Student musicians require certain minimum skills to participate productively with CPHO. The information on this page is provided as a guideline to help parents or instructors assess a musician’s technical readiness to audition and hopefully join CPHO.
Here is a rule of thumb: a student is generally ready after two years of private instruction, though we have had exceptional students with less instruction prove ready for the orchestra.
Ideally, students should know the flats and sharps of their instruments within approximately a 2-octave range. Additionally, students should have control over their instrument: they should be able to play their instrument softly as well as loudly.
The desired minimum skill levels for different instruments are as follows:
Flute Low D to E above the staff
Oboe Low B-flat to A above the staff
Clarinet Low E to A above the staff
Bass Clarinet Low E to A above the staff
Bassoon Low C to D above the staff
Alto Sax Low B-flat to A above the staff
French Horn G below the treble clef staff to D on the staff
Trumpet G below the staff to G above the staff
Trombone Low E (C with a trigger) to D above the base clef staff
Baritone Low E (C with a trigger) to D above the base clef staff
Tuba Low A to A on the staff
Violin Low G to B above the staff
Viola Low C to G above the staff
Cello Low C to C above the staff
Bass Low E to A on the staff
Percussion CPHO provides training on our percussion instruments, but
piano or snare drum instruction and the ability to read music
will benefit those interviewing for this role.
While the above ranges are the bare minimum for a student to fully benefit from participation in orchestra, CPHO can work with students with slightly less range. CPHO also has music to challenge students with greater ranges.
If you have any questions about your child’s readiness to join CPHO, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further clarification.
Central Pennsylvania Homeschool Orchestra 