[학생 기자 칼럼] MCYO Audition Workshop

Allison Yang/8th grade, Cabin John Middle School

The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra(MCYO) is the most renowned youth orchestra in the state of Maryland. MCYO, formally known as the Montgomery County Youth Orchestra, was founded in 1946 by Mr. Chester Petranek, a former supervisor of music for the Montgomery County schools, to develop the strength of a young talented musician‘s performing skill.

Since then, MCYO’s musical program has outreached with great success. There are six ensembles (Harp Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Young Artists, Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Philharmonic) based on the musical ability and grade level. Preparatory Strings, grade 3 to 5, has been added this year, so the kids will have a greater opportunity to explore their musicality.

Auditions for MCYO have been incredibly competitive and challenging each year. The scale and excerpt requirements are becoming more difficult in order to select the fine young musician. Because of MCYO‘s high expectations, most musicians choose pieces that contain tricky rhythms and several position changes.

In the Gazette, “Auditions were held by the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra to test the pluck of over 900 local fourth- through twelfth-graders, all jockeying for a mere 430 spots in the MCYO’s six ensembles.” The conductors choose about half of the musicians auditioning for one of the six ensembles. How competitive is that!

This year MCYO had its first audition workshop on August 4th from 6:30 - 9:00PM at Strathmore for participants. Approximately two hundred auditioners, parents, and teachers came to the clinic, presenting passion and enthusiasm for music. The workshop helped many newcoming musicians have a chance to learn about how to tackle your nerves and how to prepare for the audition. The MCYO conductors, MCYO graduates, and BSO musicians together provided comments on the auditioners’ playing.

In my opinion, the clinic helped me understand that the audition may be nerve racking, but you can never be scared about it. To reduce your performance anxiety, eat dairy products, which make you relaxed. According to the MCYO conductors, having a banana two to three hours prior to the audition will calm your nerves.

A word of advice is not to look at the judge because it makes you even more nervous. Applicants are more comfortable in some other auditions, such as those of Montgomery County Orchestra, where the judge behind a screen. However, that is seldom the case.

You need to convince the judge that you are capable for the orchestra. It might be helpful to rehearse your audition requirements in front of your family as if you are playing to the judge. Your most important task is to engage your performance with full confidence.

It is also important to arrange for a private teacher to teach you over the summer, or at the very least to help you with the audition requirements over the summer. It can be unnerving if your teacher is traveling or otherwise unable to help you prepare your audition. Surprisingly, in many cases that does happen….

Everyone who prepares for auditions is accepted or rejected. But you cannot be disappointed for being rejected. Parents who have supported you financially and mentally may also be disappointed. Being accepted in MCYO is highly competitive, but try your best and believe in your credo.

I believe in the fireworks coming from one’s own hands. The talent of being unharmed. But the belief that nobody makes mistakes is ludicrous. I believe in my dreams coming true. And I believe in the power of courage and excitement.