Join Australian New Goldberg Orchestra
All musicians, returning members and new applicants, wishing to perform with ANGO are required to send us a video of two contrasting pieces via the form below.
Excerpts can be found here
Things to know before you audition.
Why is it necessary to audition?
Competitive auditions are the accepted method of equitably assessing an orchestra’s members and ensuring that players of similar ability are placed together. ANGO auditions prospective members for two main reasons:
Challenging repertoire.
ANGO will be tackling challenging repertoire this year and will undertake an intense rehearsal schedule that would require members to prioritise ANGO above all. Understandably, some players will be ready to face the challenges of performing with demanding repertoire, whilst there are those who will benefit more from joining our endeavours at a later stage. Successful applicants are selected based on playing ability in the context of all auditionees, not on membership length.
Maintaining high standards.
By hearing all players, new and existing, auditioning for an orchestra, we can be sure that our standards are high, and that placement is fair and appropriate for everyone. This provides balance and maximum benefit for its members.
Our Commitment.
Performing with our orchestra requires a significant commitment from musicians and their families for the entire year. ANGO activities must take precedence over sport, social and work commitments. Before applying, we ask applicants to carefully consider their ability to attend all rehearsals, concert performances and other activities. Once joined, it is expected that all ANGO members attend at least 80% of all scheduled rehearsals per concert season.
Late Auditions.
Once rehearsals have begun, additional auditions may be held at mutually suitable times throughout the year. To express interest, please send all relevant information such as instrument and level of playing to secretary@ango.org.au
Audition Material
Find the excerpts for the audition here
FAQs
What should I do in preparation for my audition?
You will be expected to play two orchestral excerpts in its entirety.
Where are the auditions held?
As stated above, auditions will be done online, which will require applicants to submit a video submission and upload it to the Google Form from above.
Are AMEB grades taken into consideration?
The audition panel places auditionees on basis of their playing ability as demonstrated in their audition only. AMEB grades are used as a commonly-understood standard of playing to assist auditionees in selecting the right ensemble to audition for. Auditionees do not need to have passed exams to gain a position – nor does having passed an exam guarantee a player a position.
What if I want to audition on two instruments?
If your second instrument is auxiliary like piccolo or bass clarinet, you will not be required to audition it separately. If you are auditioning on two different instruments e.g. violin and oboe, you will have to submit two separate audition applications.
How is the seating and section worked out?
The audition panel will make seating recommendations at the time of audition, which are adjusted when positions are accepted. ANGO prides itself on being an educational orchestra and encourages the rotation of players to provide the experience of sitting in different positions.
When will I receive my orchestral excerpts?
Once your audition application has been processed you will receive an email with a link to your audition excerpts. Excerpts may also be accessed on our website here.
Am I able to edit my video submission?
To ensure fairness and integrity, all submissions will have to be done in one shot. This means that you will only be allowed to upload one unedited mp4 file containing both orchestral excerpts.
Should I memorise the music?
Memorisation is not required.
Is any consideration given to existing members when they compete with new members?
ANGO’s policy states that if there are two players of the same standard competing for a place and one is an existing member, preference is given to that member. However, if the new member auditions at a higher standard than the existing member, this does not apply.
When will I find out if I have been accepted?
All audition results will be announced in mid March via email. All auditioning students will receive correspondence, regardless of outcome. Be sure to enter your email address correctly on your Audition Registration Form. Email is ANGO’s primary mode of communication with students and parents.