PFENS R521-2 — Essential Orchestral Excerpts for Viola: Keys to a Successful Audition

2 credits per semester
Fall and Spring
Cynthia Phelps

By audition. A comprehensive study of the essential orchestral excerpts. Bowings, fingerings, style, technique, priorities, how and what to do in the practice room, and what will be required at a major audition. Material to be covered includes: Study of the most asked-for excerpts at auditions; supplementary excerpts not normally found on audition lists may be suggested by students preparing for school, festivals, or other summer programs (including chamber works); study of all orchestral solo repertoire; and study and preparation of solo repertoire required for audition, e.g., concerto and solo Bach. Each student will be required to prepare a limited number of excerpts to play in class. Open to all Viola majors via the orchestral placement audition in September, and strongly encouraged for fourth-year undergraduate and graduate students.