APPLY NOW! Pathways Audition Information

Thank you for your interest in the Eastman Pathways Program! Please carefully review the program information below before starting your online application.

Pathways is a scholarship program created specifically for music students in the Rochester City School District. All music students in grades 4-11, who are enrolled in a city school, are eligible to apply. 

Our students receive a wide array of performance and education opportunities at a world-class music school right here in Rochester, NY. Pathways scholarships cover private lessons, ensembles and classes at the Eastman Community Music School, located at 10 Gibbs Street.

DID YOU KNOW? Pathways graduates are eligible for a full scholarship to the Eastman School of Music upon graduation from the Pathways Program and acceptance to Eastman.

Acceptance to Pathways is not based on income. Any student in the Rochester City School District may apply, regardless of income level. Pathways will award scholarships to accepted students based on the income/tax information submitted with the application and, in some cases, other special circumstances. The amount each student will pay for the program will differ, based on their financial information.

In order to receive a full scholarship, students must meet the criteria below, part of our sliding-scale criteria:

  • Families making under $40,000 per year receive a full scholarship.
  • Families of 3 pay nothing if their income is less than $43K or under
  • Families of 4 pay nothing if their income is $53K or under

 

Students whose families make more than the amounts listed above will receive a scholarship amount based on a sliding scale.

  • We will look at your income information and determine the scholarship amount you will receive.
  • The family will be responsible for any remaining tuition payments not covered by their scholarship.
  • Because we individually calculate the scholarship for each family, there is no “set” amount that Pathways will cost for those who do not receive a full-scholarship award.All accepted students will receive a scholarship award letter, which must be signed and accepted before the student can enroll in the Pathways program. Families will know all costs they are responsible for (if any) before enrolling in the program.Feel free to email us if you have additional questions!

All students in the Rochester City School district, in grades 4-11, who attend an RCSD school are eligible to apply/

Students must apply and audition to be accepted into the Pathways Program. Below are the steps for the application process:

**The student must be in grades 4-11 and currently enrolled in an RCSD school.** 

  1. RCSD Teacher submits online RCSD Teacher Recommendation
  2. Student fills out online application (includes family tax/income information)
  3. Student performs a  live audition at end of April
  4. Audition results emailed in mid-May
  5. Accepted students begin lessons and classes the following Fall semester

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE AUDITIONS?

Auditions happen on April 29 and April 30 at the Eastman Community Music School (10 Gibbs Street, Rochester NY)

 Students will  choose an audition day and time as part of their online application.

WHAT DOES THE STUDENT PLAY FOR THE AUDITION?

VOCAL AUDITION:

  1. Perform vocal warmups
  2. NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher)*

*Singers may choose any solo from the NYSSMA manual, or equivalent repertoire from the standard classical, musical theater or jazz repertoire at the discretion of their teachers. The student may also choose one of the standard songs on the list below:

America (My Country, ‘tis of Thee)

Simple Gifts

De Colores

Follow the Drinking Gourd

INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION :

  1. 2-3 scales of the student’s choice OR basic rudiments for percussionists/drummers
  2. NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) OR choose a Method Book selection from the list provided

 

— APPROVED PATHWAYS METHOD BOOK AUDITION REPERTOIRE —


String Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions:

Essential Elements Book 1 

Banana Boat Song – Page 30  #117

Surprise Symphony Theme – Page 42  #182

Simple Gifts (Part A) – Page 45  #192

Minuet No. 1 (Solo) – Page 46  #193

 

Band Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions:

Sound Innovations Book 1 – Winds

Surprise Symphony – Page 37  #166

Scarborough Fair (Solo) – Page 39  #173

Molly Malone (Part A) – Page 30  #175

O Canada – Page 42  #181

 

Sound Innovations Book 1 – Percussion

Ode to Joy (snare)  –  Page 27  #107

Alouette (snare) – Page 32  #134

Just For Drums (Snare Solo) – Page 39  #173

Grant Us Peace (snare) –  Page 42  #182

 

Vocal Selections for Pathways auditions:

America (My Country, ‘tis of Thee)

Simple Gifts

De Colores

Follow the Drinking Gourd

All auditioning students must play either:

  1. A NYSSMA SOLO (any level)
    OR
  2. A method book piece from the list below:

Below is a list of repertoire from the Method Books students may use. Remember students can also choose ANY solo from the NYSSMA Manual!

String Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions:

Essential Elements Book 1 

Banana Boat Song – Page 30  #117

Surprise Symphony Theme – Page 42  #182

Simple Gifts (Part A) – Page 45  #192

Minuet No. 1 (Solo) – Page 46  #193

 

 

Band Method Book Selections for Pathways auditions:

Sound Innovations Book 1 – Winds

Surprise Symphony – Page 37  #166

Scarborough Fair (Solo) – Page 39  #173

Molly Malone (Part A) – Page 30  #175

O Canada – Page 42  #181

 

Sound Innovations Book 1 – Percussion

Ode to Joy (snare)  –  Page 27  #107

Alouette (snare) – Page 32  #134

Just For Drums (Snare Solo) – Page 39  #173

Grant Us Peace (snare) –  Page 42  #182

 

Vocal Selections for Pathways auditions:

Any song from the NYSSMA Manual, or standard classical, musical theater or jazz repertoire (selected at the discretion of the teacher)

The student may also choose to perform one of the following songs:

America (My Country, ‘tis of Thee)

Simple Gifts

De Colores

Follow the Drinking Gourd

PRINTABLE FLYERS FOR RCSD TEACHERS & STUDENTS

Feel free to print, email or otherwise share the flyers below with your students, friends and family!


Student Flyer: Bookmark Style

Student Flyer: Full Page

Pathways Information Sheet: Full Page (Incl. list of audition repertoire)

APPLICATION FORMS

Application Period is now CLOSED!

Applications will open again in January of 2024. 

_________

DEADLINES 2023

Application Deadline: April 16, 2023
*Online application form, RCSD teacher Recommendation and tax forms must be submitted by this date *

Audition Dates: April 29 and April 30, 2023
*Students schedule an audition as part of their online application. A live audition is required!
Pathways has discontinued Zoom and recorded auditions for this application season*

_________

To complete the online application form, you will need: 

1. Student information (contact, etc.)

2. Parent/guardian information (contact, etc.)

3. Financial information

  • adjusted gross income
  • tax filing status
  • a scan/photo of page 1 of your 1040 form or proof of supplemental income

4. Your calendar so that you can schedule a live audition

This form must be filled out by each student’s RCSD Music Teacher

GOT QUESTIONS? 

Email us! We would love to answer any questions and help you through the application process!

eastmanpathways@esm.rochester.edu