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Conservatory Audition Requirements

Repertoire Requirements by Instrument

Merit’s Conservatory music audition will assess your current skills, musicianship, sight-reading ability, etc.

Students should prepare repertoire for the highest level they feel comfortable preparing for. For more information about each Conservatory program and our ensembles, click here. Students interested in multiple programs will need to audition for each program.

Questions? Contact Autumn Selover at [email protected].

Learn more about Conservatory auditions. →

↓ Find your instrument and click the “+” to view the audition requirements. Requirements are organized by ensemble level.

Orchestra

Violin

MERIT CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as A. Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor, First Movement or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)
Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file 1 and here for file 2 
Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 4 per bow) Students must play 1 major and 1 melodic minor scale and arpeggio. One of these must be a 3 octave scale. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading



MERIT PHILHARMONIC

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in A Minor, First Movement or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)
Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file
Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 8 per bow; may be asked to demonstrate martelé, stacatto, or spicatto stroke) Students must play one 3 octave major and one 3 octave melodic minor scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)
Sight-reading

Viola

MERIT CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as A. Vivaldi’s Concerto in D Minor, First Movement or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged) 
Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file 1 and here for file 2
Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 4 per bow) Students must play 1 major and 1 melodic minor scale and arpeggio. One of these must be a 3 octave scale. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading


MERIT PHILHARMONIC

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as J.C. Bach’s Concerto in C Minor, First Movement or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)
Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file
Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 8 per bow; may be asked to demonstrate martelé, stacatto, or spicatto stroke) Students must play one 3 octave major and one 3 octave melodic minor scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)
Sight-reading


Must be able to fluidly sight read a melodic line in tenor clef

 

Cello

MERIT CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as Marcello’s Sonata Op. 1 No. 2 or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)

Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file 1 and here for file 2

Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 4 per bow) Students must play 1 major and 1 melodic minor scale and arpeggio. One of these must be a 3 octave scale. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading


MERIT PHILHARMONIC

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solos at the same level of difficulty as Rondo from J.B. Breval’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major or higher. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)

Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file

Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 8 per bow; may be asked to demonstrate martelé, stacatto, or spicatto stroke) Students must play one 3 octave major and one 3 octave melodic minor scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading

Must be able to fluidly sight read a melodic line in tenor clef

 

Double Bass

MERIT STRING ORCHESTRA

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solo pieces or etudes of the student’s choice. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)

Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file 1 and here for file 2
Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 4 per bow) Students must play 1 major and 1 melodic minor scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading



MERIT PHILHARMONIC

Repertoire: 2 contrasting solo pieces or etudes of the student’s choice. (Memorization is strongly encouraged)
Orchestra Excerpts: Click here for file

Scales: metronome ♩=60 (Separate and slurred up to 8 per bow; may be asked to demonstrate martelé, stacatto, or spicatto stroke). Students must play 1 major and 1 melodic minor scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Sight-reading

 

Woodwinds / Brass / Percussion

Flute

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below)
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY


All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form.

  • Repertoire:
    • Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills.  
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here. 
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Oboe

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY


All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form.

  • Repertoire:
    • Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2022-23 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). The University of Illinois faculty has put together performances of each ILMEA etude that can be used as a resource in preparing your audition. You can find a comprehensive list of these videos here.
    • 1 Orchestral Excerpt (except Euphonium and Saxophone)
  • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here. 
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here.  *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Clarinet

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. Updated 4/7/23. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below)
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form.

  • Repertoire: 
    • Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills.
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here. 
    • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
    • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Clarinet audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 


Bass clarinet audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Bassoon

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form.

  • Repertoire: Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here.
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Saxophone

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form.

  • Repertoire: 
    • Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. 
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt (except Euphonium and Saxophone)  
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition)

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Horn

CONCERT BAND  

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.
  

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND  

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
    • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY  

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

  • Repertoire: 
    • Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here. 
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Trumpet

CONCERT BAND  

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND  

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. 
 

