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Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition

The CYS Associate Orchestra Concerto Competition was established during the 2006-07 season to recognize outstanding musicians in the orchestra and to also train the orchestra in the art of orchestral accompaniment.  The concerto competition is open to all current members of the orchestra and winners perform either a movement from a concerto or a one movement concert piece accompanied by the CYS Associate Orchestra in the Spring Festival or Season Finale concert. 

2025-26 Concerto Competition Information

See below for a list of acceptable/non-acceptable concerti. Upon completing the registration form, your piece will be further reviewed for approval.

Competition Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Where: Almond Elementary School, Los Altos
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Auditions slots are 10 minutes each)
Accompanist: Not required, though highly recommended!
Dress Code: Dress for a concert or a recital - this is a performance!
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025 - 5:00pm - APPLICATION WILL OPEN IN LATE SEPTEMBER

Please note the following: 

  • Only one movement from a concerto or a one movement piece (not exceeding 15 minutes in length) is eligible
  • Must audition on the instrument currently playing in the orchestra
  • Music must be memorized for the concert. It doesn't need to be memorized for the audition.
  • Two individual practice rooms are available, with additional outside warm-up areas. Please come prepared, keep warm, and arrive at least 15 minutes early. 
  • ** The Senior Orchestra competition runs at the same time and date. As some pianists accompany both AO & SO concert applicants, we try our best to accommodate you and your accompanist's availability. We ask for your flexibility in the event we are unable to accommodate your scheduling request.  

Acceptable Concerti for the 25-26 Competition

INSTRUMENT CONCERTO
VIOLIN Any standard classic, romantic, or contemporary concerto*. Double concerti are OK.
VIOLA, CELLO, WOODWIND, BRASS, HARP, PERCUSSION Any standard classic, romantic, or contemporary concerto.* Double or triple concerti are OK.

*Non-acceptable Concerti

INSTRUMENT CONCERTO
LAST PERFORMED
Violin Lalo Symphonie Espagnole in Dm, Op.21, 1st Movement 24-25

Kreisler Praeludium and Allegro 24-25

Korngold Violin Concerto 25-26
Cello Dvorak Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 24-25

Bloch Schelomo, Rhapsodie hébraïque 25-26
Clarinet Stamitz Clarinet Concerto no. 3, 1st movement 24-25
Flute Ibert Flute Concerto 25-26
Percussion Golovko Colombian Marimba Concerto 24-25

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