Q1: What are the audition requirements?
Q2: Is there any specific period for auditions?
Q3: I don’t know which orchestra group I should apply for. What do I do?
Q4: When are auditions held?
Q5: Where are auditions held?
Q6: Do I need to memorize the music?
Q7: How long is the audition?
Q8: Is there any dress code?
Q9: When will I find out whether I have been accepted?
Q10: How do I get to the Concert Hall backstage or the Grand Theatre backstage of the HKCC?
Q11: Do I need to bring my own instrument to the audition?
Q12: I do not yet know how to tune my instrument. What do I do?
Q13: For what instruments do you accept applications for audition?
Q1: What are the audition requirements?
You should prepare two complete and contrasting pieces or movements that show your ability. You should play only classical music, and not any orchestral excerpts or music of other genres (no pop, jazz, rock, etc.).
Q2: Is there any specific period for auditions?
No, auditions are held throughout the year.
Q3: I don't know which orchestra group I should apply for. What do I do?
It is not infrequent that parents and children alike have no reference as to what orchestra level they should apply for, and if you find yourself in a similar situation, please leave that field blank in your application form; our staff will further contact you concerning the matter.
Q4: When are auditions held?
Audition times are based on the rehearsal times of the orchestra for which the musician is applying.
Orchestra Level Rehearsal Schedule and Venue Fee:
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Symphony Orchestra (SO)
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ABRSM Grade 8 or above or equivalent
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Fri
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HK Cultural Centre
7:00 - 9:30pm
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Intermezzo Orchestra (IO)
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ABRSM Grade 6-8 or equivalent
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Fri
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HK Cultural Centre
5:00 - 7:00pm
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Repertory Orchestra (RO)
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ABRSM Grade 3-6 or equivalent
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Sat
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HK Cultural Centre
4:00 - 6:00pm
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Sun
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HK Cultural Centre
9:00 - 11:00am
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Beginner Program (OL)
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ABRSM Grade 1-3 or equivalent
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Sat
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HK Cultural Centre
2:00 - 4:00pm
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Sun
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HK Cultural Centre
2:00 - 4:00pm
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Q5: Where are auditions held?
Auditions are held at the rehearsal venue of the orchestra for which the musician is applying, which is the Concert Hall backstage or the Grand Theatre backstage of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Our staff will contact you once you have made an application.
Q6: Do I need to memorize the music?
No, you do not. Memorization of music is not required for audition.
Q7: How long is the audition?
A typical audition lasts around 10 minutes. During the audition, you may be stopped and asked to go on to your next piece. This is common and does not reflect upon your performance.
Q8: Is there any dress code?
Please wear proper casual clothing in which you feel comfortable playing your instrument. Keep in mind that your dress is the first impression you will make on those who will evaluate you. Clothing items discouraged include, and are not limited to, tank tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, or items beyond good repair (torn, frayed, cut, etc.).
Q9: When will I find out whether I have been accepted?
Audition results will either be announced to the applicant right after the audition, or sent via correspondence within a week after the audition has taken place.
Q10: How do I get to the Concert Hall backstage or the Grand Theatre backstage of the HKCC?
See below.
Q11: Do I need to bring my own instrument to the audition?
Yes, you need to bring your instrument, unless you fall under the following exceptions:
Double Bass: You do not need to bring your own double bass ??it will be provided. But if you wish to bring your own, you may do so as well.
Percussion: Your audition will require a piece with a pitched instrument and one with a non-pitched instrument. You do not need to bring the instruments themselves, but you should bring sufficient mallets as you deem necessary.
Harp: You do not need to bring your own harp, it will be provided. But if you wish to bring your own, you may do so as well.
Q12: I do not yet know how to tune my instrument. What do I do?
Musicians applying for OL or RO will be received by our coaches to assist in tuning prior to audition. Otherwise, players of a more advanced level are expected to be able to tune their own instruments themselves, for it is basic procedure that one has to undergo before every orchestral rehearsal.
Q13: For what instruments do you accept applications for audition?
For traditional orchestral instruments:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba
as well as percussion.
We also welcome applications and auditions for other instruments that are not listed above (e.g. piano, harp, euphonium, saxophone etc.), but acceptance depends on the needs of repertoire.