Apply

The 24-25 application is now closed. Stay tuned for the 25-26 application, launching November 2024.

Eligibility

  • Reside in the Greater Washington D.C. area including D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

  • Rising 8th-11th graders; rising 12th graders are not eligible to apply

  • Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color) 

  • Demonstrate serious interest in pursuing a music major at the college level 

  • Play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, orchestral percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp  **saxophone, piano, guitar, and voice are not eligible

Commitment  

WMPI is a highly selective and intensive musical training program. Students who apply must be highly driven and dedicated and aspire to a professional career in the music field. Musicians should expect to practice at least ten hours each week outside of rehearsals and weekly lessons. This program also requires students to attend concerts, engage with professional musician mentors, and attend other events aimed at helping students prepare for college and beyond. Check-ins with families and private lesson instructors will be required. 

Timeline

  • Attend a virtual Info Session:

  • Submit an online application by February 5, 2024, 11:59 pm. In addition to applicant’s demographic information, the application requires the following:

    • Written response. A short response about why you want to join the program and what you’d like to get out of the program. 

    • Teacher recommendation. WMPI requires a recommendation from the student’s private lesson teacher, school music teacher, or orchestra/band director by February 5, 2024. Please send this online form to the recommender with your request: https://form.jotform.com/221645462910049

  • Submit a pre-screening audition video by February 5, 2024, 11:59 pm. See video requirements and guidelines below.

  • Interview: Applicants selected as semifinalists must participate in an interview on Zoom, by appointment.

  • Live Final Audition: April 10, 2024 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

  • Results: April 2024

If you have any questions about the program and the application process, please email info@washingtonpathways.org. 

Audition Guidelines

8th graders in the 24-25 school year

  1. Two (2) Scales: One major and one minor scale of your choice

    1. Three octaves for violin, viola, cello, and harp** 

    2. Two octaves for double bass, woodwinds, brass, and percussion** 

  2. One (1) solo piece: A piece of your choice, performed with or without accompaniment.  

**Percussion and Harp: See specific audition requirements here: Percussion Audition & Harp Audition

Audition Repertoire Guide: You may choose to play pieces from this recommended list OR pieces of a comparable standard.

9th-11th graders in the 24-25 school year

  1. Two (2) Scales: One major and one minor scale of your choice. 

    1. Three octaves for violin, viola, cello, and harp

    2. Two octaves for double bass, woodwinds, brass, and percussion

  2. One (1) solo piece: A piece of your choice, performed with or without accompaniment.

  3. One (1) etude of your choice.

  4. One (1) standard orchestral excerpt of your choice: Resource for Orchestral Excerpts

**Percussion and Harp: See specific audition requirements here: Percussion Audition & Harp Audition

Audition Repertoire Guide: You may choose to play pieces from this recommended list OR pieces of a comparable standard.

Video Guidelines

  • Combined selections should not exceed 10 minutes and should be a good representation of your playing ability.

  • Announce your name, piece titles, and composers at the beginning of the video. 

  • Each piece must be recorded in one take. You may record each piece separately and submit each selection OR as one continuous recording.

  • Etudes and Solo selections must be recorded as complete movements or pieces.

  • Video(s) must be unedited. Signs of editing will be disqualified. Judges want to see continuous playing (no straight cuts, dissolves, cross dissolving, fading in and out in the middle of the piece, etc.). Editing is only allowed when trimming the recording to feature your performance.

  • Recital or concert recordings are acceptable if they meet the criteria mentioned above.

  • Videos must be made in the last 6 months and clearly show the performer (videos shot far away will be disqualified). 

  • If the video link does not work by the deadline, then the video will be disqualified. 

How Can I Record my Audition?

  • Recordings made with iPhones or similar quality devices that reproduce good-quality sound are also acceptable. 

  • Film video in landscape mode and in a quiet environment.

  • WATCH: Audition Tips Video - Benjamin D’Haiti, NSO Youth Fellowship 2021 Graduate, shares helpful tips for recording your audition video. (5:48)

  • If you need assistance with recording, such as a place to record and a recording device, please email us at info@washingtonpathways.org.

Upload Your Video(s) to YouTube

  1. Upload video to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/upload
    Very important: Change the privacy setting from ‘PUBLIC’ to ‘UNLISTED’. This way only people with the specific video URL are able to watch it. 

  2. Paste your YouTube audition video link(s) in the application.