Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra

< GENERAL >

Q1. I am interested in auditioning “Timpani and Percussion”. May I apply for just the Timpani position or just the Percussion position?

This position is for both Timpani and Percussion so you are expected to submit DVD recording with both the Timpani and Percussion repertoire.

Q2. I have only mobile phone e-mail address to write down on Application form. Is this OK?

Please create a new webmail account such as hotmail or gmail to make sure to receive a communication from us. There are many sending-receiving problems found if your domain belongs to your mobile phone such as softbank, docomo, ezweb, willcom, or other phone company.

Q3. When I fill out “Air Way Bill (Shipping form)” to send my application package by International courier company (e.g. FedEx, DHL, EMS), what should I write for the value of enclosed DVD? If this causes “Duties and Taxes”, will HPAC pay for it?

When you send your application package to HPAC from outside Japan, please make sure to choose “Sender” as the party who should bear “Duties and Taxes” on “Air Way Bill” form. In case HPAC is charged “Duties and Taxes”, we reject to receive your application package (Application form and DVD recording). To avoid “Duties and Taxes”, it seems effective to declare the value of DVD approximately US$ 1 but depending on which courier company you use they may charge it.

Q4. I need to apply for a visa to go to the audition venue outside of my country. Would HPAC help me with required documents?

HPAC is able to certify the applicants’ purpose of visit only to Japan if the applicants advance to the Final (Live) Audition. The certification can only be guaranteed for the visa to come to Japan but not for any other countries. If you are planning to take the Final (Live) Audition in Japan and if you are from the country where you are required for a short term visa, please enclose the necessary printed documents that HPAC should sign and other items such as a passport copy along with your audition application materials. For more detail, please check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

< Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition >

Q1. I couldn’t find sheet music for the repertoire required on the audition list. Would HPAC send PDF file to me?

Unfortunately, due to the copyrights, we are unable to provide the music to candidates. Most of the pieces can be found in the “Orchester Probespiel” published by Schott Music. If the music can not be found in “Orchester Probespiel”, please try to find it by yourself by extracting it from “Pocket Score” etc.

Q2. I have a question regarding the specific measures for some pieces to play and record. For example, when it does not specify measures, but the movement or scherzo, should I record the whole movement or scherzo?

Yes. When we do not specify the measures or rehearsal numbers, then it means that the candidates are expected to play the entire movement or scherzo.

Q3. When there is “Repeat sign” on the sheet music of excerpts, should I play and repeat as it is written or should I not repeat and skip?

Please do not take any repeat on the excerpts.

Q4. When there is “Divisi (Div.)” on the sheet music of excerpts, which part should I play?

Please play upper part when there is “Divisi (Div.)” on the music.

Q5. There are some excerpts where long rests are in abundance. Should the rests be recorded?

You don’t have to count the part that is in abundance.

Q6. Should the Concerto be recorded with piano accompaniment?

For the Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition, you can play with or without piano accompaniment and it does not affect jury’s judge. Please do not bring your piano accompaniment to the Final (Live) Audition due to the limited space in the audition venue.

Q7. Will you accept the application and video recording sent through internet?

Please DO NOT send us any video recording by e-mail. Also, when mailing the recording material and application by post, please send them with the carrier that has the tracking system (ex: FedEx, UPS, DHL, or registered mail). We do not keep track of all the candidates’ mailing status.

Q8. Does HPAC Orchestra office keep the DVD I sent in the past? If so, could it be used for the Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition this year as well?

We do not keep any recording such as CD, DVD as well as Application form and dispose them right after the audition every year in order to protect the personal information. Therefore all candidates are required to submit the latest DVD recording for our audition every year.

Q9. When will I receive the result of Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition?

All candidates will be notified of the Preliminary (DVD-Video) Audition result no later than February 15, 2019. If you do not receive the result from HPAC by this time, please contact us at [email protected].

Please make sure to register the HPAC email address in your address book to avoid our email being sorted as a junk mail.

< Final (Live) Audition >

Q1. How do I prepare the music?

The repertoire for the Final (Live) Audition is informed separately to the successful candidates of the Preliminary (DVD-video) Audition.
The music for the Final (Live) Audition will be designated by HPAC Orchestra office.

Q2. Are the passages or the repertoire designated in advance?

Specific passages and the repertoire to be played will be designated by the jury at the time of the audition.

Q3. When will I receive the result of Final (Live) Audition?

All candidates will be notified of the Final (Live) Audition result no later than April 14, 2019. If you do not receive the result from HPAC by this time, please contact us at [email protected].

Please contact us below with any questions concerning auditions.

Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra
2-22 Takamatsu-Cho
Nishinomiya City
Hyogo 663-8204
JAPAN
TEL +81-798-68-0203
FAX +81-798-68-0205
Email: [email protected]