Audition Instructions

Hello! We’re so excited you are auditioning! A bit of information before you start:

  • We are not looking for perfection, so relax! We use the audition recordings to determine the best placement for you. They are private and will only be viewed by the NSJWE executive. The video must include your face, hands and instrument. We do not keep audition videos once the process is completed. These files will be deleted.
  • Practice the music before you record. You may want to have your band or private teacher go over everything with you. Make sure your instrument is working properly, valves are oiled, slide is good, reed in good shape, etc.
  • Please start the video by giving your full name, current grade and school. If you move to a new school in September, please include that also.
  • Wind players and mallets: You do not have to play all 3 variations, but you should play as much as you can, as accurately as you can. We are looking for good tone and accurate pitch, good posture and technique. You must start at the beginning (bar 1).
  • You may play the Bartok all at once, or play as many of the four sections as you choose separately, stopping between each one. Each section is separated by a double barline. 
  • Percussion players should include both a mallets recording and a snare drum recording if at all possible. 
  • The material for snare drum is separated into skill sets. Please play each section separately and announce the section you are about to play either by letter, title or both. For example: “I am playing section B, Buzz Roll practice”. You may stop the video each time if you like, or simply move on and announce the next section.
    • Play the sections in order if possible, but you may skip sections IF NECESSARY.
    • Play as much as you can at your best ACCURATE tempo. Slow and clean is much better than fast and messy!
    • If you want to include timpani and/or drumset examples you may, but they are not required.
  • The easiest way to do this is to have someone record you on their phone. Do two or three recordings and pick the one you like best to send. Wear anything you like, as long as you can play comfortably. Your fashion decisions will not impact your audition, promise!

Send completed audition videos to librarian@nsjwe.ca (Paul Hutten) and admin@nsjwe.ca (Holly Hartlen). 

Put this in the subject line: NSJWE Audition 2026-2027. 

In the body of your email include your full name, current grade and school and the name of your band teacher. If you have a private teacher and/or will be moving to a new school in September, please include that information as well.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Holly Hartlen, admin@nsjwe.ca .

Audition requirements are found here:

All audition materials should be submitted by May 31st, 2026. Anything received after this date will be timestamped and only addressed if there is space remaining in the section and/or ensemble. Acceptance letters will be sent by July 15th 2026.