Existing County Group members

• The audition will consist of an own choice piece, which should not exceed 5 minutes in length, a piece of sight reading and a repertoire test based on items performed recently by your group.
• It is important that the piece chosen by the candidate accurately reflects their playing ability, as places will be offered on the basis of performance at the audition.

New candidates

• The audition will consist of an own choice piece, which should not exceed 5 minutes in length, and a piece of sight reading.
• It is important that the piece chosen by the candidate accurately reflects their playing ability, places will be offered on the basis of performance at the audition.
• In addition, candidates may be asked to do other simple exercises to help the panel build a full picture of a player’s ability.

• All applicants should be over 9 years of age on 31 August 2019.
• New applicants as well as current members of Young Actors Company and NMPAT Youth Theatre will be invited to take part in a workshop audition. This will include a drama warm-up, improvisation workshop followed by an individual audition.
• All applicants will be expected to prepare and perform a scripted piece from a recognised writer. Either a dramatic monologue, or a duologue. Please note that there is a time limit of 2 minutes.
• Workshops will take place between 3:30pm and 5:30pm on Saturday 6 July and Saturday 14 September 2019.
• To apply for a place on either workshop, please email office@nmpat.co.uk.

Acoustic Classical Guitar (nylon strung ‘classical’ guitar)

All current county group members:

• are expected to play an own choice piece
• sight read at 3 levels
• are expected to play selected passages from their years’ repertoire
• should also prepare any (own choice) 2 octave major, minor and melodic minor scale, played i,m,i

New candidates:

• are advised to choose a piece of classical solo repertoire using standard notation on a nylon strung, classical guitar
• as a guide, should be ABRSM or Trinity College London grade 2 or above
• will also expected to play scales of C, G and D major. A harmonic minor. All 1 octave played i,m,i
• a choice of sight reading will be given, set at 3 levels of difficulty

Four students will be offered the opportunity to work with John Draper as the Tarrega Guitar Quartet. This invitation will be in September and the quartet members will have additional pieces to learn, plus other concert commitments alongside Guitarlactica’s.

Students who play with the quartet will be challenged with demanding repertoire and should be able to work independently from time to time. The Tarrega Quartet is not offered as an alternative to the main guitar ensemble.

Electric Guitar

Electric guitarists interested in auditioning for jazz groups should see the jazz audition requirements below.

• The audition will consist of an own choice piece’ which should not exceed 5 minutes in length, and a piece of sight reading.
• In addition, candidates may be asked to do other simple exercises to help the panel build a full picture of a players’ ability.
• It is important that the own choice piece accurately reflects the playing ability of the candidate, as places will be offered on the basis of performance at the audition.

The audition will consist of:

• An own choice piece ,which should not exceed 5 minutes in length.
• A piece of sight-reading

In the case of Jazz Piano or Jazz Guitar you will be asked to improvise at a level appropriate to your own choice piece, either with a backing track, or with a member of the audition panel playing along.

In the case of Jazz Bass you may be asked to play a bass line from a big band chart – depending on the level you are auditioned at – this may include some improvisation.

Please note that there are limited options available for piano players in county groups.

Existing training and Youth Group players

• You will be required to prepare a short piece, or excerpt for snare and timpani, plus prepare the set tuned excerpt for your level:
  • Training level – Xylophone – ‘Hoe Down’ from ‘Rodeo’ by Copland – Figure 10 up to 4 bars before figure 12       
  • Youth level – Xylophone from ‘The Firebird Ballet’ by Stravinsky – Figure 127 – 133
• There will be sight reading and aural tests, such as playing along with a backing track on one or more of the following – cymbals, tambourine or triangle.
• You might also be asked to demonstrate open and closed rolls and snare drum rudiments.

Existing Junior Group players

• You will be required to prepare a short piece, or excerpt for snare and timpani, plus prepare the set xylophone excerpt from ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Saint Sean – ‘Fossils’ – beginning to letter A.
• There will be sight reading and aural tests, such as playing along with a backing track on one or more of the following – cymbals, tambourine or triangle.
• You should prepare an own choice piece for drum kit.
• You might also be asked to demonstrate open and closed rolls and snare drum rudiments.

New candidates

• Please note that the minimum standard for all new candidates is Trinity College London grade 3 in either orchestral percussion or drum kit, or grade 5 Rock School drum kit.
• You will be required to prepare the set pieces for snare drum and drum kit. There will be pieces available for timpani and tuned percussion which you should prepare if you can.
  • Set pieces for Snare, Tuned, Timpani and Drum kit (PDF 138KB) – this is also available as a hard copy from the NMPAT office.
• You will also be expected to demonstrate closed and open rolls plus snare rudiments up to Trinity College London grade 3 snare drum standard.
• There will be sight reading tests for snare drum, and please be prepared to demonstrate basic listening skills, such as playing along with a backing track or piano.

