Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra

Mr. Adam Kelley, Conductor

We are very excited to introduce the inaugural edition of the Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra. A symphony orchestra is composed of violins, violas, cellos, and basses in addition to a variety of wind instruments and a percussion section. The BMSSO will be our highest audition group and will perform a wide variety of selections from classical to modern popular music. We have an exciting and ambitious program this year, so your dedication and perseverance will prove to be very rewarding.

The audition requirements will consist of a combination of various scales, a prepared excerpt, and a sight- reading excerpt.

1. The scale requirements are:

Violin  D Major (1 octave)  G Major (2 octaves)  C Major (1 octave)

Viola  D Major (1 octave)  G Major (1 octave)  C Major (2 octaves)

Cello  D Major (1 octave)  G Major (1 octave)  C Major (2 octaves)

Bass  D Major (1 octave)  G Major (1 octave)

Winds  Concert Bb Major (2 octaves when possible)  Concert F Major (2 octaves when possible)

Percussion  Concert Bb Major (2 octaves when possible)  Concert F Major (2 octaves when possible)

*Winds/Percussion will need to prepare a 1 octave chromatic scale beginning on any note.

2. For the prepared excerpt, you will be asked to play a selection that you have had an opportunity to prepare before the audition.

3. For the sight-reading excerpt, you will be asked to play a selection that you have never seen prior to the audition. You will be given approximately 30 seconds to silently study the excerpt before performing it to the best of your ability. Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra

I, ______, hereby give ______permission to participate in all activities sanctioned by the Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra, including performances, rehearsals, travel, and dining experiences. We understand that rehearsal attendance and performance attendance is crucial to the success of the BMSSO. We are aware that all Orchestra rules as described in the BMS Orchestra Handbook as well as all GCPS rules as described in the Gwinnett County Public Schools Student/Parent Handbook apply at all times.

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______

Student Signature:______Date:______

Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra

I, ______, hereby give ______permission to participate in all activities sanctioned by the Berkmar Middle School Symphony Orchestra, including performances, rehearsals, travel, and dining experiences. We understand that rehearsal attendance and performance attendance is crucial to the success of the BMSSO. We are aware that all Orchestra rules as described in the BMS Orchestra Handbook as well as all GCPS rules as described in the Gwinnett County Public Schools Student/Parent Handbook apply at all times.

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______

Student Signature:______Date:______Dates to Remember

12/17/2009 – 7th/8th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert 4/27/2010 – 5th Grade Parent Orientation at BMS 5/13/2010 – 7th/8th Grade Orchestra Concert

*Dates for the 5th Grade Recruitment Performances are not yet determined. These performances include traveling to the area Elementary Schools to play a short concert for the 5th grade students and playing a short concert when the 5th Grade students and parents travel to BMS. More information regarding this matter will be relayed to you as new developments occur.

*The BMSSO will rehearse every Thursday. You will be notified of any rehearsal cancellations or additions.