Auditions

The band concentration is a four year program designed to prepare students for collegiate music study and the discipline and attitude expected of the professional musician. Students will focus on areas of musicianship, music theory and history, keyboard knowledge and solo and chamber ensemble performance. Three levels of concert bands are available to provide students with ample opportunity for real life performance experience.

Band Music Audition Requirements

Rising 9th Graders: Wind Instrument

1. Major Scales (20% of total score)
   Students are required to  know by memory: Concert B flat, E flat, A flat, C and F (horns only do not perform C concert scale as it cannot be played within the range requirement).  You will be asked to play 2 of the 5 scales.
   
2. Chromatic Scale (20% of total score)
   Two octave chromatic scale. Must be memorized and played slurred ascending and tongued descending.
   
3. Prepared Etude (30% of total score)
   Students perform the prepared etude for their instrument from the link below.  Please click the link that says, "Etudes Rising 9th graders".  This will be available in October 2026.
   
4. Perform a sight reading selection provided by the judges (30% of total score)
   Students are given one sight-reading exercise. Students are given 30 seconds to study the exercise prior to performing.
   

1. Rising 9th Graders: Percussion Instrument

   1. Major Scales (20% of total score)
      Perform the following major scales on xylophone : Concert A flat, B flat, E flat, C, F and chromatic.  The chromatic scale should use the full range of the instrument.
      
   2. Perform 6 rudiments: Open-closed-open (slow-fast-slow) on snare drum (20% of total score)
      Long roll (Double Stroke Roll), 5 stroke roll, 7 stroke roll, the drag, flam, paradiddle. Play each rudiment for 15 seconds, use open-close-open method and these rudiments are to be memorized.
      
   3. Prepared Etude (30% of total score)
      Percussionists are required to prepare the snare drum AND xylophone etudes. Please click the link that says, "Etudes Rising 9th graders".  This will be available in October 2026.
   4. Perform a sight reading selection provided by the judges (30% of total score)
      Students are given one sight-reading exercise. Students are given 30 seconds to study the exercise prior to performing.

Rising 10th & 11th Graders: Wind and Percussion Instruments

1. Major Scales  (20% of total score) Please note the following scale requirements:
   • All major scales are required and must be memorized.
   • Students will be asked to play 2 of the scales.
   • Scales are called by key name not concert pitch.
   • Scales are to be played in as many complete octaves as possible on the instrument except for percussionists.
   • Articulation is legato tongue up and down.
   • Tempo is MM = 100 for wind players, MM = 160 for percussionists.
   • The following rhythm pattern will be used for all octaves: quarter note (tonic) followed by eighth notes.
     
2. Chromatic Scale (20% of total score) Please note the following scale requirements:
   Slur ascending, tongued descending (except trombones and percussion). Instruments play their chromatic scale in sixteenth notes at the tempo given below. (Quarter note = one beat) All tempos given are the required MINIMUM; students may play faster.
   
   • Piccolo: D below staff to altissimo C (2 octaves + 7th) MM = 120
   • Flute: C below staff to altissimo C (3 octaves) MM = 120
   • Oboe: C below staff to E above high C (2 octaves + 3rd) MM = 120
   • English Horn: C below staff to D above staff (2 octaves + 2nd) MM = 120
   • Bassoon: Bb below staff to high Bb one octave above staff (3 octaves) MM = 96
   • Eb Clarinet: Same as Bb Clarinet (see below)
   • Bb Clarinet: E below staff to G above high C (3 octaves + 3rd) MM = 120
   • Bass Clarinet: E below staff to C above the staff (2 octaves + 6th) MM = 120
   • Contra Clarinet: E below staff to G# above staff (2 octaves + 3rd) MM = 96
   • Alto Saxophone: Bb below staff to F above staff (2 octaves + 5th); hold high F for two counts prior to descending. MM = 120
   • Tenor Saxophone: Same as Alto Saxophone (see above)
   • Baritone Saxophone: Same as Alto Saxophone (see above) MM = 96
   • Cornet/Trumpet: G below staff to C above staff (2 octaves + 4th) MM = 120
   • Horn: F below staff to Bb above staff MM = 120
   • Tenor Trombone: Low F to 4th ledger line Bb (2 octaves + 5th); legato tongue ascending, staccato tongue descending. MM = 96
   • Bass Trombone: C below staff to F above staff (2 octaves + 4th); legato tongue ascending, staccato tongue descending. MM = 96
   • Euphonium TC: G below staff to C above staff (2 octaves + 4th) MM = 120
   • Euphonium BC: Low F to 4th ledger line Bb (2 octaves + 5th ) MM = 120
   • Tuba: Lowest F to highest Bb (2 octaves + 4th) MM = 112
   • Xylophone: Full range of xylophone.  minimum tempo MM = 144
   • Snare Drum: Long roll (Double Stroke Roll - 30 second time limit), concert roll, sustained sound, pp-ff-pp (15 second time limit)
3. Prepared Etude (30% of total score)
   Students perform the prepared etude for their instrument from the link below.  Please click the link that says "Etudes Rising 10th/11th graders".  This will be available in October 2026.
   
