For Musicians

Audition Information

The California Youth Symphony is dedicated to the artistic development of a new generation of musicians and building audiences to support them. As a member of the California Youth Symphony, you will receive invaluable training, have excellent opportunities to enhance your musical growth, experiment and study new works, develop leadership skills, and perform at a high level of excellence some of the incredible repertoire required of a musician today. We welcome you to audition with us! 

This year's audition process is to have all applicants submit an unedited video audition. We have determined that not only will this aid in the efforts of reducing potential COVID-19 exposure, but it will also give applicants greater flexibility in submitting their best audition. Percussion applicants will have an in-person audition.

The non-refundable audition fee is $35.00 for each musician and must accompany the application form in order to complete registration. Payments are processed through PayPal.


2023-2024 ENTRANCE AUDITIONS

The Entrance Audition Application for the 2023-2024 CYS Season will open Sunday, February 5th! Auditions for CYS are open to students of high school age and younger as of September of the coming season. Each musician within a family will need to complete a separate form. 

2023-24 SEASON COVID BOOSTER REQUIREMENT: By May 15 (registration deadline), all musicians, directors, and staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19, with the initial series AND at least ONE booster dose when eligible (two months after the initial series). Medical and Religious Exemption Forms are available upon request to TaskForce@CYS.org. Medical and Religious Exemption Forms are due May 15 (registration deadline). In the 2023-24 Season, masks will be strongly encouraged during rehearsals and concerts, but not required.

2023 SUMMER CAMPS: Musicians who accept the invitation to join CYS Senior Orchestra or String Ensembles are required to participate in our Summer Camps, which take place during the summer of 2023 on the following dates:

  • OVERNIGHT CAMP [Senior Orchestra]: 7/29/23 [SAT] - 8/5/23 [SAT]
  • DAY CAMP [String Ensembles]: 7/31/23 [MON] - 8/4/23 [FRI], 9am-5pm

2024 SUMMER TOUR: The CYS Tour is mandatory for all Senior Orchestra members of the 2023-2024 Season. The tour will take place in Summer 2024 (exact dates TBD)

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES:

  • FEBRUARY 5 - Audition Application Opens
  • MARCH 26 - All Instruments - Audition Applications Due (closes at 11:59 PM PST)
  • MARCH 31 - Strings|Winds|Brass - Video Submissions Due (closes at 11:59 PM PST). Submit any time before the deadline - plan accordingly
  • APRIL 15, APRIL 22, and APRIL 23 - Percussion Auditions held at Almond Elementary School
  • MAY 1 - Audition Results & Registration Instructions sent via Email
  • MAY 15 - Deadline to receive Registration and 1st Tuition Installment
    • Deadline to meet COVID Booster Requirement, or to submit Medical or Religious Exemption Form

If you would like more information about our CYS programs or auditions please read through our website, under Programs, for further details, or please contact the CYS office by phone at 650-325-6666 or email CYSAuditions@cys.org.


2022-2023 RECRUITING AUDITIONS

We are currently holding Recruiting Auditions on certain instruments for the 2022-23 Season. If interested, please complete the audition application for your instrument below. We will contact you should an opportunity arise. If a position does not become available for the 2022-2023 season, you will be considered for acceptance in the 2023-2024 Season.

We are currently holding Recruiting Auditions for the following instruments and programs:

  • SENIOR ORCHESTRA (2:30 - 5:30 pm): String Bass, Viola
  • ASSOCIATE ORCHESTRA (12:00 - 2:00 pm): String Bass, Viola, Clarinet, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba
  • WIND SYMPHONY (9:30 - 11:30 am): String Bass, Clarinet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
  • WIND ENSEMBLE (3:45 - 5:45 pm): Clarinet, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

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