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Auditions

2024-25 SECOND ROUND AUDITIONS

We still have openings for the following instruments at the level specified, with Sunday rehearsal times listed. Please complete the Second Round Audition application below. Musicians on Flute, Violin, or Percussion, we will contact you should an opportunity arise. 

  • SENIOR ORCHESTRA (2:30 - 5:30 pm): Viola, Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone
  • ASSOCIATE ORCHESTRA (12:00 - 2:00 pm): Viola, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Percussion
  • WIND SYMPHONY (9:45 - 11:45 am): Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion
  • WIND ENSEMBLE (3:15 - 5:15 pm): Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion
  • CHAMBER WINDS (1:30 - 3:00 pm): Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion
  • VIRTUOSI STRINGS (9:00 - 11:00 am): Viola, Cello
  • INTERMEZZI STRINGS (11:15 am - 12:30 pm): Viola

Please review the important Audition FAQs, Helpful Hints, and Audition Requirements section of our website prior to completing this Second Round Audition form.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES:

  • JUNE 30 - All Instruments - Audition Applications Due (closes at 11:59 PM PST)
  • JUNE 30 - Strings|Winds|Brass - Video Submissions Due (closes at 11:59 PM PST). Submit any time before the deadline - plan accordingly
    • Percussion: We will contact you to schedule your in-person audition after you submit the audition form.
  • JULY 20 - Audition Results & Registration Instructions sent via Email
  • JULY 27 - Deadline to complete Registration

The California Youth Symphony is dedicated to the artistic development of a new generation of musicians and building audiences to support them. 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. If you are interested in auditioning on two different instruments other than an auxiliary instrument (i.e. flute/piccolo, clarinet/bass clarinet, etc.) please indicate this on your audition application. 

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: Musicians who accept the invitation to join CYS Senior Orchestra are required to participate in our Summer Camp. Those who join the String Ensembles are strongly encouraged to participate in the Summer String Camp. Both take place during the summer of 2024 on the following dates:

  • OVERNIGHT CAMP [Senior Orchestra]: 7/27/24 [SAT] - 8/3/24 [SAT]
  • DAY CAMP [String Ensembles]: 7/22/24 [MON] - 7/26/24 [FRI], 9am-5pm

2024-25 SENIOR ORCHESTRA MERIT AWARD

Musicians who audition on String Bass, Horn, Trumpet, and Trombone who earn placement in the Senior Orchestra may be eligible for a merit-based scholarship award (limited scholarships available).You must submit your Merit Award application by June 30 to be considered for a merit-based scholarship. Awards are issued once placement has been determined, by July 20.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SO MERIT AWARD

Awards will be given in the form of tuition discounts to recognize exceptionally gifted and committed players of String Bass, Horn, Trumpet, and Trombone who are seeking to further develop their skills playing these instruments in the Senior Orchestra. Please be aware that if you have qualified for financial aid in the form of tuition assistance, then CYS is not able to provide you with any additional discounts this year.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

CYS offers need-based tuition assistance for musicians of all ensembles. April 14th is the initial deadline for submitting the Tuition Assistance Application, linked below. We will continue to accept tuition assistance applications after April 14th, but those received by then will have first priority. Due to limited resources it is unlikely additional aid will be available once all funds are used. Our goal is to inform families of their award status and amount as registration opens, or shortly after, so they can make an informed decision about registration.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE

2024-25 SEASON COVID-BOOSTER RECOMMENDATION: All musicians are strongly encouraged to keep up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination, with the initial series AND booster doses as eligible. In the 2024-25 Season, masks will be strongly encouraged during rehearsals and concerts but not required.

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