2026-2027
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Wonder Music Evaluations and Placement Auditions are easy and low-stress. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument or have years of experience, we want students to learn their instruments at their own pace and encourage each other to become stronger players, together.
All new students interested in a beginner instrument class, band, orchestra, or choir are REQUIRED to complete an online Preliminary Music Evaluation.
Students (including returning students) interested in joining an advanced ensemble must complete a placemat audition. Returning students who plan to remain in the same ensemble do not require an audition.
Once enrolled, we will schedule your placement audition or Instrument Fair at a summer Open House, or ask you to submit an online audition video.
1. REVIEW INSTRUMENT GUIDE FOR INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS + COSTS
2. COMPLETE ONLINE PRELIMINARY MUSIC EVALUATION (INCLUDING MUSIC GUIDANCE SURVEY)
3. ATTEND INSTRUMENT FAIR OR VISIT REFFERED MUSIC STORE
AUDITION NOT REQUIRED*
*Percussion: See additional Audition Requirements below
music evaluation + instrument fair/fitting
Music Evaluations, which include an online Music Guidance Survey, help us evaluate your child and determine which instrument your child may enjoy playing based on their musical aptitude, abilities, and interests.
Once complete, students will attend a Instrument Fair/Fitting where they can see and play different available instruments under the direction of trained personnel.
keep in mind
Band and orchestra are team concepts and just like a soccer team with a few players at each position, the ensemble needs a certain number of players on each instrument. Everyone has a different part to play and the ensemble cannot be whole unless every part is represented. The interest of the child is most important when choosing an instrument but the ensemble would not work if everyone made the same choice!
1. COMPLETE ONLINE PRELIMINARY MUSIC EVALUATION
MUSIC GUIDANCE SURVEY NOT REQUIRED
2. REVIEW AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
3. REVIEW INSTRUMENT GUIDE FOR INSTRUMENT REQUIREMENTS + COST
4. COMPLETE PLACEMENT AUDITION
Returning student audition only to advance
music evaluation, ensemble audition
Students interested in band, orchestra, and symphony must schedule a placement audition. An online Preliminary Music Evaluation is REQUIRED, though the Music Guidance Survey and Instrument Fair are not required.
Please review Audition Requirements (per discipline and instrument) and the Instrument Guide (for instrument details, required accessories, and cost estimates) below.
keep in mind
Placement in an ensemble is at the sole discretion of Wonder instructors. Students do not audition for a specific ensemble. Each student is evaluated on their own skill level and is placed in an ensemble that best fits their musical, social, and emotional needs. We all learn at a different pace, and how long it takes for a student to be ready for a particular ensemble is determined on a case-by-case basis.
1. AUDITION NOT REQUIRED
1. AUDITION NOT REQUIRED
In-person auditions are required for Wonder ensembles unless explicit permission is given by a Wonder Team member. Please do not submit an audition video without prior approval.
Smartphone videos are okay.
If you are unable to submit a video audition, please note this during the enrollment process and you will be contacted by the Wonder Team.
HAVE FUN
Music is for enjoyment – for your audience and for yourself. You’re Wonder placement audition is solely to help us place you in the best fitting ensemble where we hope you’ll develop more skills, lasting friendships, and wonderful memories.
STAY PREPARED
Consistent daily practice is the most dependable way to improve one’s musical abilities, and therefore the best way to prepare for higher-level ensembles.
PRACTICE MAKES POTENTIAL
We are not looking for perfection – we’re looking for your potential. It’s normal to get nervous at auditions, but the more experience you gain, the more confident you’ll become. Do your best. You can do this!
1. SELECT THE RIGHT SPACE
Find a well-lit and relatively quiet space with good acoustics (avoid too dry or boomy sounds)
Avoid spaces that are too small, cramped, or messy
Silence phones and background noise from televisions or radios
Leave pets outside of the room
2. WHAT TO WEAR
Wear comfortable clothes
Business casual is appropriate
Formal attire not required
3. VIDEO ORIENTATION
You can use a smartphone to record your audition
Select the best orientation for your instrument so we can see as much of you and your instrument as possible (you want to see you’re full body if possible)
Landscape/Horizontal: Best for violins, violas, flutes…
Portrait/Vertical: Best for cellos, basses, clarinets…
4. FRAME THE SHOT
Be sure there is enough distance between yourself and the camera so you can comfortably hold good posture and so we can see your full range of motion the entire time
The picture should remain stationary (no zooming, panning, or multiple angles)
If standing, you should be seen at least from the waist up
If sitting, your entire posture should be in the frame
Make sure your music stand does not cover your face, instrument, arms, or hands
5. LISTEN + PREPARE
Select scales and repertoire that represents your current level of playing and should be mastered to the best of your ability
Listen to recordings of the piece your playing
Know the tempo and style
This shows you know the context of what you’re playing
Always important: Get a good night’s sleep, eat properly & keep yourself hydrated by drinking adequate water.
1. RECORD YOUR AUDITION
Without accompaniment
In the proper order (scales, repertoire)
In one unedited take, with no cuts, edits, slices, added effects, or other alterations
Auditions in a different order, with cuts/edits, or incomplete auditions may not be considered
Please do not add titles
Please do not include any material which is not requested
2. WARM UP
Be sure to warm up before you begin your recording
3. AUDITION ORDER
ON ONE RECORDING include the following:
Start your recording by introducing yourself (saying your name, instrument, and method book level clearly)
Record your scales (see instrument requirements)
Record up to 5-minutes of solo repertoire, etudes, or excerpts in different styles (1-2 pieces of your choice that demonstrate your highest level of achievement – repeats are not required). Please announce the composition title, name of the composer, and what movement you will be playing (if applicable)
Sight-reading will not be required for video auditions, but may be requested at a later time.
4. AFTER YOUR RECORDING
Listen to your recording and review it to make sure the sound is not distorted in loud passages or inaudible in soft passages
Name your video following this convention: LastName-FirstName-Wonder-Audition-Instrument-YEAR
After you enroll, submit 1 recording of your audition by uploading it to the online Music Evaluation form.
5. YOU DID IT!
Now go have fun, keep practicing, and get ready for a year full of wonderful memories!