Big Band: Jazz 2, Jazz 3 and new entry Jazz drummers

• You will be required to perform two short contrasting pieces on the kit that reflect an understanding of Big Band and Swing drumming.
• There will be sight reading tests and you should be prepared to play by ear in a jazz style to a backing track and/or a piano with sticks and brushes.

Copies of the set pieces will be available from your teacher or Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust office direct. If you need further advice on the standards, requirements or suitable material, please contact us.

Existing County Group members

You will need to play:

• the set piece, scale and arpeggio for your age
• extracts from pieces currently being played by your county group
• sight reading tests

New applicants

You will need to play:

• the set piece, scale and arpeggio for your age
• a short piece of your own choice (up to 5 minutes)
• sight reading tests

If you are auditioning for the first time, your own choice piece should be an approximate standard of:

Violin

• Age 10 and under: Grade 2 merit or Music Medal Gold
• Age 11 and 12: Grade 3 or Music Medal Platinum
• Age 13 and 14: Grade 4 – 5
• Age 15 and 16: Grade 6
• Age 17 and over: Grade 7+

Viola, Cello and Bass

• Age 10 and under: Grade 1 merit or Music Medal Silver – Gold
• Age 11 and 12: Grade 2 merit or Music Medal Gold – Platinum
• Age 13 and 14: Grade 3 – 4
• Age 15 and 16: Grade 5 – 6
• Age 17 and over: Grade 6+

All candidates are reminded that they must play the set piece and scale for their age group. However, candidates may also play the set piece, scale and arpeggio of one other higher standard age group. Extra credit may be given for a complete performance of a higher standard set piece and scale, providing the standard of performance is sufficient to merit it.

Please note all scales and arpeggios should be played separate bows and without vibrato.

If you wish to be considered for Zingaresque (World Music Group) or the String Sinfonia please indicate where required on your application. Membership of String Sinfonia is only open to string players invited to join CTO or CYO who have reached a minimum standard of Grade 6 merit.

Set pieces for all candidates

Violin

Age and requirements

Age 10 and under on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of B flat major (2 octaves). 

• Violin age 10 and under set piece (PDF 26KB)

Age 11 and 12 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of D major (2 octaves). 

• Violin age 11 and 12 set piece (PDF 28KB)

Age 13 and 14 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of G major (3 octaves). 

• Violin age 13 and 14 set piece (PDF 46KB)

Age 15 and 16 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of B flat major (3 octaves).

• Violin age 15 and 16 set piece (PDF 101KB)

Age 17 and over on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of D major (3 octaves).

• Violin age 17 and over set piece (PDF 140KB)

Viola

Age and requirements

Age 10 and under on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of E flat major (2 octaves).

• Viola age 10 and under set piece (PDF 26KB)

Age 11 and 12 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of G major (2 octaves).

• Viola age 11 and 12 set piece (PDF 27KB)

Age 13 and 14 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of F major (2 octaves).

• Viola age 13 and 14 set piece (PDF 42KB)

Age 15 and 16 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of D major (3 octaves).

• Viola age 15 and 16 set piece (PDF 144KB)

Age 17 and over on 31 August 2019 – Scale and Arpeggio of E flat major (3 octaves).            

• Viola age 17 and over set piece (PDF 144KB)

Cello

Age and requirements

Age 10 and under on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of G major (2 octaves).

• Cello age 10 and under set piece (PDF 46KB)

Age 11 and 12 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of A major (2 octaves).

• Cello age 11 and 12 set piece (PDF 54KB)

Age 13 and 14 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of C major (3 octaves)  

• Cello age 13 and 14 set piece (PDF 96KB)

Age 15 and 16 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of E flat major (3 octaves). 

• Cello age 15 and 16 set piece (PDF 152KB)

Age 17 and over on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of A major (3 octaves). 

• Cello age 17 and over set piece (PDF 92KB)

Double bass

Age and requirements

Age 10 and under on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of G major (1 octave).

• Double Bass age 10 and under set piece (PDF 83KB)

Age 11 and 12 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of D major (1 octave).

• Double Bass age 11 and 12 set piece (PDF 66KB)

Age 13 and 14 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of E flat major (1 octave).

