California All State and State Honors Orchestras
California All State and State Honors Orchestras
Every year, as an extra opportunity for experienced students looking for extra challenge, CODA, the California Orchestra Directors Association offer the “California State Honors Orchestras” and the “California All State Orchestras.” These Honors events are an excellent opportunity for students to challenge themselves and join in with students from around the state in high level rehearsals and a performance. The events take place on different weekends across the school year. Details about these events and how to apply and audition are below.
The CODA (California Orchestra Directors Association) State Honors Orchestras and the All‑State High School Orchestra are audition-only orchestras made up of high school musicians from all over the state who meet once a year to prepare a concert of challenging music. All students who are currently in 9th - 12th grade are eligible to apply. In addition, the All State Junior High Orchestra is open to students in the 7th and 8th grades.
Here is a rundown of the dates, locations, and directors for each event:
2017-18 CODA Events
The CODA Honor Orchestras, December 1-2,
2017, Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, CA
CODA Honors Symphony, Dr. Cyrus Ginwala,
Conductor
Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture, by Mikhail Glinka
Symphony No. 6, 4th movement, by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5, Finale, by Ludwig van Beethoven
CODA Honors String Orchestra, Marcus Tsutakawa,
Conductor
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1st movement, by J.S.
Bach
Molly on the Shore, by Percy Grainger, arr. by
Dackow
Sinfonia No. 10 in B minor, by Felix Mendelssohn
The CODA All-State Honor Orchestras, February 15-18,
2018 at CASMEC in San Jose, CA
CODA High School All-State Symphony
Orchestra, Edwin
Outwater, Conductor
Repertoire, TBA
CODA High School All-State String Orchestra, Jonathan Glawe,
Conductor
Repertoire, TBA
CODA Junior High School All-State String Orchestra, Marilyn Kesler, Conductor
Repertoire, TBA
Applications and audition recordings for the State Honors Orchestras in December are due to Mr. Brucker on Weds, September 13th. Applications and Audition recordings for the February All‑State High School and Junior High School Orchestras is Monday, November 27th.
Requirements for each event include:
December State Honors Orchestras (9th Graders only)
- - A multiple octave scale
- - A few excerpts
- - Student application (fill in online form and print it out to send in)
- - Teacher application (Mr. Brucker fills out)
February All State Jr High Orchestra (7th and 8th Graders Only)
- - A multiple octave scale
- - A few excerpts
- - Student application (fill in online form and print it out to send in)
- - Teacher application (Mr. Brucker fills out)
February All State High School Orchestra (9th Graders Only)
- - A multiple octave scale
- - A few excerpts
- - Student application (fill in online form and print it out to send in)
- - Teacher application (Mr. Brucker fills out)
All info and audition materials can be found here (pls click on the links):
December - State Honors Orchestras Info
February - All State Jr. High Orchestra Info
February - All State High School Orchestra Info
The main website is: www.codaorchestras.org
As the application for both orchestras requires an audition submitted as a recording (instead of having to show up and play live), you can record your audition in the comfort of your own home if you have the appropriate equipment (which could be as simple as an iPhone and the ability to put the files on a cd). Please contact Mr. Brucker for assistance with recording if needed.
It is a challenge and an honor to audition for and be invited to play with the All State and State Honors Orchestras. It is also a chance for you to meet, work, and make friends with musicians who are as serious about music as you are. Colleges and universities view experience in one of these statewide orchestras very favorably for admissions and scholarships, not just as evidence of a high level of musical ability, but as a demonstration that the individual has the character to challenge him/herself and to succeed at a high level in a particular activity
The time commitment is whatever time it takes for you to prepare the audition material, and attending the 2-3 day weekend event if you are accepted. There is no commitment to show up for rehearsal or performance beyond the one weekend. It is recommended to start practicing as early as possible.
Many students from our program, along with all of Davis, have applied and been accepted into the All State and State Honors Orchestras, and many of our current students, with enough preparation and time spent, can give themselves a chance to be accepted.
Please consult with your private teacher and/or Mr. Brucker at gbrucker@djusd.net or in class about preparing your audition materials, recording your audition, or if you need help with any part of the audition process.
Completed audition materials will be collected in class by the above deadlines, so please plan accordingly.