String Orchestra

Audition Information

In-person auditions for the 2027-27 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Colburn School. Upon completion of the application form, a link will be provided to schedule an audition time. Please note that written approval from the student’s private teacher is required for participation.

Audition results will be sent to the email address given for the student’s primary contact (Parent/Guardian #1) by midnight on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Audition Requirements

All applicants must prepare the following:

  1. Two- or three-octave scale (scale requirement varies by instrument and desired ensemble placement)
  2. Polished solo piece, 2-3 minutes in length, that represents your technical skill and musicianship.
  3. Audition excerpts (excerpts vary by instrument)
  4. In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read a short passage that will be presented at the audition.

Audition Materials by Instrument
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

 

String Orchestra Application Form

String Orchestra Application Form

 

About the Ensemble

The String Orchestra includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Musicians in the String Orchestra have achieved a level of intermediate or advanced musicianship and can tackle the challenge of a more advanced repertoire. Each year the String Orchestra performs a Baroque-era concerto grosso that features soloists from the ensemble.

Approximately 35 student musicians are accepted each year; selection is based primarily on demonstrated ability and musicianship, but orchestral balance is also considered.

All new and returning students must audition for placement.

Duration
Weekly on Wednesdays, 7–8:30 pm

Prerequisites
Participants must study privately, and previous orchestral experience is recommended.

Minimum Age Requirement
6th grade; must be 11 years old by September 1, 2026

Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
Violin: Sonata in F Major, G.F. Handel
Viola: Concerto in G Major, G.P. Telemann
Cello: Danse Rustique, W.H. Squire
Bass: Sonata, B. Marcello