The Essex County Symphony Orchestra

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 The Essex County Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) is comprised of our most advanced teen string students, and also includes harp and piano.  The following audition guidelines will tell you if your teen-aged musician is ready for ECSO:

First violins: must be able to play above 5th position, and to use vibrato.

Solo: prepare a single movement of a solo violin work on the level of the Bach A minor concerto, Mozart Concerto no. 3 in G major, or higher. No cadenza is necessary.

Scales: G, Ab, A, and Bb major scales in 3 octaves.  All other major scales in 2 octaves.

Second violins: must be able to shift to 3rd and 5th position, be studying in Suzuki Book 4 or 5 (or equivalent), and age 14 or older.

Solo: prepare a piece on the level of Suzuki Book 4 or 5.

Scales: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab major sales in 2 octaves.

All other strings:

Solo: prepare a solo piece on the level of Suzuki Book 4, 5 or above.

Scales: Violas and Cellos: 

F, G, Ab, A, Bb major in 2 octaves, 

C, D, Eb, and E major in 3 octaves. 

Basses: G, E, F, Ab major in 2 octaves, A, Bb, C, D, and Eb major in 1 octave.

Piano and harp: scales, arpeggios, and solo piece should be the equivalent of those listed on the ABRSM level 5 exams or above.

Harp and piano are limited to 1 position each in ECSO.  Auditions will only be held for these instruments when there is an opening.