Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program
EARL HAIG SECONDARY SCHOOL
MUSIC
Audition Guideline
For students entering Grades 9 to 11
The music program is divided into four areas: Strings, Band, Piano and Vocal.
Students may audition in only ONE area of music performance focus, but do let us know if you
are proficient on a secondary instrument. The day consists of a written diagnostic test, a
performance audition, a diagnostic musicianship test and an interview.
Part 1 – Class Activity – DAY OF THE AUDITION
 Candidates will write a diagnostic music literacy test (notation and general knowledge.)
Part 2 – Solo – PRIOR AND DAY OF THE AUDITION
String candidates will:
 perform one memorized solo piece from their repertoire
(an unaccompanied piece or a movement with piano accompaniment)
 perform major or minor scales/arpeggios - 3 octaves (2 octaves for bass)
 do an aural test (identify simple intervals and triads, clapback, playback, singback)
 sight-read a string selection, 16-32 measures
 sight-sing a vocal melody, 4-8 measures
 clap a notated rhythm, 4-8 measures
Woodwind and Brass candidates will:
 perform one memorized solo piece from their repertoire
(NB: not a part from a band score)
 perform major or minor scales/arpeggios, 2 to 3 octaves (as appropriate for the
instrument)
 do an aural test (identify simple* intervals and triads, clapback, playback, singback)
 sight-read a wind/brass selection, 16-32 measures
 sight-sing a vocal melody, 4-8 measures
 clap a notated rhythm, 4-8 measures
Percussion candidates will:
 perform one memorized solo piece for vibraphone or marimba
(NB: not a part from a band score)
 perform one etude for timpani (or 24-36 measures from a band score)
 perform one snare-drum etude (or 24-36 measures from a band score)
 do an aural test (identify simple* intervals and triads, clapback, playback, singback)
 sight-read a percussion selection, 16-32 measures
 sight-sing a vocal melody, 4-8 measures
Piano candidates will:
 perform one memorized piece from the standard repertoire
(Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, et al)
 perform major or minor scales and arpeggios, hands together, 4 octaves
 do an aural test (identify simple* intervals and triads, clapback, playback, singback)
 sight-read a selection for piano, 16-32 measures
 sight-sing a vocal melody, 4-8 measures
 clap a notated rhythm, 4-8 measures
Vocal Candidates will:
 perform one memorized solo piece from the classical repertoire, with or without
accompaniment (NB: no CD accompaniment)
 perform major or minor scales/arpeggios, 1 octave
 do an aural test (identify simple* intervals and triads, clapback, playback, singback)
 sight-sing a vocal selection, 8-16 measures
 sight-read and clap a notated rhythm, 4-8 measures
*simple intervals are within 1 octave (perfect 1, 4, 5; +/- 2, 3, 6, 7; dim./aug. 4/5.)
Part 3 – Interview – DAY OF THE AUDITION
Immediately following the audition, an interview with the audition panel will take place, asking
about your musical background, goals and interests inside and outside of music. Your
questions are encouraged at that time. This is our opportunity to get to know you better! 
Adjudicators
The adjudicating teams consist of teachers and professional artists. Auditions are private.
The decision of the adjudicating team is final.
The Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program is housed at Earl Haig Secondary School