Audition and General Information

Maria Gross, 2010

An audition time will be assigned after the completed application & audition fee ($25) has been received. A typical audition is between 8 – 10 minutes. No accompanists are needed. There are generally two adjudicators – one wind representative and one string representative. The JSV is dedicated to providing positive experiences (even in auditions!) and the audition is not designed to be intimidating or uncomfortable for the young players. Some feedback may be given, in a positive manner, and auditionees will be notified by mail or telephone of their status. If accepted, seating will be determined by the judges at the time of the audition.

Acceptance in the JSV will be based on the strength of the application, recommendation and audition. Auditions should include contrasting movements of a standard piece for your instrument, scales, arpeggios and sight-reading. Since the JSV is primarily a chamber music and small symphonic ensemble stressing high quality and independent playing, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be accepted for the JSV. A $25 audition fee must be sent with the completed application. Those not accepted will have the $25 fee returned after the audition, and those accepted will need to mail the remainder of their participation fee immediately to hold their spot. These fees will include either one JSV sweatshirt or T-shirt, depending on the Session.

Within the JSV Season, any current JSV participants wishing to renew may do so by filling out another application. The fee will be the reduced "Renewal Fee". Most JSV participants who wish to renew will not need to re-audition within the current season if they attended the required parent organization (the Oregon Chamber Players) concert for that session. However, all prospective JSV participants must audition at the beginning of every new JSV Season in September. The reduced Renewal Fee will still apply to JSV musicians who participated in the previous session and attended the required parent organization concert.

New JSV Participants - $225 (This includes the $25 audition fee required in advance with the completed application. The $25 will be returned if applicant is denied.)

Both of these fees include a $100 Fundraising Fee, but each participant will be given JSV Concert tickets near the beginning of each session to sell so that the $100 will be reimbursed by each participant's ticket sales. This will be our only fundraiser each session, and there are no other costs involved in JSV.

There is a $25 fee for any bounced or returned checks, and there is also a Sibling Discount of 15%. Fees are non-refundable EXCEPT for the $25 audition fee if an applicant is denied.

Any absence (due to a school concert, for example) must be given in writing by parent/guardian to the judges at the time of audition. An unexcused absence, tardiness and not being musically prepared may result in dismissal without refund.

Every participant is expected to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to each rehearsal. Tardiness is disruptive and disrespectful to the conductor and the rest of the participants. It is particularly disruptive if you are a wind player in a small ensemble.

The dress code for concerts AND rehearsals: Ladies only may wear one pair of earrings. No other visible piercings or tattoos. Hair in natural colors only. No short shorts, mini skirts, halter tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, belly shirts, slitted skirts, etc. Footwear must be worn at all times. No "Goth", clothing or accessories, also. Remember, when you attend JSV rehearsals and concerts, you are all young ladies and gentlemen who represent our organization AND you are there because of your love of music. "Appropriate" dress is a part of that combined mission and image for all of us and is a way of showing respect for others, and especially, yourselves.

Concert dress will consist of the JSV sweatshirt or T-shirt (depending on the Session), black dress pants (no jeans), black socks and black dress shoes (no tennis shoes).

No texting during rehearsals!