new in 2022-23! The essex wind ensemble

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Youth Orchestras of Essex County introduces a NEW ensemble, The Essex Wind Ensemble!

This new ensemble is a re-branding of Orchestra Lab, which was founded in 2018 and attracted primarily woodwind and brass students.

This multi-level ensemble is open to woodwind, brass, and percussion students who have at least 2 years of school experience, or 1 year of study with a private instructor.  Developing students will receive intensive technical instruction from their conductor and our teaching artists. Advanced students will have the opportunity to mentor younger students and earn community service credits for school, National Honor Society, and service scholarships.  Students who earn top scores on their auditions will be selected to serve, as needed, in The Junior Symphony and The Essex County Symphony Orchestra as woodwind, brass, and/or percussion section performers on symphonic works.  Students selected for JR or ECSO will rehearse with EWE and the symphony on a time-sharing basis. 

Auditionees on woodwinds and brass should select a solo piece that shows their current level of ability.  For students interested in being selected to also perform in one of our orchestras, please check the NJSMA website 

( http://www.njsma.org ) for the intermediate or high school concert band required audition solos for repertoire recommendations at an appropriate level.

All woodwind and brass students must play a concert Bb major scale, and a Bb major scale in the key of their own instrument (flute students can play an Eb major scale as their second scale).  The third scale is the student's choice, and the student may choose to play their scales in 1, 2, or 3 octaves, depending on their skill level.

Advanced woodwind and brass students who wish to be considered for JR or ECSO must record a concert D major and a concert A major scale.

Percussionists should perform snare rudiments, drum set rhythms, and/or mallets solo that demonstrates their current skill level.