Music has intrinsic value in the education of children, and it provides an avenue for unique creative and artistic self-expression.  It is valuable as a vehicle for understanding history, art, society and culture. Participation in group music making fosters inter-personal skills, self-reliance, responsibility, and teamwork, and has been shown to have a positive effect on learning in other disciplines. At GPFAA, we will provide a sequential, developmental orchestra curriculum which allows each student an opportunity to build musical skill and understanding through a wide variety of quality musical experiences. The musical growth of our students is a goal and musical performance is an expression of this growth. 

High School Audition Requirements

High School Orchestra auditions will be in the form of 4-5-minute video via YouTube.

INTERVIEW & RESUME

Each student should prepare a resume summarizing the student's solo/ensemble, All-Region, UIL and other experience in addition to their educational awards/honors. Please attach a current headshot or photo as well. 

Performance Requirements

INCOMING FRESHMEN (YouTube Video Submission)

Students should be prepared to perform two contrasting selections from the UIL Grade l, ll, or lll list.

Students should be able to play two-octave scales and arpeggios in C, G, and D minor. 

Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to read music and will be asked to sight read. 

INCOMING UPPERCLASSMEN (SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, AND SENIOR) (YouTube Video Submission)

Students should be prepared to perform two contrasting selections from the UIL Grade l or ll list. 

Students should be able to play two-octave or three-octave scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys up to 5 sharps and 5 flats. 

Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to read music and will be asked to sight read. 

Middle School Audition Requirements 

INCOMING 6TH GRADERS (Synchronous Zoom Audition. NO YOUTUBE SUBMISSION)

Incoming 6th-grade students who do not have a previous instrumental experience are required to take a music aptitude test. This short test will check the students' ability to hear, analyze, and repeat musical sounds. 

Incoming 6th-grade students with the previous instrumental instruction may choose to audition on their instruments. Reference the Audition Requirements for 7th and 8th grade below. 

INCOMING 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS

INTERVIEW AND RESUME 

A resume summarizing the students solo/ensemble, All-Region, UIL, and other experience as well as other educational awards/honors. Please attach a current headshot or photo as well. 

PERFORMANCE (YouTube Video Submission)

Students should be prepared to perform two contrasting selections, which demonstrate technique appropriate to years of experience on the instrument. 

Students should be able to demonstrate technique through the performance of the following major scales: C, G, and D (one and two octaves). 

Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to read music and will be asked to sight read. 

Here is a link to the UIL page where students can access music selections for their audition

Orchestra  Awards & Accolades

*Spring 2017 - High School Chamber Orchestra invited to compete in the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival in Pittsburgh

*Fall 2017 - 61 total students selected to participate in the All-Region Orchestra

*Spring 2018 - Middle School Chamber Orchestra invited to compete in the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta