Auditions

Schedules & Tuition Information for 2021-2022

Applications for the 2021-2022 Academic Year Orchestra Program are closed.

Results have been sent out as of 8/27/21. If you did not receive your system-generated audition results, please reach out and we can resend it manually.

If you have any questions about the applications or audition videos please contact us at info@syso.org.

What to Expect for the 2021-2022 Season

SYSO will resume five levels of orchestral ensembles in the Academic Year Orchestra Program (AYOP) with in-person rehearsals and performances for the 2021-2022 Season. With the current public health guidelines, we anticipate that we will not have to significantly reduce the orchestra sizes.

Audition Preparation Guidelines

For returning students of Prelude String Orchestra (PSO), Symphonette Orchestra (SO) and Debut Symphony Orchestra (DSO), and new students (advanced new students please see below), prepare the following:

Scales (eighth notes in a minimum tempo of quarter note = 66, do not record with metronome)

One major scale and arpeggio: one or two octaves according to your ability (DSO strings required to play 3 octaves), one bow per note for strings/tongued for winds
One melodic minor scale with arpeggio: one or two octaves according to your ability (DSO strings required to play 3 octaves), any amount of notes slurred both in scales and arpeggios.
Woodwinds, brass and *percussion (*if you have access to a mallet instrument such as bells, xylophone, or marimba), play a chromatic scale from your lowest note to your highest note (with good tone).

Please choose two short, contrasting excerpts from a solo piece (or 2 pieces) that best demonstrate your musical and technical ability.

Selection 1 should demonstrate a faster style (no more than 90 seconds long, skip any long rests)
Selection 2 should demonstrate a lyrical style (no more than 90 seconds long, skip any long rests)

**Sight reading will not be required this year, please remember that students are expected to have music reading skills that meet their orchestra level’s repertoire

For ALL returning students of Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO), Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO), and new advanced students, you are required to prepare the following:

Scales (eighth notes in a minimum tempo of quarter note = 80, do not record with metronome)

One major scale and arpeggio: two, three, or four octaves according to your ability, one bow per note for strings/tongued for winds
One melodic minor scale with arpeggio: two, three, or four octaves according to your ability, any amount of notes slurred both in scales and arpeggios.

Woodwinds, brass and *percussion (*if you have access to a mallet instrument such as bells, xylophone, or marimba), play a chromatic scale from your lowest note to your highest note (with good tone).

Required excerpts by instrument (see below)

**Sight reading will not be required this year, please remember that students are expected to have music reading skills that meet their orchestra level’s repertoire

For Harp & Piano Students

To account for the inconsistency of piano and harp participation in Orchestral repertoire SYSO has made the decision that students who wish to play harp and piano with the Orchestras will be invited to participate in the Seattle Conservatory of Music Chamber Music Program.

Harp and Piano students instead of auditioning for the Academic Year Orchestra Program will audition and register for the Chamber Music Program instead.

During the year, piano and harp students will regularly participate in chamber music rehearsals and recitals. During orchestra concert cycles in which they are needed they will be assigned to attend certain orchestra rehearsals and concerts in addition to their chamber music as directed for no additional charge.

The audition requirements for piano and harp students for their Chamber Music/Orchestra Audition are as follows:

2 scales one major, and one minor. 3-4 octaves
Two contrasting selections from solo repertoire or orchestral/chamber music repertoire. One selection should be lyrical to showcase musicality, and one selection should showcase rhythm and technical ability.

Applications and audition video submission for the Seattle Conservatory of Music will open in August at syso.org/conservatory.

Recording Your Audition Video

Click here for Audition Video Recording Guidelines and instructions on uploading your video

Click here for a video tutorial on recording your audition

Excerpts

Please click on your instrument listing below to download your excerpt:

What to expect after your audition

Audition results will be sent by email to the primary parent/guardian listed on your application in late August.

If you are accepted into the Academic Year Orchestra Program, you are required to accept or decline your orchestra placement.
- You will be emailed a link to a form where you can accept or decline placement.
- You must respond to your placement by September 3rd to be enrolled in the program.

If you are not accepted into the Academic Year Orchestra Program, we invite you to continue to practice and to audition again next year.