McGlynn String Ensemble 2013-2014
Sophia Chang, Conductor
The McGlynn String Ensemble was founded in 2009 by Medford teacher Sophia Chang to encourage the development of high performance standards. This program is open by audition to advanced string players grade 6-8 in Medford Public Schools.
The McGlynn String Ensemble has a proven record of meeting its goals in its short history. Competing in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Chorus Conductors Association (MICCA), the Ensemble won a silver medal in 2011 and a gold medal in both 2012 and 2013. As a result, the group has performed in the Gold Medal Showcase in Mechanics hall (Worcester) and Symphony Hall (Boston).
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 2:30 – 4:00 pm at McGlynn Middle School Room 302
Rotating Sectionals: Wednesdays 2:30 – 4:00 pm.
By auditioning for the McGlynn String Ensemble, you will be taking a step toward joining other young musicians who have the desire to pursue excellence in music. What the Ensemble looks for are students with
- Passion for music
- Determination for excellence
- Endurance for intense mental focus
- Commitment for all rehearsals, sectionals, and performances
- Perseverance for revising and refining
- Keen musical mind – a thinker
- Critical listening skill – a listener
- Ability to adjust and blend with stand partner, section and ensemble – a team player
- Willingness to take the risk in learning
Audition Requirement
Scales – metronome marking 66 – 80
- Two Octaves major scales and broken thirds. Click links below, choose any two scales.
- Two Octaves chromatic scales – Violin/G, Viola, Cello/C, Bass/E
- Circle of 4ths (MSE re-audition only). Add one whole step above the note: ABA DED GAG CDC FGF Bb etc.
- Violin: G, D, A, Bb (PDF)
- Viola: G, D, Eb (PDF)
- Cello: G, D, A, F (PDF)
- String Bass: G, A, Bb (PDF)
America in five keys: G, D, C, F, and Bb (choose any one).
Two contrasting pieces (orchestra excerpts) which best demonstrate your techniques and musicality.
Excerpts (MSE re-audition only)
Violin (use 1st violin part)
- Allegro from Concerto Grosso opening – m 41, may replace with lower octave.
- Capriol Suite Mattachins mm29 – 76, choose any one voice.
- Fire Dance mm 17-31.
Viola
- Allegro from Concerto Grosso letter E to N.
- Capriol Suite Basse Danse mm 17 – 49.
- Fire Dance mm 17-31.
Cello/Bass
- Allegro from Concerto Grosso letter B to N.
- Capriol Suite Pavane letter A to the end.
- Fire Dance mm 29-41.
All audition candidates must submit a copy of 3rd term grade.
Acceptance to the group is also based on the instrumentation needs of the ensemble.
Upon acceptance, attendance is mandatory to all rehearsals, sectionals and performances.
Audition by YouTube link or by DVD (deadline: June 28, 2013)
Please include the following information:
- Name/Grade/School
- Instrument/years studying the instrument
- Private lesson on the instrument you play?
- Piano lessons?
- Previous ensemble experience?
- Parent E-mail address.
YouTube Link:
- Create a YouTube account.
- Upload video file to YouTube.
- Edit Title MSE Audition 2014 including name and instrument.
- Include all information under the description section.
- Set Unlisted for privacy
- Click SHARE, copy URL and send the link to schang@medford.k12.ma.us
DVD Video
- Title page must include the information mentioned above before you play.
- Announce each piece you play.
- Label DVD – MSE Audition 2013, name, grade, school, instrument.
- Send DVD to Sophia Chang
McGlynn Middle School, 3004 Mystic Valley Parkwy, Medford MA 02155.