There are two concerts per season. The concert dates and locations are below:
November 20th, 2023, 7PM at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center
April 21st, 2024, 3PM at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall
Crescendo rehearsals are held on Sundays from 2:30-4:30pm between September and April at Pearl Studios located at 500 Eighth Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018.
Students are allowed a maximum of two excused absences during each concert cycle, up to a total of three absences for the season. Please note that there are mandatory rehearsals and performances for each concert cycle. Mandatory dates are noted in the program calendar, which can be found below. Absences from mandatory events will result in dismissal from the concert and/or program, with the possible exception of a death in the family or a serious medical emergency, including COVID-19 related illness.
Applicants should review the guidelines on this page to ensure they can fulfill the commitment to the program before applying.
Crescendo auditions will be held on August 23rd, 25th, 28th & 29th at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY. Upon completing the online application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your audition. All auditions will be held in-person.
Applicants must be between the ages of 10 and 18 and must reside in the five New York City boroughs. Please note that the age range for Crescendo is different than our other programs. In order to participate in the 2023/2024 season, applicants must be between the ages of 10 and 18. Applicant's date of birth must be no earlier than April 21, 2005 and no later than November 20, 2013. Please do not apply if your birth date falls outside of these dates as you will not be eligible for the program and we are not able to refund your application fee.
Auditions will be 10 minutes long, and will be heard by the Crescendo Music Director and Assistant Conductor.
During your audition you will be asked to play:
- The orchestra excerpts per instrument
- 2 major scales and 1 minor scale
Applicants may be asked to demonstrate various basic techniques relevant to your instrument, which may include different styles or bowings. You will NOT be asked to sight-read.
If you are auditioning for a Principal position, you will be asked to perform solo repertoire, so please prepare at least one solo piece prepared to play.
View and download the audition excerpts below.
An excerpt is a short section taken from a larger piece of music. In this instance, the excerpt will be taken from one of the pieces Crescendo will be performing this season.
Download Excerpts
If you play two instruments, we suggest that you apply for both instruments. Please schedule your auditions on the same day.
Crescendo’s philosophy is that we believe everyone starts somewhere, thus we encourage all applicants to audition, regardless of skill level. Our Music Director will also be providing applicants with notes after their audition, so this will be a great opportunity to get some audition experience.
There is no dress code for auditions - please come as you are and be comfortable and ready to play! Also, there will be a performance shirt provided free-of-charge to all Crescendo students for our concerts.
Additional FAQs Contact Us HereBelow you will find the excerpts to download for your audition. Please prepare all excerpts in the package.
CLICK AN INSTRUMENT TO DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET
November 20, 2023, 7:00PM @ Merkin Hall
Jean Sibelius: Andante Festivo
Joseph Bologne: Symphony No. 1 in G Major, 1st Movement
Gustav Holst: St Paul’s Suite
Soon Hee Newbold: Orion and the Scorpion
Edward Elgar: Serenade for Strings, 1st Movement
Felix Mendelssohn: Octet, 1st Movement
April 21, 2024, 3:00PM @ Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall
Joseph Bologne: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, 1st Movement
George Frideric Handel: The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba
Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite
J.S. Bach: Brandenburg No. 3, 3rd Movement
Florence Price: Andante Moderato
Edward Elgar: Introduction and Allegro
As Ensemble-in-Residence, the Aizuri Quartet will run four sectionals during the season - two for each concert cycle. The Quartet will also be performing Elgar's Introduction and Allegro with the orchestra at Zankel Hall on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 3PM.
The Aizuri Quartet view the string quartet as a living art and springboard for community, collaboration, curiosity and experimentation. At the core of their music-making is a virtuosic ability to illuminate a vast range of musical styles through their eclectic, engaging and thought-provoking programs.
Thank you to The McCutchen Foundation for their support in helping make this program a reality!
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