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY  

 

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

 

  • Repertoire: Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here.  *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Trombone

CONCERT BAND  

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 Contrasting Excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND  

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.   Required

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Trombone audition materials are available here.  *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Bass Trombone audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY 
 

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

    • Repertoire: Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
      • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt available here.
    • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below) 
    • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Trombone audition materials are available here.  *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Bass Trombone audition materials are available here.  *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Euphonium

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND  

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

  • Repertoire: Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
    • For Merit Philharmonic audition only: 1 Orchestral Excerpt (except Euphonium and Saxophone)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Tuba

CONCERT BAND  

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 contrasting excerpts (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here.*Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

(Updated 4.1.2022)

 

SYMPHONIC BAND  

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.  

  • Required Etudes: 2 Etudes (see below) OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

WIND SYMPHONY  

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

  • Repertoire: Students are strongly recommended to prepare the marked excerpts from the 2023-24 ILMEA Senior Band Etudes (see below). To help you prepare the etudes, you can listen to a recording of the etudes here. OR *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 
  • Scales: Excerpts from provided scale sheet (see below)
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

Percussion

CONCERT BAND

All current Concert Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble.   

  • Required Snare and Mallet Etudes: 2-3 Contrasting Excerpts (see file) 
  • You will be asked to play 3 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale (all scales can be performed with any octave range)
  • Rudiments:  
      • Buzz Roll 3 ways: forte dynamic only, piano dynamic only, piano to forte then back to piano 
      • Paradiddle (play as 16th notes, minimum tempo quarter = 90 bpm) 
      • Flam Tap (slow to fast) (play as 16th notes, minimum fastest tempo quarter = 60 bpm) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here. *Students may also play a short, prepared piece in lieu of the posted excerpt that showcases similar range and technical skills. 

 

SYMPHONIC BAND 

All current Symphonic Band students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. 

  • Snare Drum Etude: Encanto m. 51-93
  • Mallet Etude: Encanto m. 41-55
  • Scales: You will be asked to play 4 of any of the following scales – C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, G Major, D Major, A Major, E Major, Chromatic Scale 
    • All scales should be performed in the pattern and number of octaves indicated on the scale sheet 
  • Rudiments:  
    • Buzz Roll 3 ways: forte dynamic only, piano dynamic only, piano to forte then back to piano  
    • Double Stroke Roll 3 ways: forte dynamic only, piano dynamic only. piano to forte then back to piano
    • Paradiddle (play as 16th notes, minimum tempo quarter = 90 bpm) 
    • Flam Tap (slow to fast) (play as 16th notes, minimum fastest tempo quarter = 60 bpm) 
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here.  

 

WIND SYMPHONY 

All current Wind Symphony students MUST re-audition to keep their spot in this ensemble. Students who wish to also be considered for the Merit Philharmonic should indicate this on their audition sign up form. 

  • Snare Drum Etude: See File 
  • Mallet Etude: See File 
  • Timpani Excerpt: See File 
  • Scales: See File 
  • Rudiments:  
  • Sightreading: (provided at audition) 

Audition materials are available here.

Jazz (Instrumental)

Jazz Saxophone

Scales: 

  • Alto/Bari Saxophone: F Major & Gb Major, 2 octaves, in eighth notes at ♩= 70
  • Tenor Saxophone: C Major & Db Major, 2 octaves, in eighth notes at ♩= 70


Repertoire:

Jazz Trumpet

Scales:  D Major & F Major, 1 octave, in eighth notes at ♩= 70

Repertoire:

Trumpet players should be prepared to play the melody and an improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Trombone

Scales: Eb Major & G Major, 1 octave, in eighth notes at ♩= 70

Repertoire:

Trombonists should be prepared to play the melody and an improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Guitar

Scales:  A Major & Eb Major, 2 octaves, in eighth notes at ♩= 70

Repertoire:


Guitarists should be prepared to play the melody, comp, and play an improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Piano

Scales: D Major & Bb Major, 2 octaves hands together, in eighth notes at ♩= 70

Repertoire:


Pianists should be prepared to play the melody, comp, and play an improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Bass

Scales:  F Major & Bb Major, 2 octaves, in eighth notes at ♩= 60

Repertoire:


Bassists should be prepared to play the melody, a walking bass line, and improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Drum-set

Style: Please demonstrate 16 measures of Bossa Nova groove (in 4/4 time) at ♩= 130

 

Repertoire:

Drummers should be prepared to play time, play an improvised solos, and trade fours for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Jazz Vibraphone

Scales:  Ab Major & D Major, 2 octave, in eighth notes at ♩= 70


Repertoire:

Vibraphonists should be prepared to play the melody, comp, and play an improvised solo for each of the following tunes: “Buzzy” (a 12-Bar Blues in Bb) and “I Love You” (in F).

