STRINGS AUDITIONS
APPLYING FOR ARCO
We’re excited to welcome you to ARCO’s Blind Auditions process!
5 APRIL 2025
APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE
1 MAY 2025
BLIND LIVE STRINGS AUDITIONS
To apply correctly, follow the steps below carefully and in order
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Make sure ARCO is the right fit for you.
Review the basic requirements to ensure you meet the qualifications to apply. This step helps you determine if you're eligible to audition and become part of ARCO.
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ARCO is a community orchestra open to musicians of all ages and grades. Our auditions welcome both youth and adult musicians, ensuring that talent and dedication are the primary criteria for participation.
To maintain the orchestra’s high artistic standards and provide a structured learning environment, all applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Candidates must be actively studying their instrument with a private teacher at a certified music school and/or receiving instruction from a high-level teacher in Jordan
Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, but they must be residing in Amman, Jordan.
Musicians must be willing to commit to regular rehearsals and performances. (except the Seasonal Performers)
All musicians must abide by ARCO’s handbook, code of conduct, and attendance policies.
Musicians accepted into ARCO are required to perform exclusively with ARCO unless granted prior approval by the management.
UNDERSTAND THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Know what to prepare and expect.
Familiarize yourself with the audition format, required repertoire, and what the audition panel will be looking for. This ensures you're fully prepared to showcase your skills.
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Your live audition will be divided into four parts, each designed to assess different aspects of your musicianship and technical abilities:
Required Scales
Perform the specified scales for your instrument.
Solo Piece
Perform a solo piece that highlights both technical and lyrical mastery of your instrument.
The solo piece can be from any musical style (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary) and should showcase your tone, technique, and interpretive skills.
Required Excerpts
Perform the designated excerpts for your instrument.
Sight-Reading
Perform the sight-reading excerpt provided during the audition.
You will have 120 seconds to review the excerpt before playing it.
EXPLORE ARCO’S RANKING SYSTEM
Find the rank that fits your skill level
Learn about ARCO’s ranking system, designed to match musicians with the right level of challenge while supporting growth. ARCO assigns ranks based on skill level, not personal preference. This step provides information only about each rank's commitments and benefits. Placement is determined by your audition performance, not by personal choice. Once you understand the rankings, the next steps will focus on performing the required excerpts for evaluation.
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Pupil Rank - Entry-Level, still building foundational skills
ARCO believes in creating opportunities for developing musicians by introducing them to the orchestral world. The Pupil Rank is designed for those at the beginning stages of ensemble playing, helping them build the necessary skills to eventually perform with confidence.
Commitments:
May be asked to attend rehearsals without playing, focusing on reading music, following the conductor, and understanding orchestral structure.
May be asked not to perform in concerts but must attend rehearsals and events as part of their training.
Required to perform exclusively with ARCO, unless given prior approval by ARCO management.
Benefits:
Learn from some of the best faculty and musicians in Jordan, gaining high-level orchestral training.
Be exposed to valuable industry connections, opening doors for future opportunities in music.
Become part of ARCO’s vibrant and supportive team and community.
While they may not perform in every concert, Pupil Rank musicians may be given a role in selected performances, (such as Backstage assistance with musicians, supporting stage-related tasks, joining the ARCO Choir)
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Intermediate Rank - Mid-level, developing towards professional
The Intermediate Rank is for musicians with strong skills who are working toward achieving professional-level proficiency. These performers are actively improving and may be invited to audition for a higher rank at any time.
Commitments:
Expected to attend all rehearsals, even if not selected for a particular concert.
Guaranteed participation in all ARCO tutti concerts, ensuring they gain regular stage experience. Tutti refers to the full-orchestra performances, where all members play together, as opposed to smaller ensemble appearances such as string quartets or other chamber music formations. This ensures that musicians develop their skills in a large ensemble setting, gaining valuable experience in orchestral performance.
May not perform in every event but must remain present to support the orchestra.
Must perform exclusively with ARCO, unless given permission by ARCO management.
Benefits:
Representation on ARCO’s official platforms, including social media and the website.
Continued growth under the guidance of ARCO’s top faculty and conductors working closely with advanced musicians and professionals, enhancing their performance and ensemble skills.
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Professional Rank - Highest Rank
Musicians in the Professional Rank demonstrate the highest level of technical ability and musicianship. They form the core of ARCO and represent the orchestra in official events both locally and internationally.
Commitments:
Should be able to perform all required repertoire for a high-level orchestra after committing to rehearsals and practice sessions under the guidance of the orchestra’s instructors, conductor and music director.
Must participate in all concerts and events.
Required to perform exclusively with ARCO, unless granted special permission from ARCO management.
Benefits:
Elite status within ARCO, having priority in all major concerts and activities, including those outside of Jordan.
Preference for special chamber ensembles, such as string quartets, cello trios, and other smaller orchestral formations for select performances.
Exclusive opportunities to represent ARCO in high-profile events, television appearances, and interviews.
Featured representation on ARCO’s social media and official website as leading musicians.
Continued mentorship and learning experiences with ARCO’s best faculty.
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Additional Roles in ARCO:
1. Concertmaster
The Concertmaster is a violinist and holds the highest rank among all violinists. This position is filled through a separate audition process, selecting a musician from the winners of a Professional Rank. While this role is typically earned through auditioning, the Conductor may appoint or rotate the position based on artistic and leadership needs.
