How to Prepare For A Junior Orchestra Flute Audition.

The Junior Orchestra is for kids that play an instrument in grades 4 through 8. (Check with your local Junior Orchestra. Things may be different in your town.)

Playing flute with The Junior Orchestra helps kids grow into mature young musicians.

Flutists meet other musicians who aspire to excellence in school and in the arts.

The experience of playing together with other instruments makes joining the orchestra a frequent goal of serious young flutists.

To join the Junior Orchestra you must audition.

You should start practicing for your flute audition at least three months in advance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Flute
• A Solo Piece
• A Scale Page
• A Metronome
• A Music Stand

1. Practice your scales until you have memorized them. For the Junior Orchestra, flutists need to know flat scales up to four flats, and sharp scales up to three sharps. If you can do a three octave C scale, do it. All flute scales should be at least two octaves.

2. Practice your Flute Solo Piece. Your Solo Piece should be on your level, but also present a little bit of challenge. The first few times you play your flute Solo Piece, go slower than normal. Playing slower allows you to get the big picture; notes and rhythms. Enlist the help of your flute teacher. They can help you if you get stuck.

3. Become steadier and correct rhythms. Use a Metronome to make sure you are not speeding up, or slowing down. Start practicing the flute Solo Piece a little faster.

4. Focus on dynamics(volume) and tempo(how fast). Performing dynamics and tempo well will give you more points in your flute audition. Practice everything all together; dynamics, notes and rhythms. Polish it until you are comfortable playing your flute Solo Piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Photo copy your flute Solo Piece for the judges so they don't have to keep looking over your shoulder at the music.
• Once you've mastered your flute Solo Piece do your heaviest practicing two days before the audition. Rest the day before the audition.
• If you are nervous pretend you are at home practicing your flute in front of Mom or Dad.

Resources

• Flute Articulation Lens
• Practicing Well

[Susanh]

on 12/10/2008 Your vocabulary is fantastic for a young person! Well written. 5*****

[ljstraight]

on 12/7/2008 Great advice! 5 stars