Piano

Piano

2023/2024 CONSERVATORY PIANO AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

 

Pianists interested in audition for Merit’s Conservatory can choose to prepare the requirements from either Category A or Category B below. Please select the category that best matches your current skill level. All auditioning pianists should prepare:

  1. Solo piece(s) from the suggested repertoire list below
  2. The appropriate scales listed below for your selected category
  3. Piano duet: this year’s selected duet repertoire is now available! Scroll down and click the links to view the repertoire. You must learn both the primo and secondo parts
  4. Sight-reading repertoire will be provided to you during your live audition

 

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS

 

New Students (students who are not enrolled in the 2022/2023 Conservatory Piano Program) will need to submit a prescreening video recording as part of the conservatory application submitted through Acceptd. Applications for new piano students, including prescreening video submissions, will be due no later than April 7, 2023. Recordings must include performances of the TWO solo pieces from your selected category (see below) but do not need to include scales, duet repertoire, or sightreading.  Submissions can include separate videos for each solo piece; however, each piece must be performed in its entirety in one take.  In other words, performance videos may not be edited or spliced together to include multiple takes of the same piece.  All videos included in your prescreening submission must have been recorded no earlier than January 1, 2023. Students who pass the prescreening round will be notified no later than April 14th and will be invited to register for an in-person audition which will take place on April 29th. 


Returning Students (students who are enrolled in the 2022/2023 Conservatory Piano Program) do not need to submit prescreening videos and will be welcome to register for an audition time slot on May 6th.  Returning students should plan to perform their solo piece, scales, duet piece, and sightreading during their live audition.

 

 

 

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS


Category A

Scales – Please be prepared to play:

  • All major and harmonic minor scales up to 4 sharps or 4 flats
  • 4 octaves in parallel motion
  • Tempo: quarter note = 132 (the scale should be played in eighth notes/ two notes per metronome click)

Prepare two solo pieces from different historical periods listed below. At least one of the pieces must be from the Baroque or Classical period.


Note: Students enrolled in the 2022/2023 Conservatory Piano Department only need to prepare one solo piece.


Baroque – a two-part invention by J. S. Bach (except Invention no.1 in C major) or polyphonic piece of similar difficulty.


Classical – a fast movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven similar to the level of the sonatas listed below:

  • Beethoven- Sonata in G major, Op. 49 No 2, mov 1
  • Haydn - Sonata in C major, Hob. XVI:35, mov 1 or 3
  • Mozart - Sonata in C major, K. 545, mov 1

Romantic – a composition from the list below or another piece of similar level.

  • Chopin – Mazurka in A minor, Op.67 no.4
  • Grieg – from Lyrics Pieces: Elegie Op.38, or Butterfly from Op. 43
  • Tchaikovsky – March or April from The Seasons

20th/21st century - a composition from the list below or another piece of similar level.

  • Bartok - Evening in the Country
  • Dett - Honey (Humoresque) from In the Bottoms
  • Price - Silk Hat and Walking Cane from Dances in the Canebrakes
  • Prokofiev – Tarantella from Music for Children, Op.65
  • Shostakovich – Fantastic Dance No. 1 from Three Fantastic Dances

Piano duet- This year’s specific duet music will be posted to Merit’s website on April 1 and you will have 4 weeks to prepare. Two duet options per age group will be posted. You are welcome to choose to learn whichever one composition you prefer; however, you must prepare both the primo and secondo parts.

Sight-reading – You will be provided sight-reading repertoire during the live audition.

