Violin

Mandatory music selection requirements for auditioning as a violist.

Recruiting for this instrument
is currently closed.

Audition process and preparation

All auditions will be performed live with the Canadian Forces String Ensemble.

The live audition is divided into 3 parts:

• solo performance
• ensemble performance
• Music Branch interview

Solo performance

Prepared solos

You must prepare at least 2 pieces of contrasting musical styles. Accompanist is not required.

Mandatory Selection No. 1 - Perform 2 contrasting movements of any one of the following works:

Bach Cello Suites for Viola

• No. 1 in G
• No. 2 in D Minor
• No. 3 in C
• No. 4 in Eb
• No. 5 in C Minor
• No. 6 in D

Mandatory Selection No. 2 - Perform a solo of your choice that best exemplifies your abilities.

Optional Selections - Perform a solo of your choice that demonstrates your versatility in any other musical style and / or your ability on an alternate instrument.

Scales and arpeggios

• Chromatic Scale – full practical range of the instrument
• Diatonic Scales (All keys) – Major, Harmonic and Melodic Minor
• Arpeggios (All keys) – Major and minor triads, dominant and diminished 7ths

Note: All scales and arpeggios must be played from memory, 3 octaves (where possible), in 16th notes at quarter = 100 bpm.

Designated scales will be followed by either an arpeggio, a Dominant 7th arpeggio built on the 5th degree of the scale, or a Diminished 7th arpeggio built on the 7th degree of the scale, and will resolve to the tonic.

Ensemble performance

Ensemble skills

Perform with various chamber ensembles such as quintets, quartets, trios, and duos. Choice of material will be left to the discretion of the auditioning unit

Sight-reading

Perform various styles of sight-reading and material will be provided at the audition.

Music Branch interview

A selection panel within the Regular Force Band will assess you. After the audition, you will be interviewed by the panel. All recordings and assessments will be sent to DHH Music for final selection.

Final selection will be based on the panel’s recommendations.