacher recommendation only. Factors that will be considered include All State participation, youth orchestra participation, honor orchestra participation, additional ensembles at the middle schools, attitude, and rehearsal ethic.
9th-10th-11th Options
All current Walton students must complete the registration link by February 2023. The link will be posted here in January 2023.
You will have two course options:
- Enroll in orchestra and be placed in the on-level orchestra class.
- Enroll in orchestra and audition for orchestra placement into Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia, and/or Sinfonia
Auditions for 2023-2024
- Auditions will be submitted online via Flip Grid by 8AM on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
- You must have completed the registration link by the deadline above.
- The audition for Sinfonia and Philharmonia has two components: 1) Scales & Arpeggios 2) Excerpts. The auditions for Philharmonia and Chamber Orchestra also includes a Theory Assessment that will be e-mailed to you on Friday, March 17, 2023 and must be completed by 8AM on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Auditions for Sinfonia, Philharmonia, and Chamber Due by 8AM on Tuesday, March 21st on FlipGrid at these links. Submit to the highest level orchestra that you are auditioning. Read YOUR INSTRUMENT on the FlipGrid board for scales specifics and special instructions. **FlipGrid Links will be activated in January 2023**
Sinfonia: https://flipgrid.com/729fd052
Philharmonia: https://flipgrid.com/b7ec2467
Chamber: https://flipgrid.com/d70776b4
As always, with a moderated FlipGrid, you may check my.flipgrid.com to confirm submission.
Scales & Arpeggios
Violins, Violas, Cellos: scales must be eighth note, slur two with QN= 60 and Arpeggios must be quarter note, separate bow with QN = 60. You will receive extra points for memorized scales. For violins, violas, and cellos: all scales should be 3 octaves; Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia violin & cello auditionees are encouraged to play 4 octaves.
Basses should play scales as written on the Walton Bass Scale Sheet. You will receive extra points for memorized scales. For bass, all scales should be 2 octaves. Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia auditionees are encouraged to play 3 octaves.
VIOLIN: G Major, A Major, G Melodic Minor, and A Melodic Minor
VIOLA: C Major, D Major, C Melodic Minor, and D Melodic Minor
CELLO: C Major, D Major, C Melodic Minor, and D Melodic Minor
BASS: F Major, G Major, F Melodic Minor, and G Melodic Minor (Walton Bass Scales Sheet)
Theory
The Theory Assessment for Chamber Orchestra and Philharmonia will include key signature identification, scale spelling, and identification of half steps and whole steps. It will be e-mailed to those auditioning for Philharmonia and Chamber Orchestra on Friday, March 17th and due by 8AM on Tuesday, March 21st. The points from the assessment will be added to the point total for the audition.
Excerpts
Please download and print your excerpts. To audition for Sinfonia, only play Sinfonia excerpts. To audition for Philharmonia, play Sinfonia and Philharmonia excerpts. To audition for Chamber Orchestra, play Sinfonia, Philharmonia, and Chamber Orchestra excerpts. Be sure to pay close attention to marked tempos and rhythmic indications.
Sinfonia Excerpts 2022-2023 (These are sample excerpts; the auditions for 2023-2024 will be released in January 2023)
Sinfonia 2022-2023 Violin
Sinfonia 2022-2023 Viola
Sinfonia 2022-2023 Cello
Sinfonia 2022-2023 Bass
Philharmonia Excerpt 2022-2023 (These are sample excerpts; the auditions for 2023-2024 will be released by February 17, 2023)
Philharmonia Violin 2022-2023
Philharmonia Viola 2022-2023
Philharmonia Cello 2022-2023
Philharmonia Bass 2022-2023
Chamber Orchestra Excerpts 2022-2023 (These are sample excerpts; the auditions for 2023-2024 will be released by March 1, 2023)
Chamber 2022-2023 Violin
Chamber 2022-2023 Viola
Chamber 2022-2023 Cello
Chamber 2022-2023 Bass