Please read the Lake Highlands Orchestra Audition FAQ’s page before applying for an audition.

Currently, auditions are closed for Wind, Brass and Percussion. There are still positions for strings.

Strings

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

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The Lake Highlands Orchestra program was formed upon the need to provide excellent orchestral and ensemble opportunities for young musicians and community musicians in various performance levels and styles throughout the year in the North Dallas area.

The LHO brings in world-class expert musicians who give young music students and members of the community who play a musical instrument a positive musical experience, encouraging excellence, discipline and leadership, and giving them the ideal atmosphere to collaborate with other people who share interest in music. [Read more…]

WHAT DOES THE AUDITION CONSIST OF, AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

The audition materials should be discussed with the student’s teacher and consists of:

• A prepared piece — If student, chosen by the student along with his/her teacher,
• 2 scales
• 1-3 orchestral excerpts pre-chosen by the conductor (depending on the instrument and ensemble auditioning for)

These excerpts will be placed online along with information on how to sign up for an audition time.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ON AUDITION DAY?

Please arrive 20-30 minutes before your assigned time for check in and warm up. Though every effort will be made to run auditions on schedule as much as possible, you should be prepared to wait if necessary.

HOW LONG?
Auditions last 3-5 minutes depending on the age of the student and the ensemble.

WHICH ENSEMBLE?

Please read the ensemble descriptions carefully. With your private teacher’s help, you should be able to make a decision. If you are still unsure, that is okay. You will be placed in the appropriate ensemble based on the abilities that you demonstrate in the audition.

For some ensembles, there are age limitations set by school grade level. If you have skipped a grade in school or have any other special circumstance that may be a factor in your placement, please contact us. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Details for each ensemble—including rehearsal times, locations, and tuition—are subject to change. Details will be confirmed by mail upon acceptance into the LHO program.

DO I NEED TO HAVE MY AUDITION MUSIC MEMORIZED?

No. Memorization is not necessary.

CAN I REQUEST AN AUDITION TIME & DATE?

If you apply early, there is a chance we can honor audition time and date requests. However, due to the judges’ schedules, some instruments may only audition during certain times on certain dates. You will be given a chance to indicate audition time/date requests on the audition application.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY AUDITION TIME/ DATE?

You will receive an email from LHO with your audition date and time. If you do not receive this email two weeks before the first scheduled audition date for your instrument, please call us. It is your responsibility to follow up with the orchestra personnel about securing an audition time.

DO I NEED TO DRESS UP FOR THE AUDITION?

No. Most people wear dressy-casual, comfortable clothes to the audition.

WHEN AND HOW WILL I FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THE AUDITION?

You will not receive any audition results over the phone or on the website. Letters containing audition results will be mailed after all auditions have concluded. Typically, the date of the mailing is advertised during auditions, so you know when to expect the letter. Under NO circumstances will results be given over the phone.

AM I EXPECTED TO BE A PART OF MY SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM?

Yes. The LHO expects all students to be enrolled in their school music program provided one is available. The LHO ensembles are meant to enhance, not replace the school music program. The school music program provides daily instruction, opportunities for leadership, and teaches group and community cooperation.

Exceptions are made for the school music program on a case by case basis. These exceptions are considered rare and are not encouraged or recommended. Any situation must be discussed with the conductor and a decision will then be made if the situation warrants an exception to the policy.