2025-26 Ensemble Placement
Video audition submissions for Sinfonia and Chamber Orchestra are due March 27th, 2025.
There is NO audition requirement for Concert Orchestra, which is the default placement for students with middle school orchestra experience.
Registration info for rising 9th graders: For now, register for Intermediate Orchestra 1 for 1st and 2nd semesters. This can be changed later if you audition into a different ensemble, but you need it as a placeholder on your schedule.
Email Mr. Cummings at cummingsas@fultonschools.org with any questions.
--------------------------------------
The Milton Orchestra program is made up of 100+ students with a wide range of experience and ability levels. We are a diverse group, ranging from future music majors to varsity athletes and National Merit finalists! There is a place for everyone!
Milton Orchestra consists of 3 mixed-grade courses divided by experience/ability/difficulty level:
Concert Orchestra (Intermediate 1-4)
Sinfonia (Advanced 1-4)
Chamber Orchestra (Mastery 1-4)
*Number indicates student grade level (ex. Intermediate 4 would be a senior in Concert Orchestra)
Who should complete an audition?
All students who wish to be considered for placement in an ensemble other than Concert (Intermediate) Orchestra- the default placement for 9th graders- must audition. Current Sinfonia and Chamber students must re-audition to retain ensemble placement and determine chair placements for next year.
Does orchestra take a lot of time outside school?
We recognize that orchestra students are often highly involved in academics, clubs, and sports, so we maintain flexibility with those schedules and keep our required events to a minimum. The main outside of school commitments are to our Fall, Winter, Pre-LGPE/LGPE, and Spring concerts. Dress rehearsals for those concerts, when applicable, typically occur the same day, so as to minimize the impact on schedules.
Many optional extracurricular performance, travel, and social opportunities are available and encouraged for those interested. Check out our social media accounts @miltonorchestra to get an idea of what those look like!
What do I submit?
There are four steps to the audition, with instrument-specific details later in the packets below:
- Registration (Google Form)
- 5 Two-Octave Scales/Arpeggios
- 1 Three-Octave Scale/Arpeggio
- 1 Excerpt or Etude selection
Steps 2 through 4 can be submitted as a combined or separate videos, but each step should be clearly identifiable as a single play-through with no edits.
When is it due?
Registration (Google Form) and video(s) are due March 27, 2025 at 11 pm.
Where do I submit?
Step 1: Registration via Google Form:
https://forms.gle/gn9LFpxxhkMZydA76
Steps 2-4:
Current student videos will only be accepted as an ungraded Canvas assignment. You can submit a link (ex. unlisted YouTube video(s), upload a video, or record directly into Canvas. While it is possible with just a phone, I’ve found it to be a smoother experience with better options on a computer. If you need to test uploading/recording early, that is encouraged- You have unlimited submissions. Just make sure the things you want me to listen to (whether one combined video or three separate) are the most recent submissions.
Rising 9th graders only should email link(s) in an accessible format (ex. Unlisted YouTube video, cloud link with “anyone with link can view” permissions) to cummingsas@fultonschools.org.
How do I complete this?
Read all above instructions plus instrument-specific guidelines in the packet. If you do not have a way to complete the recording/upload on your own, schedule a time (with plenty of notice!) to use school equipment. Ask for musical and technical help early if you anticipate any difficulties! I will gladly assist, but it won’t be possible at the last minute.
Will I be considered for Sinfonia if I audition for Chamber and don’t get in?
Yes. You actually have two options: 1. Record/submit material for both auditions OR 2. Submit only a Chamber audition. Since the repertoire is more challenging, there will be a slight curve when I compare yours to Sinfonia-only auditions, but it could still be problematic if you’re really struggling with the music.
AUDITION PACKETS
