Youth Symphony

Auditions & Registration

2023-24 YS Auditions

Each student will be placed in the ensemble best suited to their skill level. Please check the sidebar for additional information about the audition guidelines, schedule, requirements, and more.

NOTE: All YS students audition and pay the $35 fee every year. 

If you have multiple siblings in YS, please submit a separate registration form for each student.

Audition Info

Youth Symphony is open to musicians that are high school seniors or younger. All students audition every year.

Is there a fee?

There is a non-refundable, non tax-deductible fee of $35 for each child auditioning for Youth Symphony.
2023-24 Audition Payment Page

Where and when are auditions?

Audition requirements for each ensemble: 

PREPARATORY STRINGS

1. Prepared Solo: Bach Minuets in Suzuki Book 1 or higher

2. Sight reading of simple melodies

3. Scales (click the instrument below for sheet music):

  • Violin: 1-octave D and A Major, 2-octave G Major
  • Viola: 1-octave D and G Major, 2-octave C Major
  • Cello: 1-octave D and G Major, 2-octave C Major
  • Bass: 1-octave G Major

ACADEMY STRING ORCHESTRA

1. Prepared Solo: A prepared piece at least at the level of Suzuki Book 3 or higher. Violins should have some experience with shifting to 3rd position.

2. Sight reading at an intermediate level

3. Scales (click the instrument below for sheet music):

  • Violin: 2-octave major scales: G, A C, D and B-flat
  • Viola: 2-octave major scales: C, D, F, and E-flat
  • Cello: 2-octave major scales: C, D, and one of your choice
  • Bass: 2-octave major scale of your choice

SYMPHONIC WINDS

1. Prepared Solo

2. Simple sight reading

3. Four major scales of your choice and a chromatic scale

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

1. Prepared Solo: Strings should be in the level of Suzuki Book 6 or higher.

2. Sight reading at an advanced level

3. Scales:

  • Strings: 3-octave Major scales up to 3 flats and 3 sharps
  • Brass and Woodwinds: 2-octave Major scales up to 3 flats and 3 sharps; 2-octave Chromatic scales

4. CO Required Orchestra Excerpts:

PERCUSSION

1. Snare drum roll

2. Timpani roll and tuning

3. Major scales on a mallet instrument