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Auditions

2026-27 ENTRANCE AUDITIONS

The Entrance Audition Form for the 2026-2027 CYS Season is now open. 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 complete an additional form for each instrument.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Musicians who accept the invitation to join CYS Senior Orchestra are required to participate in our Summer Camp and the International Tour. Those who join the String Ensembles are strongly encouraged to participate in the Summer String Camp. The events take place during the summers on the following dates:

  • DAY CAMP [String Ensembles]: 7/27/26 [MON] - 7/31/26 [FRI]
  • OVERNIGHT CAMP [Senior Orchestra]: 8/2/26 [SUN] - 8/8/26 [SAT]

For questions about the audition application process, please contact cysauditions@cys.org.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES

  • MARCH 12 - PERCUSSION Application Deadline (closes at 11:59 PM PDT)
  • MARCH 14-15, APRIL 11 - Percussion Auditions held in-person
  • MARCH 16 - STRINGS/WINDS/BRASS Application Deadline (closes at 11:59 PM PDT)
  • MARCH 16 - Strings|Winds|Brass - Video Submissions Due (closes at 11:59 PM PDT). Submit any time before the deadline - plan accordingly
  • APRIL 17 - Audition Results & Registration Instructions sent via Email
  • APRIL 20 - Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
  • MAY 1 - Deadline to Complete 2026-27 Registration

NOTE FOR ALL MUSICIANS - NON-REFUNDABLE AUDITION FEE (ALL AUDITIONS)

  • MUSICIANS NEW TO CYS: $35
    • For your first audition with CYS, a non-refundable audition fee of $35.00 is required to complete your audition application. Payments are processed through PayPal
  • CURRENT AND FORMER CYS MEMBERS: $20
    • For Current and Former CYS Members auditioning for a different section or ensemble, a discounted, non-refundable audition fee of $20.00 is required to complete your audition application. Payments are processed through PayPal.
    • For Current CYS Members remaining in their current ensemble AND section, or not returning, there is no fee.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

More tuition assistance information, including the link to apply, will be available by the end of January.

2025-26 RECRUITING AUDITIONS

We are currently holding Recruiting Auditions on certain instruments for the 2025-26 Season. If interested, please click the link button below. This is intended for NEW auditions.

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

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

RECRUITING AUDITION APPLICATION (Strings/Winds/Brass only for 2025-26).

2025-26 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 2025-26 Season, masks will be strongly encouraged during rehearsals and concerts but not required.

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