• Double Bass age 13 and 14 set piece (PDF 92KB)

Age 15 and 16 on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of E major (2 octaves).

• Double Bass age 15 and 16 set piece (PDF 92 KB)

Age 17 and over on 31 August 2019 – Scale and arpeggio of E major (3 octaves). 

• Double Bass age 17 and over set piece (PDF 211KB)

New applicants – Summer 2019

Choose any song that you are comfortable singing, either from the list below or one you already know.

Current County Choir members

Please choose a song from the grade lists below depending on your ability and which choir you are auditioning for. If you have taken a grade recently you may sing a song from your exam even if it is not on the list. 

Sheet music will be available in your audition from the music in the list below but if you are singing a song outside of the list you need to bring the music for the pianist with you.

County Junior Choir

From grades 1 to 3.

County Training Choir

From grade 3 to 5.

County Senior Girls Choir

From grade 5 upwards.

County Youth Choir

From grades 6 to 8.

Please contact your music teacher or the NMPAT vocal staff if you have any questions on repertoire or the audition requirements.

Grade 1

The second star to the right – Peter Pan
My favourite things – The Sound of Music       
My bonnie lies over the ocean – Traditional
Where is Love – Oliver!
The Crocodile – Jenkyns
The Grandfather Clock – Rowley

Grade 2

Who will buy? – Oliver!
A whole New World – Aladdin
Doh-Re-Mi – The Sound of Music      
Cockles and Mussels – Traditional
Consider Yourself – Oliver!
Part of your world – The Little Mermaid
Bobby Shafto – traditional
Dalmation Cradle song – traditional
Go tell it on the mountain – traditional
A dream is a wish your heart makes – Cinderella

Grade 3

The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book
Castle on a cloud – Les Miserables
Maybe – Annie
An Eriskay Love Lilt – Traditional
Greensleeves – Traditional (3 verses)
Santa Lucia – traditional
Any dream will do – Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat
Wouldn’t it be loverly – My Fair Lady
Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffanys
The path to the moon – Thiman

Grade 4

Can you feel the love tonight? – The Lion King
The Sound of Music – The Sound of Music
Feed the Birds – Mary Poppins    
My love is like a red, red rose – Traditional
Scarborough Fair – Traditional
Colours of the Wind – Pocohontas
Amazing Grace – Traditional
The lark in the clear air – Traditional
Whistle down the wind – Whistle down the wind
Electricity – Billy Elliot
When she loved me – Toy Story 2

Grade 5

Over the Rainbow – The Wizard of Oz
Home – Beauty and the beast
Once upon a dream – Jekyll and Hyde
I dreamed a dream – Les Miserables
Far from the home I love – Fiddler on the roof
I’m not saying a word – Blood Brothers (MALE)
Pilate’s dream – Jesus Christ Superstar (MALE)
Panis Angelicus – C. Franck
Sonntag – Brahms
Sebben Crudele – Caldara    
The Salley Gardens – (Britten arr.) Traditional
How should I your true love know – Quilter
Linden Lea – Vaughan Williams
My House – Matilda
Cold enough to snow – Menken

Grade 6

Soprano/mezzo
Summertime – Porgy and Bess
Voi che sapete – Mozart
Alma del Core – Caldara
O Holy Night – Adam
Can’t help lovin’ dat man – Showboat
Someone to watch over me – Oh Kay
Wishing you were somehow here again – The Phantom of the Opera    
A Blackbird Singing – Michael Head
Don’t cry for me Argentina – Evita
The Willow song – Sullivan

Alto
Voi che sapete – Mozart
Verdi Prati – Handel
Someone else’s story – Chess
I’m not that girl – Wicked
Dein blaues auge – Brahms
Vittoria mio core – Carissimi
Can’t help lovin’ dat man – Showboat
A Blackbird Singing – Michael Head
Anything Goes – Anything Goes
With one look – Sunset Boulevard

Tenor
Me – Beauty and the Beast
Where’er you walk – Handel
I got plenty o’ nuttin’ – Porgy and Bess
Not while I’m around – Sweeney Todd
The Sailor’s song – Purcell
Luck be a lady – Guys and Dolls    
O mistress mine – Quilter

Bass
This Nearly was mine – South Pacific
Lost in the Darkness – Jekyll and Hyde
I got plenty o’ nuttin’ – Porgy and Bess
The Impossible dream – Man of La Mancha

Grade 7 and 8

For grades 7 and 8 songs please ask your Vocal Teacher or Choir Director.

