Auditions Scheduled for 2014 Season of ODU Hampton Roads Youth Wind Ensemble

Auditions are scheduled for the Hampton Roads Youth Wind Ensemble, an Old Dominion University-sponsored collection of area band students who will practice together for 12 weeks in preparation for a public concert at the University Theatre in June.

The 2014 season marks the 15th year that the ODU Community Music Division has sponsored the Hampton Roads Youth Wind Ensemble (HRYWE) program. HRYWE was started in 1999 by area musician Victor Hugo as an additional opportunity for young band students to meet other like-minded youth from throughout Hampton Roads.

HRYWE is seeking to form an ensemble of woodwind, brass and percussion students in grades 7-12. Once assembled, the group will meet weekly from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the ODU Diehn Center for the Performing Arts.

Musicians who audition will be asked to perform a piece of their choice showcasing ability and musical phrasing, as well as two scales of their choice, and demonstration of ability to sight-read written music.

Participation in the program requires a one-time tuition fee of $130, which covers music, a T-shirt to be worn during the closing concert, conductor fees, theater rental and catered reception after the concert.

The weekly HRYWE sessions begin Wednesday, March 12. At the conclusion of the program, the ensemble will present a free final concert at ODU's University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6.

HRYWE director Ledford Wilson will conduct auditions Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., March 1 from 12-2 p.m. and by appointment. Call 757-683-4075 or email oducmd@odu.edu to reserve an audition time.

For more information, visit the ODU Community Music Division website.