4. Percussion  rudiments will be selected from the Percussive Arts Society Standard 26 Rudiments. Each rudiment will have a 15 second time limit and should be played open to closed. Students may use their own snare drum or one provided by the audition site.  Percussionists are required to prepare the snare drum AND xylophone etudes.

Perform a sight reading selection provided by the judges (30% of total score)
Students are given one sight-reading exercise. Students are given 30 seconds to study the exercise prior to performing.

Part 1- Dance Class

Applicant will participate in a dance technique class consisting of classical ballet barre and center which will include movement patterns in ballet, jazz and modern dance techniques.

Part 2- Interview

The panel will execute a brief interview with each applicant before the performance of solo work.

Part 3- Dance Solo

Applicant will perform a solo in the genre of their choice. The piece should be no less than one minute in length and no more than one and a half minutes. Applicant will bring their own music, that can be connected wirelessly to a bluetooth sound system.

Audition Attire:

Students should arrive in proper dance attire. Leotards and tights are preferred for female presenting applicants. Male presenting applicants should wear form fitting work out wear or jazz pants. Appropriate footwear is requested- ballet slippers, jazz shoes, and bare feet for modern. Hair should be pulled back and securely fastened. Please refrain from wearing jewelry or baggy clothes.

Before Audition Day 

Create and Submit Original Music 

• Create an original piece of music of at least 30 seconds in length. It may be produced using any program such as:
  • notation software (Finale, Sibelius, Noteflight, etc.).
  • digital audio workstation (GarageBand, ProTools, FL Studio, etc.).
  • any other digital audio recorder (voice recording apps). 
• Submit an audio file (mp3, wav or aiff) to the link below.
• Project files (.mus, .musx, .band, .logicx, .mid, etc.) are not accepted. 

All files must be submitted using the submission link before entering Colgan High School on audition day.

On Audition Day

• Perform approximately one minute of music on a band or orchestra instrument, voice, or piano. This should be approximately one minute in length.  Examples of what you could perform include:
  • an original song, playing and singing.
  • solo piece on your band or orchestra instrument, voice, or piano.
  • a piece you wrote for your instrument.
• Sight-read a short piece of music on your band or orchestra instrument, voice, or piano.

Other Information

• The following equipment will be available for students to use during their audition.
  • piano
  • guitar and bass amplifiers (for students accompanying their own voice)
  • xylophone
  • snare drum

• Performances will be evaluated based on criteria that match the student’s ensemble. For example, a student playing flute would be evaluated using the band audition rubric; a student singing would be evaluated using the chorus audition rubric, etc.

Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass

1. Perform the following scales in at least two octaves (Bass players only need to play one octave). Tempo should be Quarter Note = 96-120 bmp. Scales should be memorized.
   • MAJOR - C, G, D, A
   • Melodic or Harmonic Minor - a, e, b, d
2. Perform one short (two minutes or less) prepared piece that best represents the student’s current skill level and musicianship. Partial selection of a longer piece is suitable.
   • Music does not need to be memorized but must be well-prepared.
   • Students may use their own piano accompanist.  Colgan does not provide a pianist.
   • The student must provide a copy of the music performed in the audition as part of the application.
3. Perform a sight-reading selection for the judges. Music will be provided at the audition.

Harp Audition Requirements

1. Interview. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your
   • Background with harp performance and private lesson experience.
   • Specific interests in our program.
   • Current musical skills.
2. Audition
   • Perform one prepared piece of music that best represents your current skill level.
   • Provide a printed copy of your selection for the panel.
   Orchestra Rubric
   

• • Audition
    1. Select and perform one of the pieces from the, Piano Audition Etudes link below that best represents your current skill level. Etudes will be available in October 2026.
    2. Perform a piece of your choice that best represents your current skill level. This piece should be between two to five minutes long.
    3. Bring a printed copy of your choice piece to your audition.
  • Perform two, two octave major scales. The scales will be randomly chosen by the panel at the audition and will be chosen from the twelve major scales. Scales should be played in eighth notes at 120 bpm.
  • Perform a sight-reading selection for the judges. Music will be provided at the audition. Sight reading will be taken from books similar to, "Essential Piano Repertoire, Level One" by Keith Snell.
  • Interview. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your background with piano performance and Piano

