Welcome to Lyceum Orchestras! With five audition-only ensembles, we are able to place most students in an orchestra that meets the student at the threshold of their abilities. We encourage all students to participate in their school ensembles and ask that all participants practice at home and work with a private teacher. Lyceum ensembles are divided by ability not age although we do require that students be in 9th-12th grade to audition for the Philharmonic.

Rehearsals for the 2017-2018 Season start Wednesday, September 5, 2018 for all ensembles. Students returning to the same ensemble as last season need not re-audition but must enroll prior to the entrance auditions for their ensemble in order to guarantee their seat.

Each audition is only 5 minutes. Students should prepare a short solo piece as well as a major scale of their choosing. Some sight reading may be required. See below for their expectations coordinating with each ensemble. For more information on which ensembles is right for you including rehearsal times, cost, and director information see About Us.

Auditions for American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic participants
Thursday and Friday, May 10 and 11, 2018
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Philharmonic Students should read music including all clefs and transpositions common to their instrument, be proficient in every technique common to their instrument. Display maturity required to accommodate the rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule. Students must be in 9th-12th grade to apply. Philharmonic is the only Lyceum ensemble to include wind, brass, and percussion. All other ensembles are strings only.

Auditions for potential Symphonic Strings and Chamber Ensemble participants
Tuesday - Thursday, August 21-23, 2018
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Chamber Ensemble students should read music well, play in tune with beautiful tone and vibrato, and be comfortable playing in fourth and fifth positions.

Symphony Strings students should read music well, play in tune with beautiful tone and vibrato, be comfortable playing in higher positions, and be capable of playing fast passagework including in difficult key signatures.

Students of all ensembles are required to practice orchestra music at home and with a private teacher. We highly recommended all students participate in their school ensembles.

Auditions for potential Crescendo Orchestra and Prelude Strings participants
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
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Crescendo Orchestra students should read music, play in tune with good tone, and be comfortable playing in first, second and some third position.
Prelude String Students should read music at a beginning level, play in tune with good tone in first position including extensions, maintain rhythm with the ensemble, and be studying with a private teacher. Students eight and younger should have a parent attend rehearsal with the child.

To schedule an audition after the current season has already begun, please contact Denise Gorrell at [email protected].