The annual audition competition is run in four separate areas: Strings, Winds, Brass and Harp/Percussion. It forms an optional part of the Large Ensemble assessment, but also forms an invaluable way to learn auditioning skills. Each year of Large Ensemble (for Orchestral Instruments) has a set list of excerpts, from which a small selection are chosen for the audition, which takes place behind a screen. Prizes vary in the different areas, and the grade from the audition goes towards the assessments for Large Ensemble. Your assessors are the Head of each respective area, all accomplished orchestral musicians themselves, and the Conductor of the Large Ensemble paper.