Scales: Scales are to be played from memory in any order. The order is to be listed on the audition ticket. A scale evaluation sheet will be used by all judges. If a scale is played incorrectly, it may be attempted at the end of the sequence, if there is time remaining in the two minute limit*. If there is time left, the judge will announce those scales for which full credit has not been given.
* Two minute time limit; except senior flutes, senior bassoons, senior clarinets, and senior bass trombones will have two minutes and 20 seconds.
Key Signatures: Know proper key signatures of all required major keys, and flats and sharps in the order that they appear on the staff.
Scales can be played using any type of notation. (eighths, triplets, etc.) However, they must be played using the ranges provided, otherwise they will be judged as incorrect. Click the links below to view the scales for each instrument, then print them out for use.
Instrument | Octave(s)/Scales (these are transposed pitches): |
Flute | 3 octaves: C 2 octaves: Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B |
Oboe | 2 octaves: Bb, B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F 1 octave: F#, G, Ab, A |
Bassoon | 3 octaves: Bb 2 octaves: B, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A |
Bb Soprano Clarinet | 3 octaves: E, F, F#, G 2 octaves: Ab, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb |
Eb Contra Clarinet | 2 octaves: Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C 1 octave: C#, D |
Bb Bass/Contra Clarinet | 2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C 1 octave: C#, D, Eb |
All Saxes | 2 octaves: Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F 1 octave: F#, G, Ab, A |
Trumpet/Cornet/T.C. Baritone | 2 octaves: F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C 1 octave: C#, D, Eb, E, F |
French Horn | 2 octaves: F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb 1 octave: B, C, C#, D, Eb, E |
Trombone/B.C. Baritone | 2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb 1 octave: B, C, Db, D, Eb |
Bass Trombone | 2 octaves: Bb, C , Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G 1 octave: Ab, A, B |
Tuba | 2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb 1 octave: B, C, Db, D, Eb |
Chromatic Scale: to be played from memory from the lowest required note in the major scales to the highest required note in the major scales. Time limit is one minute. Minimum tempo: quarter note = 120. Rhythm: eighths or triplet eighths. (5 points)
Chromatic Scale Ranges | |
Flute | Low C to High C (3 octaves) |
Oboe | Low Bb to High F |
Bassoon | Low Bb to High Bb (3 octaves) |
Bb Soprano Clarinet | Low E to High G (3-1/2 octaves) |
Eb Contra Clarinet | Low Eb to High C |
Bb Bass/Contra Clarinet | Low E to High C |
Alto/Baritone Saxophone | Low Bb to High F |
Tenor Saxophone | Low Bb to High F |
Trumpet/T.C. Baritone | Low F# to High C |
French Horn | Low F to High Bb |
Trombone/B.C. Euphonium | Low E to High Bb |
Bass Trombone | Low Bb to High G |
Tuba | Low E to High Bb |