Auditions

Being a member of the BPO is a rewarding community experience and a lot of fun.
Our members are just like you – ordinary people who enjoy coming together to make extraordinary music! Auditions are held to fill vacant positions or to appoint suitable reserve players capable of filling temporary vacancies from time-to-time.

2024 Auditions

Live auditions nights are scheduled throughout the year as needed. If possible, please send through video auditions to ensure your application is reviewed earlier.

For auditions, please see below a list of excerpts for current vacancies:

  • Trumpet - Principal and section roles

  • French Horn - Section Horn

  • Violin (Tutti [firsts and seconds])

  • Viola (tutti)

  • Cello (tutti) - Please note that all 2024 concerts have a full cello section currently. Your audition will be reviewed for the 2025 season.

  • Double Bass (tutti)

Click the links above to access the up-to-date excerpts.

A short video interview or phone call may be required for new players to let them know about the operations of BPO and to answer any questions applicants might have about the orchestra.

Video auditions

BPO will accept video auditions on a rolling basis. If you would like to record your audition, please:

  • Complete the below audition form;

  • Record your orchestral excerpts in one take;

  • Provide a short introduction about yourself and why you want to join BPO (written or recorded);

  • Upload the video as an unlisted video on YouTube (or similar platform), or upload to Google Drive and share the link via email.

We will confirm receipt of your video audition and be in touch as soon as possible.

Eligibility

The minimum recommended standard is AMEB Grade 8. Applicants are not required to have completed examinations, they are a guide to standard only. Previous ensemble experience is highly advantageous and the BPO prides itself on the high level of repertoire it performs as a community orchestra.

Audition Requirements

Applicants are to prepare orchestral excerpts which are available for download from the website. No own choice pieces are required.

Audition Tips

Listen to quality recordings of the works from which your excerpts are extracted. This will assist in understanding how the excerpts form part of overall work and what their context is i.e. dynamics, style, tempo – this is what the panel will be listening for. Sometimes accessing a full score can help too. If possible, play your excerpts through for a musical friend to get some general feedback prior to auditioning and to help with confidence.

Commitment

Rehearsals are currently held weekly on Wednesdays between 7:15 pm and 9:45pm in the Old Museum Building.

Concerts are scheduled 4-5 times throughout the year.

Regional concerts are scheduled throughout the year and are optional.

Members are expected to contribute a small amount of their time in supporting the operations of the orchestra.

Membership

Annual Membership:  $132 per annum (best value)

Per Concert Membership:  $44 per concert

Audition Fee:  $11*

*This audition fee is payable before your scheduled audition date by electronic transfer – bank details provided in emailed audition confirmation.

Image: Adam Finch