At level four, opportunities for many exciting activities begin to emerge: auditions for solo chair positions at school, solo and ensemble contests, scholarship auditions. Summer enrichment programs, music festivals and regional band-orchestra chairs should be pursued.

Continuation of private study is important to effectively focus on detailed preparations for solo appearances, contests and auditions. If possible, a professional level instrument should be obtained to attain the best in sound, intonation and technique. An interest in better reeds, including both the skill of adjusting reeds as well as fundamental reedmaking, should continue to evolve. Beginning work on doubling on English Horn should be considered at this point.

More extensive listening habits should be developed. Following good music radio stations, learning the classical orchestral repertoire, learning about great composers, and identifying music periods and jazz styles will cultivate high performance standards and ambitions.

• Develop more sophisticated tonal concepts and control: tonal beauty, natural use of dynamic flexibility, and awareness of perfect intonation. Observe the effects of mouthpieces, instruments, reeds, rooms, halls, recording techniques and geographic location on tonal voicing.
• Experiment with various acquired techniques to create a mood experience for the listener. Avoid lackluster mechanical playing.
• Improve proficiency and fluency in sight-reading.
• Prepare and maintain good reeds.
• Perform major solo works by memory.
• Begin study of extended pitch range to high F, F# and G.