How to Join
2025 Manawatu Youth Orchestra - Details to be confirmed - excerpts and booking audition slots will be available in the New Year
Auditions for membership of this year's Manawatu Youth Orchestra will be held in Room 116, Square Edge Creative Centre (Evelyn Rawlins Room), Thursday 13th of February starting at 7pm, and Friday 14th of February starting at 7pm.
Auditions for Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and all Woodwind and Brass players will take place on Thursday 13th of February. Those intending on auditioning must book a 5-minute audition slot using the following link by clicking here (will be available early January 2025). Players who show up on the night without a booking will be slotted in at the earliest available slot.
Auditions for Violin I and Violin II will take place on Friday 14th of February. Those intending on auditioning must book a 5-minute audition slot using the following link by clicking here (will be available early January 2025). Players who show up on the night without a booking will be slotted in at the earliest available time.
If you are unable to present at the set times, then please contact the secretary to arrange an alternative time. If you cannot make the set night for your instrument, but can make the other night, then please advise the secretary, and book a slot for the other evening. Note that to be eligible for leader positions any alternative audition must before (or very soon after) the audition dates.
Instructions for Violin I, Violin II, Cello, and Flute
Players of these instruments have three parts to their auditions: (1) scales, (2) audition excerpt(s), and, (3) a piece of the player’s choice.
The scales are as follows (2 octaves unless otherwise specified):
| Instrument | Scale 1 | Scale 2 |
| Violin I | D minor (harmonic, 3 octaves) | D major (3 octaves) |
| Violin II | G minor (melodic, 3 octaves) | E major |
| Cello | C major (3 octaves) | Ab major |
| Flute | Bb minor (harmonic) | F# major |
The audition excerpts can be downloaded here (will be available early January 2025):
Violin I
Violin II
Cello
Flute
Note that target tempos (where provided) are not as important as accuracy and confidence of playing - some are ambitious and players may not be able to achieve them, but are still encouraged to audition at a slower tempo.
Your chosen item should be between 30 and 90 seconds duration. Choose music that best shows your ability. For Violin I, this should be at least Grade 7, for others this should be at least Grade 5. We ask that players bring a photocopy of their chosen piece so that panellists can see the music that is being played.
Instructions for Viola, Double Bass, Oboe, Clarient, Bassoon, and Brass
Players of these instruments have two parts to their auditions: (1) scales, and, (2) piece(s) of the player’s choice.
The scales are as follows (2 octaves unless otherwise specified):
| Instrument | Scale 1 | Scale 2 |
| Viola | C major (3 octaves) | A major |
| Double Bass | G major | Eb major (1 octave) |
| Oboe | C# minor (harmonic) | Bb major |
| Clarinet* | A Major | F minor (melodic) |
| Bassoon | A major | G minor (harmonic) |
| Horn* | G major | Ab major (1 octave) |
| Trumpet* | Ab major (1 octave) | G minor (harmonic) |
| Trombone | B minor (harmonic, 1 octave) | F major |
| Tuba* | D minor (harmonic, 1 octave) | Bb major |
* Transposing scales
Your chosen piece(s) should total a duration of 90 to 180 seconds. Please choose music that best shows your ability. Grade 5 or higher is appropriate for these parts. We ask that players bring a photocopy of their chosen piece(s) so that panellists can see the music that is being played.
Player Expectations
Members are expected to attend rehearsals and performances and should not consider membership application unless they can attend a minimum of two thirds of the rehearsals. Valid explanations will be accepted so long they are tendered to the conductor before the rehearsal in question. Rehearsals are held most Friday evenings between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm from the end of February until the end of October. We will present two concerts during the year, with a break between the schedules. Full schedules will be sent with acceptance letters following successful audition.
Subscription
Membership to the MYO requires the payment of an annual subscription. This is currently set at $160 per player per annum. An account will be sent out to all players after their acceptance into the orchestra. This is separate from any fees due for the hire of a MYO instrument should a player have one of these.
We want all musicians who are offered a place following audition to be able to participate in MYO. We understand that some families or students might find it hard to cover these costs. Please contact the treasurer to discuss alternative payment options. We also have some scholarships that may be applicable.
Contact
Please contact our secretary, Gillian Gibb, for any enquiries
2025 Manawatu Sinfonia
Are you a musician who enjoys playing in an orchestra? If so, then the Manawatu Sinfonia may have a place for you. Make contact with us and tell us about your music experience.
Secretary:
Gillian Gibb
Email: Send an email to the secretary
How to join
Click here for details on how to join the Manawatu Youth Orchestra or the Manawatu Sinfonia.
