Spring Auditions for Prep Large Ensembles

2020 Auditions

Each Spring, NEC Prep holds auditions for large ensemble entrance to and advancement within the program for the following school year. New this year, NEC Prep will be reviewing all large ensemble auditions via video in a new application system, Embark. All applicants will need to create a new account in the Embark system, even if you are a returning student. The application and audition video deadline will be May 15, 2020. 

Video Audition Requirements 

  • As this is a new audition system, all applicants (including returning students), will need to create a new account in Embark. 
  • Video recordings of audition materials will be submitted online through the Embark application, which you can access by clicking the link above. Physical CDs, DVDs, tapes, emailed files, and YouTube links are not accepted as audition files. 
  • The recording should be in one of the following video file types: MPEG, MPG, MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, or VOB.
  • Record the video of your scales in one continuous video. You are welcome to pause or breathe between each scale. Do not edit the video. 
  • Each contrasting solo should be recorded in separate videos. You may upload the solos in whichever order you choose.
  • If you are presenting the senior orchestra excerpts, please record both excerpts in one continuous take. You are welcome to pause or breathe between your selections. Do not edit the video.
  • Your face, hands, instrument, and bow stroke should remain in the frame for the duration of the video. If you are using a music stand, please be sure that it is not blocking the frame. Please use proper lighting.    
  • Instrumentalists: Audition videos with accompaniment will not be accepted. Please submit unaccompanied audition material.
  • If you have questions on how to submit a video audition, please be in touch with our office.    

Audition Repertoire

Audition repertoire can vary by instrument and audition type. For audition repertoire requirements, please visit the Spring Audition Requirements page.

Large Ensemble Spring Audition FAQ
 

How do I schedule an audition?

New this year, NEC Prep will be reviewing all large ensemble auditions via video. The deadline to submit your application and video recording is May 15, 2020. All applicants, including returning students, will need to create a new account in the Embark system. 

 

I'm currently enrolled in one of the large ensembles. Do I need to re-audition?

Orchestra

If you would like to be considered for a higher level orchestra, you must take a spring audition. If you would like to stay in the same ensemble, you do not need to take an audition. Please note: If you would like to be considered for YS or YPO, be sure to prepare the senior orchestra excerpts. 

Wind Ensemble

All students must re-audition.

Chorus

If you would like to be considered for a higher level chorus, you must take a spring audition. If you would like to stay in the same chorus, you do not need to take an audition.

Baroque

If you would like to be considered for a higher level ensemble, you must take a spring audition. If you would like to stay in the same ensemble, you do not need to take an audition.

Youth Jazz Orchestra

Current YJO students (2019-2020 year) do not need to take an audition. 

 

I have more than one child who would like to audition. Do I have to create separate applications for each of them?

Yes. A separate application must be submitted for each child. You may use the same email address for multiple applications. 

 

How much does it cost to audition for large ensembles?

There is an annual non-refundable $40 audition fee per student to audition for our large ensembles. Once this fee is paid, you can audition for as many different types of groups as you would like. Payments can be made online via the Embark application. Checks should be written out to "New England Conservatory" and can be mailed to NEC Prep Auditions, 290 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or dropped off in person to the main Prep Office: 33 Gainsborough Street, Boston, MA 02115.

 

What if I don’t know my audition pieces yet?

If you are unsure about what you will play in your audition, don’t worry! We suggest writing “TBD” or “Undecided” in the blanks. Then, once you know what you will perform, log back into your audition account and fill in the correct composer names and piece titles. If you have trouble, you can submit your audition repertoire to prep@necmusic.edu.

 

Which pieces am I supposed to prepare for the audition?

Spring audition repertoire requirements can be found by clicking here.

 

What are the tuition rates for the large ensembles?

Our tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found here.

 

After I audition, when will I find out about my audition placement?

Audition results will be released via email (to all student and parent email addresses associated with the student's account) on June 15, 2020.