2. Section Leaders
Each instrument section is led by a Section Leader, chosen by the conductor based on their audition, leadership ability and musical expertise. Section Leaders are selected from the Professional Rank and may be reassigned at the conductor’s discretion.
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Seasonal performers are musicians who wish to participate in ARCO on a more flexible basis due to personal commitments. These performers still undergo auditions and receive a ranking (Professional, intermediate or Pupil), but their participation is subject to ARCO’s seasonal needs.
Commitments:
Must audition and receive a ranking to participate.
ARCO reserves the right to limit their involvement based on the orchestra’s needs.
While they are not required to be exclusive to ARCO, they must adhere to all ARCO policies and sign all official documents.
Benefits:
Maintain a strong connection with ARCO’s musical community while having a flexible schedule.
The opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians, gaining valuable experience.
Recognized as supporters and friends of ARCO, helping foster a larger musical network.
REVIEW ARCO’S LIVE BLIND AUDITION GUIDELINES
Understand the audition process and rules.
Learn how the blind audition process works, including what to expect on audition day and how to present yourself professionally while maintaining anonymity.
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The ARCO live blind auditions will be conducted as follows:
1. Blind Audition Setup
The audition will be conducted as a blind audition, ensuring that the jury cannot see or identify the candidates.
Musicians will gather in a designated backstage area under the supervision of an ARCO representative.
Candidates will randomly select their queue number in coordination with an orchestra representative. This process ensures complete transparency, preventing the jury from knowing the order of performances or identifying the candidates.
Candidates will enter the audition room one by one, according to their chosen queue number. Once inside, they will proceed to a marked performance spot.
Wooden panels will be positioned to completely obscure the candidate from the jury’s view throughout the audition.Candidates must be fully tuned before entering the audition room. A music stand will be provided, but candidates must bring their own printed music, as ARCO will not supply printed copies.
To maintain complete transparency, smartphones and smart devices are strictly prohibited for all jury members, candidates, and the orchestra manager during the audition process.
2. Jury Composition
The jury will include:
Mr. Lutfi Malhas: Conductor and Music Director of ARCO.
Mr. Firas Hattar: Head Violin and Viola Instructor at ARCO.
Mr. Fadi Hattar: Head Cello and Bass Instructor at ARCO.
Guests of Honor – Distinguished musicians and professionals from outside ARCO, selected by the jury to provide additional expertise and insight.
3. Dress Code
Formal attire is not required, as the jury will not be able to see the candidates.
4. Silence Protocol
To maintain anonymity and fairness, candidates must adhere to the following silence guidelines during the audition:
Candidates must remain completely silent throughout the audition and are not allowed to speak at any point.
All instructions given by the jury must be followed in complete silence.
If a candidate experiences an emergency during the audition, they must not speak. Instead, they should quietly exit to the backstage area and consult with an ARCO representative for assistance.
The jury will provide instructions and guidance throughout the audition process, including requests to repeat a passage, a scale, or any other section.
If a candidate does not understand an instruction, they must tap on their music stand twice with the bow to indicate that the jury should repeat the request.
5. Results and Exit Protocol
To ensure transparency, audition results and the jury’s decision will be handed to the candidate immediately after their performance.
The jury will slide a paper with the evaluation and assigned rank under the wooden panel, directly to the candidate.
Candidates must accept the results in silence, without any verbal or non-verbal reactions, as the jury's decision is final and non-negotiable.
After receiving their results, candidates must leave the theater through the same door they entered, maintaining the professional and structured flow of the audition process.
Once outside the theater, candidates must hand over their rank to the orchestra representative for confirmation and official declaration, after which it will be registered in the official audition records.
6. Video Recording
All live auditions will be video recorded to maintain transparency and ensure the process adheres to the stated guidelines.
The recordings will be shared with all candidates afterward as a record of fairness and compliance with the blind audition plan in a youtube private link.
7. Identification Rule
If a candidate is identified by the jury—either by speaking, revealing their identity, or showing up in any way—they will automatically forfeit the audition.
Such candidates will be ranked as Pupil, regardless of their skill level or performance quality.
CHOOSE YOUR EXCERPTS BY INSTRUMENT AND RANK
Choose the rank that best matches your current skill level
Browse the required excerpts for your instrument at each rank with the help of your private instrument teacher to determine the one that best reflects your current skill level. These pieces are a crucial part of your audition, so prepare them carefully
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
You’re ready to take the next step toward joining ARCO!
Complete and submit your application, including your chosen rank and instrument. Be sure to provide all required information to secure your audition slot.
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Complete the Application Form
Before applying, it is crucial to read all the information above to ensure you understand the requirements and process.
Fill out the application thoroughly and accurately.
Incomplete applications or failure to meet the eligibility criteria will result in automatic exclusion.
Submit and Wait for Confirmation
After submitting your application through the official APPLY HERE button on this page, you should receive a confirmation email within five days.
If you do not receive a confirmation email, your application has been rejected.
In this case, you must contact us for further assistance at:
📞 0797333493 | ✉️ info@arcorchestra.org
All applicants are encouraged to prepare diligently and apply with confidence, we look forward to hearing your performance!