Live auditions take place in June and September. Use the request form below for specific dates. Mid-Season auditions for vacant positions are typically offered in January on a case-by-case basis.
All new and returning members must audition each season. Candidates audition for the CSYOP – not a specific group – and selected candidates will be placed in an ensemble based on level.
Auditions are approximately 10 minutes long and will consist of scales and prepared selection(s). Sight-reading may also be asked. Please follow the audition standards that most closely match your current level of playing. Carefully read the detailed requirements below for your instrument.
Questions about auditions? Just reach out to our Personnel Manager, Janice Paine.
Strings
CSYO
- Two three-octave major scales of the student’s choosing, one in C or a sharp key, the other in a flat key.
- Two solo pieces of contrasting character, or one solo piece with contrasting sections, that demonstrate diverse bowing skills, rhythmic variety, shifting, and the use of chromatics.
Repertory Strings
- Two two-octave major scales of the student’s choosing, one in C or a sharp key, the other in a flat key.
- One solo piece that best demonstrates the student’s current level (comparable to the second half of Suzuki Vo. 2 or the beginning of Suzuki Vol. 3).
Debut Strings
- Violin: two-octave G major scale and a one octave scale in another key of the student’s choosing; Cello and Viola: two-octave C major scale and a one octave scale in another key of the student’s choosing.
- One solo piece that best demonstrates the student’s current level (comparable to repertoire in the second half of Suzuki Vol. 1 or the beginning of Suzuki Vol. 2).
Primary Strings
For more information reach out to
Harp/Piano
Contact us for more information
Woodwinds and Brass
CSYO
- Students will be asked to play several major scales up to 3 sharps (G, D, A) and 3 flats (F, Bb, Eb), and a chromatic scale. Students may be asked to tongue or slur particular scales. All scales should demonstrate the student’s full usable range. Scales beyond the minimum requirement, minor scales, and arpeggios are welcome.
- Two solo pieces of contrasting character, or one solo piece with contrasting sections demonstrating both faster technical playing and lyrical, expressive playing. We recommended a SE District audition solo piece or equivalent. Band parts or popular songbooks are not acceptable.
Wind Ensemble
- Concert Bb Scale (see scale sheet for pattern)
- One (or two, short) musical selection that demonstrates the student's ability on their instrument.
- Recommended: Standard of Excellence, Essential Elements, or a selection from your school’s band book.
For Section Leader Positions:
- Scales: C, F, B-flat, G, D, and a chromatic scale. All scales should demonstrate the student’s full comfortable range.
- A solo piece that demonstrates your playing at its best. We recommend the SE Jr. District audition solo piece or equivalent.
Percussion
All students will audition on timpani, snare drum, and a mallet instrument. Students are encouraged to present an etude or prepared piece of their choice. Sight reading may be asked. The following specific skills will be asked:
Repertory Percussion
Snare Drum
- Moderately closed roll with dynamics ff>pp and pp<ff
- 5 and 9 stroke rolls alternating
- 7 stroke roll left hand
- Flam accents 1 and 2
- Flam paradiddle
Timpani
- 1 Single roll stroke with dynamics ff>pp and pp<f
- Student should be able to tune timpani in intervals of perfect 4ths and perfect 5ths
Mallets (played on either 2 ½ octave orchestra bells or 3 octave xylophone)
- Chromatic scale: 1 octave C-C
- Major scales C F Bb G D
CSYO Percussion
In addition to requirements in Repertory Percussion section:
Snare Drum
- Single and flam paradiddle
- Ruff
- Ratamacue and Triple ratamacue
Mallets
- Chromatic Scale 2 Octaves C-C
- Major Scales Eb Ab
