ORCHESTRA SIGHT-READING GUIDELINES
These criteria are intended as guidelines only. The selection of sight-reading music for orchestras is an inexact process due to the relative scarcity of new and unfamiliar music that would be appropriate for sight-reading. Rarely will music be found that meets all the desired educational and organizational objectives of sight-reading. These guidelines should therefore be considered no more than a point of departure for the task of selecting music which constitutes a fair test of sight-reading skills.
Numerous criteria were considered for this list; the ones chosen were seen as being quantifiable yet not unduly restrictive to the selection process. Directors should keep in mind that the first criteria for selection should be to select music that will not only properly evaluate sight-reading skills but also provide an opportunity to read a quality piece of music.
Knowledge of standard musical terminology is expected in all classifications. DS/DC and repeats may be used.
STRING ORCHESTRA CLASS C
Key: D, G, C, F, one key change suggested
Meter: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4
Range: Violin 1 to 3rd position, all others 1st position
Bowings: Slurs, Hooks, Pizzicato
Length: 3-5 Minutes
Solos: Not Recommended
STRING ORCHESTRA CLASS B
Key: A, D, G, C, F, Bb, one or two key changes suggested
Meter: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, one or two changes suggested
Range: All parts to 3rd position
Bowings: Slurs, Hooks, Pizzicato, martele’, spiccato
Length: 4-7 Minutes
Solos: Acceptable
STRING ORCHESTRA CLASS A
Key: E, A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, one or more key changes suggested
Meter: All/4, All/2, All/8, one or more changes suggested
Range: Violins to 5th position, violas, cellos, & basses to 4th position
Bowings: All standard bowings acceptable
Length: 5-8 minutes
Solos: Acceptable
FULL ORCHESTRA GUIDELINES
In general, the guidelines for string orchestra are appropriate for full orchestra as well, in that the wind & percussion parts will usually parallel the string parts with regard to technical demands. Two exceptions should be noted: 1) The key of A for Class B full orchestra and the key of E for Class A full orchestra should be avoided if at all possible, and 2) carefully evaluated Class C wind solos might be acceptable. Care should also be given to evaluations of appropriate range for wind instruments.
One additional category for needs to be considered for full orchestra.
INSTRUMENTATION
Instrumentation requirements for Class C full orchestras should be relatively small. In general, woodwind parts of 2-1-2-1, grass of 2-2-1-1, and one or two percussion parts would be acceptable. Class B could add oboe, bassoon, trumpet, and trombone parts, while Class A could reasonably be expected to have standard full orchestral instrumentation, including four horns, and multiple percussion parts. However, these instrumentations should not be considered a requirement, as a great deal of orchestra repertoire varies considerably from this instrumentation.