 

 

 

Category B

Scales – Please be prepared to play:

  • All major and harmonic minor scales up to 6 sharps or 6 flats
  • 4 octaves in parallel motion
  • Tempo: quarter note = 90 (the scale should be played in sixteenth notes/4 notes per metronome click)

Prepare two solo pieces from different historical periods listed below. At least one of the pieces must be from the Baroque or Classical period.

Note: Students enrolled in the 2022/2023 Conservatory Piano Department only need to prepare one solo piece.

 

Baroque – a three-part invention or prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach (except Prelude and Fugue in C major, WTC vol. 1, BWV 846)

Classical – a fast movement from a sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven similar to the level of the sonatas listed below (except Haydn Hob: XVI 35, Mozart K.545 or, Beethoven Op.49 No. 2)

  • Beethoven- Sonata No. 1in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1, mov I or IV
  • Beethoven- Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14 No. 2, mov I or III

Romantic – any composition by Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Rachmaninov or other Romantic composer similar to the level of:

  • Chopin- Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72 No. 1

20th/21st century – a composition from the list below or another piece of similar level.

  • Barber – Excursions, Op. 20 No.1
  • Bonds - Troubled Water
  • Burleigh - From the Southland
  • Coleridge-Taylor - any movement from Valse Suite for Piano “Three-Fours”, Op. 71
  • Copland – Cat and Mouse Price- In Sentimental Mood
  • Prokofiev – Montaque and Capulets, Op. 75 No. 6
  • Shostakovich – any Prelude and Fugue
  • Villa-Lobos - Bachinanas Brasileiras, No. 4, Preludio
  • Walker- Prelude and Caprice

Piano duet - This year’s specific duet music will be posted to Merit’s website on April 1 and you will have 4 weeks to prepare. Two duet options per age group will be posted. You are welcome to choose to learn whichever one composition you prefer; however, you must prepare both the primo and secondo parts.


Sight-reading – You will be provided sight-reading repertoire during the live audition.

Voice

Voice

*Please note that students must be at least 10 years of age to register online for a Conservatory audition.

 

Students who successfully audition into the Voice program will be placed in a Merit choral ensemble.

Please prepare the following:


Repertoire:  Auditioning voice students must present two pieces that follow the guidelines below:

  • Art song – English or foreign language
  • American Songbook/Jazz
  • Musical Theatre
  • Pop/Contemporary
  • Selected part from a choral piece

(Note: All selections must be memorized, and an accompanist will be provided for the audition. Please bring three copies of your music for the audition panel.)

Scales:  Major scale in any key. (Scales can be sung on solfege or on a neutral syllable.)


Sight-reading

 

 

RETURNING VOICE STUDENTS


All Voice students must re-audition each year to maintain their place in the program.


Please prepare the following:


Repertoire: One solo piece in any style (Note: All selections must be memorized, and an accompanist will be provided for the audition. Please bring three copies of your music for the audition panel.)


Sight-reading

You will be provided sight-reading repertoire during the live audition. See the linked example for indication of appropriate level.

Beginning Voice Sight Reading Examples


Art song examples

  • Let Us Dance, Let Us Sing, Purcell
  • The Mermaid’s Song, Haydn
  • The Crucifixion, Barber
  • Vittoria, mio core, Carissimi
  • Caro mio ben, Giordani
  • Das Veilchen, Mozart
  • Rastlose Liebe, Schubert

American Songbook examples

  • Fly Me to the Moon, Bart Howard
  • Misty, Erroll Garner
  • All of Me, Marks & Simon
  • Summertime, George Gershwin
  • What a Difference a Day Makes, Adams & Grever
  • Our Love is Here to Stay, Ira and George Gershwin
  • Blue Skies, Irving Berlin

Blues Examples

  • Route 66, Bobby Troup
  • Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do, Grainger and Robbins
  • Stormy Monday, T-bone Walker
  • Further On Up the Road, Jo Medwick
  • Blue Monk, Thelonius Monk

Guitar

Guitar

Repertoire:  Two contrasting solo pieces

Students may reference the linked examples for indication of appropriate level:


Scales:  Two scales, two octaves each

See linked examples for indication of appropriate level. Scales must be memorized:


Sight-reading: You will be provided sight-reading repertoire during the live audition.


See linked examples for indication of appropriate level.

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