Music Requirements for the String Live Auditions:
- Students auditioning will be required to perform a two or three octave major scale (ascending and descending) as posted.
- Students auditioning will be required to perform a two or three octave minor scale (ascending and descending) as posted.
- Students auditioning will be required to perform the required excerpts from orchestra literature as posted.
- No sight reading
During May, June, and July, KMEA All-State personnel will review and research any suggested corrections submitted regarding the posted scales and excerpts.
On August 15, KMEA will re-post the All-State audition materials, incorporating all confirmed corrections.
The August 15 posting will serve as the official and final version of the audition music, and students are expected to prepare exactly what is posted—regardless of any additional corrections suggested by private teachers or other sources after this date.
The following sets of excerpts will be used in a 4-year rotation. Use the correct set as indicated by the school years listed.
Year 4 Excerpts have been revised. New files were posted June 17, 2025. New files contain “v2025” in the file name.
Scales & Arpeggios: One major and one melodic minor scale
- Candidate’s choice of keys
- Three octaves, hands together
- Sixteenth notes, slurred
- Quarter note at a minimum of 60 bpm
Solo
Musicians are expected to play 4-5 minutes from a solo of the musician’s choice, without accompaniment. Musicians are encouraged to choose a piece that best demonstrates their level of playing.