General audition information for woodwind instruments

NMPAT offers places for woodwind students on flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and saxophone. Our entry-level group is the County Junior Woodwind Ensemble; we also have three further levels (junior, training and youth) for orchestra, wind orchestra and jazz band (please note only saxophones are placed in our jazz bands).

Approximate guide to NMPAT woodwind levels

Please note these are not absolute figures; places are offered on a mixture of age, experience, standard, audition performance, etc. Our woodwind panels will always try to place students in the group most appropriate for their age and ability:

• County Junior Woodwind Ensemble: Grade 2+, usually Year 5+ (some Year 4s)
• County Junior Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Jazz 3:  Usually Grade 3+, usually Year 7+
• County Training Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Jazz 2:  Usually Grade 5/6+, usually Year 9/10+
• County Youth Orchestra, Concert Band, Big Band: Usually Grade 7+, usually Year 11+

New candidates: Refers to all players, regardless of age or standard, who are not playing a woodwind instrument in an NMPAT ensemble during the current academic year. This also includes players who have previously been in a NMPAT ensemble on a woodwind instrument, or are currently in a NMPAT ensemble on an instrument from a different family (strings, brass, percussion, voice).

Existing candidates: Refers to all players, regardless of age or standard, who currently play a woodwind instrument in an NMPAT County Group.

Piano or CD accompaniment will not be possible during NMPAT auditions; therefore candidates will need to play pieces without accompaniment. The only exception to this is the improvisation test for jazz saxophones, where a backing track or accompaniment will be provided by the audition panel.

Own-choice pieces: All candidates will need to provide the panel with photocopies of their own choice music (you must bring the original), which the panel will recycle at the end of the auditions.

Timings: We aim for auditions to last between 10 to 15 minutes. Each year we audition over 200 woodwind students so would ask that candidates prepare pieces that do not last too long. For advanced candidates bringing longer pieces (concerto movements, etc.) the panel reserves the right to ask for certain sections of the piece (or to stop candidates mid-performance) in order to keep the auditions running on time; candidates will not be penalised in this scenario. Candidates are also not required to wait for multiple rest bars, and repeats are optional.

Woodwind audition requirements

All new candidates

(Please remember to bring photocopies of own choice music for the panel).

All new candidates will need to be prepared to play some long notes, scales and arpeggios appropriate to their current level to warm up in their audition; this is not a scales and arpeggios test, but some knowledge of the scale and arpeggio requirements for the grade you are currently working on should be evident. Further to this, all new candidates need to prepare:

• Two own-choice pieces that best reflect your current standard and ability. Pieces should preferably be taken from the current Trinity or ABRSM exam lists, although this is not essential and candidates will not be penalised for presenting pieces not on syllabus lists.
• A short Sight-Reading test will be provided, suitable to the standard of the candidate.

All existing candidates

(Please remember to bring photocopies of own choice music for the panel).

All existing candidates will need to be prepared to play some long notes, scales and arpeggios appropriate to their current level to warm up in their audition; this is not a scales and arpeggios test, but some knowledge of the scale and arpeggio requirements for the grade you are currently working on should be evident. Further to this, all existing candidates need to prepare:

• One own-choice piece that best reflects your current standard and ability. Pieces should preferably be taken from the current Trinity or ABRSM exam lists, although this is not essential and candidates will not be penalised for presenting pieces not on syllabus lists.
• A short sight-reading test will be provided, suitable to the standard of the candidate.
• Repertoire Tests will be provided that can cover music from any of the final two concerts of the academic year.

Improvisation elements for saxophone students wishing to be considered for NMPAT Jazz Bands

In addition to the above requirements for all woodwind students, any saxophone student (new or existing) wishing to be considered for a jazz group will be required to perform a short improvisation as part of the audition. 

There are two options for candidates:

Beginner to intermediate players: Will need to improvise a 12-bar blues in Concert F. Students can choose their own tempo and may use straight or swung quavers. Students may improvise using a single octave or can expand to cover the blues scale across the whole range of their instrument:

• Alto/Baritone Sax:  D – F – G – G# – A – C – D
• Soprano/Tenor Sax:  G – Bb – C – C# – D – F – G

Advanced players: Will need to prepare two choruses of Autumn Leaves (in Concert G).

All instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to audition for the World Music Groups Zingaresque. Members are usually also members of other County ensembles.

The audition will consist of an opportunity to perform on your principal instrument and demonstrate your interest in the collaborative process of building music from diverse musical influences.

If you wish to be considered for a Zingaresque audition please indicate where required on the audition application form.