How to prepare

At a Jong Metropole audition, candidates will be asked to play a selection of orchestra excerpts from the list of orchestra excerpts. Classical winds and strings prepare one piece of their choice from the solo pieces list for the audition. For big band players (trombone, saxophone, trumpet and rhythm section) we ask you to perform a standard from the American Songbook repertoire including improvisation on a chord progression of your own choice. Percussionists of the classical section do not have to prepare a solo piece, but must prepare all pieces from the JM orchestra excerpts list.

Piano accompaniment

With the exception of harp, percussion / drums and keys, piano accompaniment is mandatory at live auditions. Jong Metropole will provide a pianist for the auditions. Candidates are obliged to bring a score or leadsheet for the pianist. 

Auxiliary instruments 

Musicians only audition for their main instrument. Playing auxiliary instruments is not mandatory with the exception of:

• guitar players who are required to play both acoustic and electric guitar.

Information on the orchestration of each project can be found in Programme and planning.

Preparation

The key to a successful audition is thorough preparation of both the solo piece (if required; see above) and the orchestral excerpts. Make time for your excerpts, listen to recordings of the works and / or take a look at the score. It is important that you play the excerpts accurately, but also with sensitivity to the context of the whole piece, paying particular attention to accurate rhythm, tempi, dynamics and tuning.

Audition tips

On the website of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJO) you will find video's with tips from professional musicians and (former) members of NJO which may be helpful in preparing for your audition.