On this page
The Secondary Schools String Symphony (SSSS) provides a tailored playing opportunity for players of string instruments in SA Department for Education secondary schools.
The repertoire includes exciting and challenging music representing a wide range of musical styles. Gaining confidence in performance is an essential part of musical learning.
The SSSS enables students to take Music Performance – Ensemble as a SACE Stage 2 subject.
SSSS may undertake a city and/or country tour during the year.
Eligibility
Entry is by audition. Positions are available in all sections of the ensemble. The standard required is beyond beginner level.
All violin, viola, cello and double bass students in SA government secondary schools, years 7 to 12 in 2024 are eligible to apply.
Priority will be given to students enrolled in a secondary classroom music subject, and/or participating in school ensembles as required by the school. Placement of other students will be considered if positions maintaining balance within the SSSS are subsequently available.
Year 7 students may like to consider auditioning for the Primary Schools String Orchestra instead. Contact the IM Leader, Learning Pathways on 0458 185 152 for further information.
Auditions
New and continuing students should complete the central schools ensembles registration form.
After the online form has been submitted, information about audition times will be provided for new students.
Continuing SSSS students will not need to re-audition.
Audition requirements
The audition takes approximately 10 minutes.
You'll be asked to present:
- scales:
- any two-octave major scale, slurred 2 notes to a bow with the arpeggio slurred 3 notes to a bow
- any two-octave minor scale (harmonic or melodic) with arpeggio, separate whole bows
- where possible, students should choose scales that demonstrate understanding of shifting and positions outside of first position.
- two prepared contrasting music pieces that demonstrate your technical and musical ability:
- not accompanied and not necessarily memorised
- not exceeding 1 minute per piece (segments of longer pieces are acceptable)
- not excerpts from an orchestral part; pieces should be written as solos for your instrument.
- the excerpts listed for your instrument:
- a small piece of sight reading, to be worked through at the audition.
Audition criteria
The performance placement criteria include:
- accurate intonation
- strong, clear tone
- straight bow stroke
- reading skills – rhythm, pitch, dynamics
- accurate rhythms
- all assuming good posture and hold of the instrument.
Additional skills
- Shifting for all instruments.
- Commencement of vibrato.
- Spiccato bowing.
Expectations of members
Members are expected to:
- participate in all programmed performances and events
- engage positively with the entire team
- attend rehearsals and learn music for performances – this may include Sunday afternoon tutorials as required during the year
- cover the costs of membership, including providing suitable performance clothing.
Attending rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Fridays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Adelaide Botanic High School.
Students are expected to:
- attend rehearsals in school uniform
- learn the music before rehearsals
- ask their instrumental music teacher for help, if needed
- notify the conductor if they can't attend a rehearsal.
Performance uniforms
For performances, members must wear:
- respectful black clothes
- black dress shoes
- black socks.
Costs
Expenses will be incurred based on planned activities throughout the year. An outline of planned activities will be provided in term 1.
