Prep Large Ensemble Auditions

NEC Prep's large ensembles are a large and vibrant part of our community. With more than 25 different ensembles, there is a place for every player and singer. Opportunities are available for beginners to advanced students. NEC Prep large ensembles consist of our Orchestras & Wind Ensembles, Trombone Choir, Cello Choir, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Choruses, Youth Brass Ensemble, and Baroque Ensembles.

Spring (March-May) Large Ensemble Auditions

Each Spring, NEC Prep holds auditions for entrance into and advancement within the large ensembles for the following school year. For full information on audition types, audition dates, and repertoire requirements, please visit the Spring Auditions page.

Applications sent in by May 17th will receive placements in early June.  Students may continue to submit applications after this date for placements dependent on available spaces.

Please note: students who are currently enrolled in our orchestra and chorus program and would like to advance to a higher level group must re-audition each year.  All students in Jr. MYWE, MYWE Concert Band, and Sr. MYWE must re-audition every year. Please contact the NEC Prep Office at prep@necmusic.edu if you have questions regarding re-auditioning.

Spring entrance auditions are followed by fall (September) seating/placement auditions to determine a student's placement within the accepted ensemble. 

Audition Types by Instrument

A note about auditions: NEC Prep has ten orchestras, three wind ensembles, six choirs, three baroque ensembles and more. Most large ensemble auditions are general auditions by type of ensemble and not for a specific group. Placement is determined by the student's performance in the audition, not by the student's age. Please note that each bullet point listed under each instrument is a different audition, and must be scheduled separately when signing up for auditions.

Strings

 

Woodwinds

*Admission to NEC Prep orchestras is highly selective, particularly for woodwind players, as the number of openings are very limited. Because of this, we recommend that wind players also audition for our wind, Baroque, and chamber music ensembles.

 

Brass

*Admission to NEC Prep orchestras is highly selective, particularly for brass players, as the number of openings are very limited. Because of this, we recommend that brass players also audition for our wind, Baroque, chamber music, and Youth Brass ensembles.

 

Percussion

*Admission to NEC Prep orchestras is highly selective, particularly for percussion players, as the number of openings are very limited. Because of this, we recommend that percussion players also audition for our wind ensembles and Percussion Ensemble.

 

Guitar

 

Piano/Harpsichord

 

Voice

  • All accepted choristers, regardless of returner or new enrollment status, may be asked at any time to participate in an in-person chorus placement hearing with the ensemble conductor and/or assistant conductor. The human voice is an organic instrument, therefore it grows and changes just as the human body does. It is in the best interest of the singer and ensemble for students to be heard individually periodically, so that the choral conductor(s) can maintain a discerning ear on the development of the instruments in their ensemble.
 

Jazz

 

Questions?

Not sure where to start? Contact the NEC Prep staff during our office hours!