Incoming/Current Brandeis Broncos

Shown below is some information welcoming our new students to the program and information about the audition process.  
The Brandeis Orchestra has 5 Orchestras:

Orchestra Classes 
  • Beginner Orchestra (7th Period) students with little to no experience are welcome to join this orchestra. These students will learn how to read music & play a string instrument of their choice. These students will participate in our Winter & Spring Concert. 

  • Prep  B (4th Period) Also known as Sub Non Orchestra Orchestra is composed primarily of students who are experienced musicians who have achieved and will work to solidify their instrumental technique and prepare them for more advanced technique and repertoire.  This orchestra is predominantly freshman but not required. These students should have some shifting experience and have demonstrated vibrato. These students will  participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest and are highly encouraged to participate in UIL Solo & Ensemble. Students do not have to audition to be in the Prep Orchestra.

  • Prep A  (3rd  Period) Also known as JV String Orchestra is composed primarily of students who are experienced musicians who have achieved and will work to solidify their instrumental technique and prepare them for more advanced technique and repertoire. These students should have some shifting experience and have demonstrated vibrato. These students will  participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest and are highly encouraged to participate in UIL Solo & Ensemble. Students do not have to audition to be in the Prep Orchestra. 

  • Concert/JV (2nd Period) Also known as Philharmonic Orchestra  is composed primarily of students who are experienced musicians who have achieved and will work to solidify their instrumental technique and prepare them for more advanced technique and repertoire. These students should be able to comfortably play in positions 1-4 and have demonstrated vibrato. These students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest, and in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest. They are highly encouraged to audition for the TMEA All Region HS orchestra. 

  • Symphony (Varsity) Orchestra is composed of students who continue to work at mastering instrumental technique, work toward a higher level of proficiency, demonstrate their commitment to the organization and to learning, and consistently model proper orchestral etiquette and behavior. Chamber Orchestra students are required to have passing semester grades in all courses. Students who do not maintain these standards may be transferred to a different orchestra the next year. These students should be able to comfortably play in positions 1-7 and have demonstrated mature musical expression. These students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, audition for and make  TMEA All Region HS orchestra, audition for All-State, participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest, and in UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest.


Audition information

Audition Material for Varsity Orchestra
  • Students will need to play 2-3 minutes of a concerto or solo work and scale
  • Solo should be a UIL Class I found on the https://www.uiltexas.org/pml/
  • 3 Octave Scale (Violin, Viola, Cello) 2 Octave for String Bass
  • Participation in UIL Solo & Ensemble, UIL Concert & Sightreading, & TMEA All Region

Audition Material for Junior Varsity Orchestra
  • Students will need to play 2-3 minutes of a concerto or solo work and scale
  • Solo should be a UIL Class I or II solo found/listed on the UIL PML - https://www.uiltexas.org/pml/
  • 2 Octave Scale  

Students who do not participate in the required competitions will have to re-audition. Placement in an orchestra will also be determined by a student’s overall performance and attitude during the current school year.

Students will submit audition videos on Google Classroom no later than Friday, May 9th

Click Here to join the Google Classroom
(Students must have Google Classroom App downloaded)

Please be sure to fill out student information form as well

Rosters will be posted Summer of 2025 
Audition results are based on student conduct, audition material, & group size/need*