2023-24 Auditions 
In-Person May 6 & 7
Virtual Auditions due May 5

For Specific Instrument Requirements, Click Below
We are always looking for talented musicians to join our ensembles!  An audition is your first step in this wonderful journey.  Playing in one of our ensembles will give you expert guidance from professionals who are invested in your musical growth.  We love helping you progress!

Our preference is for students to partake in an IN-PERSON audition.  This way we can meet, provide immediate and direct feedback, answer any questions etc. That being said, we recognize that is sometimes not possible with schedules. Because of that, we also offer a virtual option where students submit a video audition. Please read the information below and fill out the appropriate form.

In-person auditions will be held Saturday, May 6 & Sunday, May 7.  For in-person auditions, please sign-up here. If you are unable to come to in-person auditions, you may submit a video audition by following the instructions below. 

The audition requirements are listed by instrument to the left of this panel. 

To register for a virtual audition please click here and complete this form.  (You will need to have your completed audition youtube link when you complete this form).

Virtual Auditions - Making your video:
It is perfectly fine to make your audition video with a smartphone.  If we have any issues with the clarity of the video or the sound, we will get in touch with you.

We want the video audition to feel as “live” as possible.  Your audition should be played straight through, all in one video file.

Please dress as you would for a live audition.
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Videos must be submitted through a YouTube link.  Please follow these steps to create your video:
  1. If you do not have one, create a YouTube account using the YouTube app (you’ll need a Google account first) or visit the site. Directions on how to create a YouTube Account.
  2. The video must clearly show the musician’s face, hands, and instrument. It is best to have someone else record you.  If you can’t do that, make sure the recording device is far enough away to capture everything needed.  4 - 6 feet is a good starting point.
  3. Make sure the music stand does not block the musician’s hands, face or instrument. 

Here is some great advice from members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (written for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra students) about recording video auditions:  cyso.org/news/tips-for-a-great-video-audition/

At the start of your video, please state ALL and ONLY the following:
  1. “Hello, my name is __________.”
  2. “The piece  I am performing is _______ (state the names of the piece(s) and composer(s)).”
  3. “I will be playing the ______ and the _______scales” (list the name of your scales.  For example, G major and D major)
  4. I am currently in ____ grade and I go to ___________ school.  Next year I will go to _____________ school.
  5. “I am new to the YOP.”  OR “I played in ______ in the past” (String Orchestra, Philharmonia, or Youth Symphony)
Once you’ve recorded yourself, label/name the video like this:
 YOP Audition 23-24 Instrument, Last name, First name.

  1. You will also have to change the video's privacy settings from “Public” to “Unlisted,” which is done in the field below where you renamed it. You will want to have your privacy settings of your video set as “Unlisted,” not “Private” or "Public.” In this way, we will be able to share the link with the professional judges reviewing players of your instrument. Only our audition team with this “Unlisted” link will be able to access your audition. Click here for help changing your video's privacy settings.
​Please contact Audrey Nowak if you have questions regarding online auditions.  
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