Placement Guide

Prelude

1-2 years

Know all four finger patterns on all four strings in first position.

Can read music for all strings in first position.

Maturity level of the student.

Concert

2-4 years

Able to shift to lower positions: ½, II, III and IV.

Can read music for all strings in multiple positions.

Increasing technical demands and practice dedication.

Symphonic

3-5 years

Able to shift to upper positions: V, VI and VII.

Violins:

• Numerous ledger lines above the staff

Violas: 

• Treble clef

Cello/Bass: 

• Tenor Clef

Private lessons recommended to help with difficult techniques needed for the repertoire.

Youth Philharmonic

4+ years

Able to shift to the highest positions.

Violins/Viola:

• Past VII

Cello/Bass:

• Thumb position

Violins: 

• Numerous ledger lines above the staff

Violas: 

• Treble Clef

Cello/Bass: 

• Tenor and treble clef

Private lessons HIGHLY recommended. Students not taking private lessons may greatly struggle with technical demands of the repertoire.

Symphonic

Comfortable with all scales for SCBDA All-State Clinic Band auditions.

N/A

N/A

Private lessons recommended to help with difficult techniques needed for the repertoire.

Youth Philharmonic

Comfortable with all scales for SCBDA All-State Senior Band auditions.

Trombone and Bassoon need to read tenor clef.

Clarinets, Horns and Trumpets need to transpose parts and/or provide instruments in alternative keys.

Private lessons HIGHLY recommended. Students not taking private lessons may greatly struggle with technical demands of the repertoire.