Dear past, present, and future members of Westwood Ensemble,
Westwood Ensemble has an audition process in place to become a performing member of the ensemble, as well as a suggested membership donation of $25. This donation will go towards our performance and rehearsal liability insurance, paying staff members, music rental, rehearsal space rental, and concert hall rental. This fee will entitle you to any membership discounts that have been negotiated into place by the artistic director, Jon Lane. This will include businesses such as KC Strings. The donation covers your membership for the season. You are considered an official member of Westwood Ensemble once your audition is accepted and Jon Lane invites you to play in the group. This membership donation can be paid via the Westwood Ensemble website here, through Venmo at @jonathan-lane-WE, or at the first rehearsal with cash or a check made out to Westwood Ensemble.
Once you have been invited to be a member of Westwood Ensemble, you will need to fill out a commitment form, located here. This form only needs to be filled out once a season, unless you have circumstances change, for example, if you are unsure if you can play the spring concerts but you can play the fall ones and you find out you in fact can play the spring concerts, or if you are suddenly unable to perform in a concert. Members are expected to be able to attend at least three rehearsals prior to the concert. This must be filled out before the first rehearsal of the first concert.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
STRING PLAYERS:
Auditions will be done via video or in person. If you prefer playing for Jon Lane personally, contact him at the email below to make the arrangements. A cell phone video is acceptable, no special equipment is necessary. Auditions are only necessary for string players. Only one audition is required for membership, and do not need to re-audition each season.
Audition requirements for string players are as follows, in the following order:
- Scale, 3 octaves, no vibrato, play quarter notes, quarter note = 120, separate bows, one note to a bow.
- Scale Requirements per instrument:
- Violin; A major
- Viola; D major
- Cello; D Major
- Bass; G major
2. Solo of your choice; 1-2 minutes only.
WIND AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS:
Wind and percussion players should send a resume and references to Jon Lane at the email below
OTHER AUDITION INFORMATION:
This process is not intended to be stressful. Hearing you play will help our artistic director in selecting music, concert seating, teaching the music and organizing rehearsals. There is no plan to eliminate players from participating and there is no expectation for your audition to be played perfectly.
If you plan to play the opening concert your audition is due no later than the end of August, before the season begins. Those who still would like to audition after the end of August may do so and will still be considered for concerts later in the season.
Recorded video auditions, live auditions, resumes and references, and any questions you may have should be sent to Jon Lane at: lanejonathan55@gmail.com.