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.

What is Pathways?

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.

Cost

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!

How to Apply

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.**

APPLICATION STEPS:

Student speaks with their RCSD Music Teacher about applying
Student fills out online application (includes family tax/income information)
After the student submits online application, RCSD Teacher receives a link to fill out an online recommendation form
Student performs a live audition at end of April
Audition results emailed in mid-May
Accepted students begin lessons and classes the following Fall semester

Audition Requirements

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE AUDITIONS?

Students will be prompted to choose an audition date and time as part of the online application. Auditions happen at the Eastman School of Music during the last week of April.

WHAT DOES THE STUDENT PLAY FOR THE AUDITION?

Singers and instrumentalists must prepare a solo piece and will also be asked to play scales, rudiments or warmups on their instrument. See the audition specifics listed below:

VOCAL AUDITION:

Singers perform vocal warmups
Singers perform a NYSSMA solo (level 1 or higher) 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 :

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

** The instrumental selection MUST be from the latest edition of the NYSSMA Manual or from the approved list of Method book selections. Other repertoire will NOT be accepted.

APPROVED LIST OF METHOD BOOK SOLOS – OR CHOOSE ANY NYSSMA SOLO

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:

Any NYSSMA Solo or a song from the standard jazz, classical or musical theater repertoire.

The student may also choose to sing one of the standard songs below:
America (My Country, ‘tis of Thee)
Simple Gifts

De Colores
Follow the Drinking Gourd

Audition Rep List