Be part of an amazing experience.

The MPO is one of Chicagoland's only

Youth-Amateur Orchestras. Play your part in spreading the influence of music in our communities by joining MPO!

Audition Requirements

New membership auditions for Fall 2021 are currently being held virtually.

We have streamlined the audition process below.

Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 1, 2021.

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Scales

[Winds and Brass] All 12 major scales.

• Click here to see your instrument's required scales.

[Strings] Scales in three (or two) octaves. Please play 80 to 120 per quarter note with separate bows. Please refer to your required scales:

Midwest String Orchestra Scales (Two scales of choice)

• Violin Scales

• Viola Scales

• Cello Scales

• Bass Scales

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Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra & Core Members (One scale of choice, one required)

• Violin Scales

• Viola Scales

• Cello Scales

• Bass Scales

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Repertoire

[Winds and Brass] Two contrasting solos, movements or etudes. No accompaniment needed.
 

[Strings] A solo piece that shows the candidate’s techniques, musical interpretation and musicianship. No accompaniment needed. Please see chart below:

• Midwest String Orchestra (For all strings): A solo piece or passage that includes up to 3rd (or 5th) position.

• Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra (For all strings): A solo piece or passage that includes up to 5th (or higher) position.

• Core Members:

  • Violin: W.A. Mozart Concerto No. 4 or 5, or something equivalent

  • Viola: C. Stamitz Concerto in D, or something equivalent

  • Cello: Haydn Concerto in C or D, or something equivalent

  • Bass: A standard concert piece

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Sightreading

[All instruments] Sight-reading may be asked.

***There will be no sight-reading required for virtual auditions.***

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After The Audition

Participants will receive permission to join after the audition. All ages are welcome. 

(You will be redirected to our online application.)

Location

All auditions take place at Midwest Conservatory of Music.

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COVID-19: All auditions will be held online.

To Schedule An Audition, Email or submit a form on our PC version website.

(You will be redirected to our online application.)