If you're a high school musician dreaming of college, a music conservatory, or even a spot in a major orchestra one day, there's something you need to know: orchestral excerpts matter—a lot.

So, what are orchestral excerpts? They're short, specific sections from famous symphonies and orchestral pieces that are often used in auditions. These short passages are chosen because they show off a musician’s skills—everything from tricky rhythms and fast fingers to expressive playing and tone quality.

Excerpts aren't random. Each one is carefully picked to test how well you can handle the kinds of music you’d play in a real orchestra. And every instrument has its own list of “standard excerpts” that audition judges expect you to know.

Why Are Excerpts So Important?

Think of orchestral excerpts like the SAT of music auditions. They let judges hear how you handle pressure, precision, and musical storytelling—all in just a few bars of music. For professional auditions, musicians are often asked to prepare 20 to 30 excerpts. College and youth orchestra auditions usually require fewer—maybe 3 to 5—but that doesn’t mean they’re easier.

Sometimes, you'll be told exactly which excerpts to learn. Other times, you’ll get a more open-ended prompt like, “Be prepared to play five standard excerpts for your instrument.” Either way, preparation is key.

If you need help figuring out what to practice, Accoladi.com has a helpful Excerpt Directory with lists of standard excerpts for each instrument.

How Do You Get Good at Them?

Start by listening. Really listening. Check out performances by top orchestras like the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, or the Berlin Philharmonic on YouTube. These groups show how the excerpts are supposed to sound in real performances. Study how your instrument fits into the bigger picture.

Then, take it to the practice room. Daily, focused practice on these excerpts is the fastest way to improve. And if you can, work with a private teacher who knows how to coach audition excerpts. They can help with interpretation, tricky fingerings, and ways to make your playing stand out.

Final Thoughts

Orchestral excerpts might seem like just a few lines of music—but they carry the weight of your future. These tiny pieces can open big doors. Whether you're auditioning for a college, a youth orchestra, or dreaming of one day going pro, how well you prepare and perform these passages tells judges everything they need to know about your musicianship, discipline, and potential.

They don’t just want to know if you can play the notes. They want to hear if you understand the music. Can you shape a phrase with emotion? Can you stay steady under pressure? Can you play something that’s been performed a thousand times—and still make it feel alive?

Here’s the truth: no one masters excerpts overnight. It takes patience, grit, and a willingness to work through frustration. But every day you spend refining your excerpts is a day you grow—not just as a player, but as an artist.

So start small. Pick one excerpt and commit to practicing it with full focus every day. Listen to recordings. Study the full score. Ask questions. Record yourself. Improve one measure at a time.

In the end, these fragments of music aren’t just about getting into an ensemble—they’re about becoming the kind of musician who’s ready to belong there.

Keep at it. You’ve got this.