Monologue Performances 

• The monologues should be selected to show range and contrast. Contrast can be shown by classical (non-Shakespeare)/contemporary, urban/rural, serious/comedic, etc.). 
• Each monologue should be no more than one minute in length.
• Students should be familiar with the play from which the monologue is selected. 
• Do not perform with an accent. Do not use costumes or props. A chair will be provided. 
• Material should be appropriate for the applicant’s age and experience. 
• Students should strive to find work that is unique and representative of who they are as a performer.  Students should avoid overdone monologues by playwrights such as D.M. Larson, Kelly Powell, and Alan Haehnel.  

Applicants will compile a portfolio to include three components: portfolio, sketchbook and letter of intent. 

All elements of the portfolio must be original work. Plagiarism will result in a disqualification of scores.  Absolutely NO use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Pieces will be checked for plagiarism and AI.

1. Portfolio

• Compile your artists’ portfolio with seven original works of art. The portfolio should reflect a variety of subjects and media (examples of subject and media types seen below).  Portfolios must include one three-dimensional work of art and one observation from life drawing. No anime, cartoons, fan art, or character drawings will be accepted.
• Media: graphite, pen/ink, charcoal, pastels/oil pastels, marker, paints, printmaking, collage, mixed media, ceramics, found objects sculptures, wire, assemblage, digital drawings
• Subjects: portraiture, figurative, landscape, interior/exterior spaces, still life, observational, imaginative

2. Sketchbook
Bring in your physical sketchbook that cohesively demonstrates a variety of subjects as well as a variety of media and processes. 

• No anime, cartoons, fan art, or character drawings.  They will not be scored.

3. Writing Component:
Candidates will type a formal letter addressing their desire to be selected as part of the Visual Arts concentration as well as how they would like to grow as an artist. Discuss the applicant’s desire to be accepted into the program, how they would like to grow artistically, their strongest media and a media they are looking forward to learning more about. This letter should be solely typed by the applicant in their own words including proper sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.

During Audition:

1. Still Life Drawing:

• Candidates will create an observation drawing, in person, as part of their audition.  Candidates should bring their own drawing materials to include pencils, erasers and blending tools.  They will be provided with drawing paper and a regular number two pencil (if needed).  Each candidate will receive a paint palette, clear lidded container with water, shell, paint brush, feather, and blank paper to arrange their own still life composition to draw from.  
• Candidates will create a drawing on a solid white piece of paper using pencils and erasers to capture the still life through observation. This full-page drawing should demonstrate accuracy of drawing, engaging use of space, shading of values, and creativity. During the candidates' 90-minute audition they will receive a minimum of 60 minutes of drawing time. 

2. Interview:

• Candidates will be interviewed by two judges and discuss their sketchbooks and portfolios.
• Candidates are expected to discuss their intent and personal meaning of their work while using art vocabulary.  Candidates should present themselves and their portfolio with self-confidence by wearing professional attire and making eye contact with the judges.  Interviews will last approximately 5-8 minutes per candidate.  

 1. Vocally Perform, "How Can I Keep From Singing"

• Choose the voice part that is best for you.

•  Audition Music– SOPRANO – PDF
•  Audition – listening file – SOPRANO

Alto – D Major

•  Audition Music - ALTO – PDF
•  Audition - listening file – ALTO

Tenor – Bb Major

• Audition Music TENOR – PDF
• Audition – listening file – TENOR

 Bass – F Major

• Audition Music BASS – treble clef – PDF
• Audition Music BASS – bass clef – PDF
• Audition– listening file – BASS

2. Vocally perform 16-32 measures of song of your choice.

• This can be a musical theatre song, folk song, art song, R&B, etc. Please make sure the choice best shows off your voice and demonstrates what you bring vocally to the CFPA department.

Please note: Students must be prepared to sing both prepared pieces from memory and must sing with piano accompaniment. Students can sing along with a recording (many are found on Youtube) or choose to have a live accompanist play with them. Colgan High School does not provide a piano accompanist.  If you use a recording, please make sure that it can be connected wirelessly to a bluetooth sound system.

 3. Sing an 8-measure sight singing exercise.

• Do-Ti, mostly steps with skips between Do-Mi-Sol (They will hear the tonality & starting pitch, have 30 seconds to practice, then hear tonality and starting pitch before singing the exercise for a score.)

 4. Students should be prepared to respond to this question:

• “How would participating in the Colgan CFPA Voice Program impact you as a musician and as a person?”