First Stage Ensemble 2025
This engaging program will help young musicians grow into well-rounded performers.
The First Stage Ensemble at Newark Symphony Hall’s Arts and Education Lab is a dynamic youth program that provides young instrumentalists and vocalists a platform to develop their musical talents. Directed by the accomplished Igmar Thomas, a 13-time Grammy-winning conductor and producer, the ensemble offers a collaborative and nurturing environment where emerging artists can hone their skills, receive creative mentorship, and grow as performers. With his extensive experience in the music industry, Igmar provides invaluable insight and guidance, helping young instrumentalists and vocalists reach their fullest artistic potential.
Under Thomas’s leadership, the First Stage Ensemble provides professional-level training, creative mentorship, and performance opportunities to young people, empowering them to reach their fullest artistic potential. The program aims to bridge the gap between artistic education and real-world experience, giving participants the chance to engage with the vibrant Newark arts community while honing their craft.
At the end of the semester, the ensemble will showcase the talent and growth of its members through a final performance, offering an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and share their artistic journey with the community. This showcase will highlight the hard work and dedication of the young artists, allowing them to demonstrate their progress and artistic expression in front of an audience.
Audition Dates: January 16 & January 22, 2025
Requirements
Instrument Proficiency: A certain level of proficiency on the chosen instrument, whether it’s a string, brass, woodwind, percussion, or keyboard instrument.
Sight-reading Ability: Ability to sight-read music at a specific level, depending on the ensemble’s difficulty.
Performance Piece: Prepare one or more solo pieces that showcase technical skill and musicality. The piece should reflect the applicant’s current playing level.
Technical Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate basic technical skills on the instrument (scales, arpeggios, or specific exercises).
Aural Skills: This audition may include an ear test, where applicants are asked to identify intervals, chords, or rhythmic patterns.
Rhythm Skills: Demonstrate solid rhythmic understanding and ability to keep time, including clapping back rhythmic patterns or playing along with a metronome.
Musical Theory Knowledge: Basic understanding of musical theory, such as key signatures, time signatures, and note values, may be assessed.
Preparedness and Confidence: Overall preparedness for the audition, including punctuality, professionalism, and the ability to take direction or feedback during the audition.
Group Play: This audition might include playing in a mock ensemble setting or participating in a group rehearsal to assess interaction and adaptability with other musicians.
