Students who are new to the program and have previous experience playing an instrument must have a placement audition. This will determine which ensemble is the best fit for the student. The OHMI Staff wants the students to be challenged, but not overwhelmed. Placement auditions for new students will be the day of the New Families Orientation the last week of August. See the sheet below for audition requirements. They will be expected to play any scales they know, and the last solo piece they worked on. Some sight-reading may also be included.
All returning instrumental students who are in Concert Band, Philharmonic Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Symphony Orchestra will have a placement audition to determine the progress they have made over the summer, and present playing ability. Students will sign up for a time slot for their respective branch from 3:00 – 6:45 pm, and 8:10 – 9:00 pm the last Monday in August (Waterford), or the last Tuesday in August (Troy).
All vocal students (new and returning) who are in MS Chorus & Concert Choir will have a vocal placement session to determine their voice part & singing abilities. Students will sign up for a time slot for their respective branch from 3:00 – 6:45 pm, and 8:10 – 9:00 pm the last Monday in August (Waterford), or the last Tuesday in August (Troy). This placement session consists of singing a few vocal warm-ups, and a known song for the director. It is very low-key.
Students who wish to enroll in Advanced Choir have a formal audition which includes a prepared classical solo and sight-singing. See the sheet below for details.
Why placement auditions/vocal placements are necessary for returning students
In a typical school setting, the teacher sees students 3 – 5 days/week, can take the first few weeks of class to determine the ability level of their students, and choose appropriate music. At OHMI, we meet once/week. If the directors can hear where the students are ability-wise before the start of classes, it gives them time to pick appropriate repertoire (music) for their ensembles. Some students practice all summer & take lessons, and may move up a level. Other students may ignore their instrument all summer, and actually regress in their abilities. The director has no way of knowing this without hearing the student play. Likewise, vocal students may have had a voice change over the summer, and not sing the same voice part anymore. Knowing what the make-up of the class is will be a great help to the director in choosing music.
Questions? Email us – info@ohmimusic.com.
OHMI Wind Percussion Auditions