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GSMST
The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Audition Information

GSMST Music - Auditions 2024-25

GSMST MUSIC DEPARTMENT AUDITION INFORMATION 2024-2025

The GSMST Music Department strives to be a world class educational program for students in grades 9-12 developing a well-rounded STEM student by offering rigorous courses fostering higher order thinking and creative problem-solving skills. We endeavor to enhance each student's artistic and social development so they leave GSMST as independent, cooperative, responsible and creative lifelong learners. We believe that these skills and qualities prepare our students to pursue further educational goals and allow them to contribute to the life and wellbeing of society as a whole.

The GSMST Music Department consists of 9 performance ensembles, some of which require an audition:

BANDS

  • Symphonic Band (No Audition, though Middle School Experience is Required)
  • Wind Ensemble Band (Audition Required, Zero Period - Transportation Required)

CHORUSES

  • Mixed Chorus (No Audition Required)
  • Advanced Treble Chorus (Audition Required)
  • Advanced Tenor Bass Chorus (Audition Required)

ORCHESTRAS

  • Concert Orchestra (No Audition, though Middle School Experience is Required)
  • Symphonic Orchestra (Audition Required)
  • Philharmonic Orchestra (Audition Required)
  • Honor Orchestra (Audition Required, Zero Period - Transportation Required)

Current GSMST Student auditions will take place beginning the week of April 22, 2024. Current GSMST students may contact specific directors for the exact date and procedures for each ensemble.

Rising Freshmen auditions will take place Saturday April 27, 2024 In-Person at GSMST. 

A specific audition schedule and instructions will be sent out by April 19th.

  • BAND: Dr. Matt Haynor - Matthew.I.Haynor@gcpsk12.org  
  • CHORUS: Mrs. Laurie C. Duke - Laurie.Duke@gcpsk12.org   
  • ORCHESTRA: Dr. W. David Richardson - David.Richardson@gcpsk12.org

To request and audition time slot please fill out the following form by FRIDAY, April 12th, 2024:

Click here to access the registration form

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AUDITION MATERIALS CAREFULLY!

Audition Details

GSMST WIND ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

The GSMST Wind Ensemble is the only auditioned ensemble of our Band program. The Wind Ensemble typically has performed Grade V and VI literature from the GMEA list, while the Symphonic Band has typically performed Grade III and IV literature. Audition for Wind Ensemble does not guarantee placement in the class as there is a limited number of spaces available for each instrument group. 

  • Auditions are not required for the Symphonic Band
  • Rising Freshmen auditions will take place Saturday April 27, 2024. A specific audition schedule will be sent out no later than April 19th. 
  • Current GSMST students auditions will take place beginning the week of April 22nd. 

Audition Requirements:

  1. SCALE REQUIREMENTS: 7 Major Scales with Arpeggio
  2. PREPARED ETUDE: Links to Solos are available via the Google Drive link below. Percussionists should prepare either the snare or timpani etude. 
  3. SIGHT READING: Students will attempt one sight-reading example.

To access audition excerpts click this link: Google Drive (Percussion should prepare the timpani or snare etude).

Band questions should be directed to: Matthew.I.Haynor@gcpsk12.org

GSMST ADVANCED TREBLE CHORUS and ADVANCED TENOR BASS CHORUS AUDITIONS

The GSMST CHORUS program has TWO (2) auditioned Choirs: The Advanced Treble Chorus and our Advanced Tenor Bass Chorus.  Both of these ensembles perform GMEA Grade A/B literature and routinely demonstrate All-State level sight singing.  The Treble Chorus is for experienced Soprano and Alto voices while the Tenor Bass Chorus is for experienced Tenor and Bass voices. While these classes will meet separately, students will also collaborate to perform SATB Chorus literature.  An audition for these ensembles does not guarantee placement in the class due to a limited number of spaces available.  **Auditions are not required for the Mixed Chorus**

  • Current GSMST Student auditions will take place the week of April 22nd, 2024 in class or by appointment.
  • Rising Freshmen auditions will take place Saturday April 27, 2024 at GSMST
  • A specific audition schedule and instructions will be sent out by April 19th.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Scales: Major, Natural Minor, & Chromatic Scales.  Sing up and down each scale in your preferred vocal method (solfege, numbers, etc).  Starting Pitch: Soprano F4; Alto C4)
  2. Solo ‐ "The Ash Grove”: The solo is to be performed A Capella (though a learning track has been made available for use during your preparation).  
  3. Sight Reading: Students will attempt three sight-singing examples, each 4 measures long, in the style of 9/10 All-State auditions. 
  • Example #1 Major Key and Simple Meter
  • Example #2 Natural Minor Key and Simple Meter 
  • Example #3 Major Key and Simple Meter with increased rhythmic difficulty.

Tonality will be established for each example followed by 30 seconds of vocalized study.  Students may use the sight reading method of their choice (solfege, numbers, etc.).

Please save this link to access audition materials: GSMST Advanced Chorus Auditions

Chorus questions should be directed to: Laurie.Duke@gcpsk12.org

GSMST ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

The GSMST Orchestra program has THREE (3) auditioned orchestras. The Symphonic Orchestra typically performs GMEA Grade IV literature, the Philharmonic Orchestra typically performs GMEA Grade V literature, and the Honor Orchestra typically performs GMEA Grade VI literature. Audition for these ensembles does not guarantee placement in the particular ensemble. Students can only be selected for the highest ensemble for which they audition or placed in a lower orchestra (i.e. a student cannot audition for Philharmonic Orchestra and be placed in the Honor Orchestra, but could be placed in Symphonic or Concert Orchestras).

  • Auditions are not required for the Concert Orchestra 
  • Rising Freshmen auditions will take place Saturday April 27, 2024. 
  • Current GSMST students auditions will take place beginning the week of April 22nd. 
  • A specific audition schedule and instructions will be sent out by April19th.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. SCALE & ARPEGGIO REQUIREMENTS
    1. Violin - A Major and G melodic minor (any bow pattern, any tempo), 3 octaves
    2. Viola - D Major and C melodic minor (any bow pattern, any tempo), 3 octaves
    3. Cello - D Major and C melodic minor (any bow pattern, any tempo), 3 octaves
    4. Bass - F Major and G melodic minor (any bow pattern, any tempo), 2 octaves
  1. SIGHT READING (a brief sight reading excerpt will be given following standard GMEA sight-reading procedures)
  2. EXCERPTS- perform 2 excerpts for the appropriate ensemble (both must be performed).

Ensemble placement will be made based on the quality of the student’s performance.

Click here for auditions excerpts (PDF, Google Drive)

Orchestra questions should be directed to: David.Richarson@gcpsk12.org