Auditions

Thank you to all who applied! The 2023-24 application is now closed. Adjudication results will be sent on a rolling basis by instrument beginning August 18.

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Dates & Timeline

Tuition

Eligibility

Resources

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Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Academic Year Orchestra Program! Applications for the 23-24 season are officially closed.

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS

Shorecrest High School (Youth, Junior, Debut, Symphonette)
Kellogg High School (Prelude, Conservatory)

Rehearsal Schedule

We’l like to encourage you to check out our other programs offerings:

Conservatory of Music – Our conservatory program is also accepting applications for Chamber Music, along with academic classes which supplement playing an instrument very well. I recommend the Chamber Music program, and taking the Musicianship class – they cover everything from music theory to ear training and gives students a great well-wounded musical experience. These classes also take place on Saturdays around the orchestra schedules

Music Youth Southeast – Another orchestra playing opportunity with rehearsals taking place in South Seatlle at Aki Kurose Middle School. This group does not require an audition (and is free of charge), and they play everything from classical to pop.

2023-24 Dates & Timeline

May 1 – Excerpts posted

June 1 – Applications open

August 10 – Deadline for 2023-24 AYOP audition videos and Sight Reading

August 18-25 – AYOP audition results sent via email, depending on instrument

September 1 – Deadline to accept or decline placement offers

September 9 – Pre-season sectionals for Youth Symphony Orchestra ONLY

September 16 – First rehearsal for all orchestras

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU 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.

If you are not accepted into the Academic Year Orchestra Program, we invite you to continue to practice and to audition again next year. You may also be interested in the Seattle Conservatory of Music, which offers performance opportunities and academic courses; and MY Southeast, SYSO’s newest orchestra which rehearses in Southeast Seattle.

SYSO supports the work of organizations throughout our community that provide students meaningful access to arts education. Some other musical opportunities families can check out are Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra, Tacoma Youth Symphony, Seattle JazzEd, and Suzuki Institute of Seattle.

Tuition

TUITION RATES

Youth Symphony Orchestra – $2,150
Junior Symphony Orchestra – $1,725
Debut Symphony Orchestra – $1,425
Symphonette Orchestra – $1,425
Prelude String Orchestra – $1,350

Please visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information on how to pay your 2023-24 tutition.

APPLICATION FEE

$60 (non-refundable)

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Ample tuition assistance is available to all students enrolled in our programs who demonstrate need. The Tuition Assistance application is embedded in the enrollment form families receive upon being offered a placement in one of the orchestras. Offer letters are sent on a rolling basis between Aug 18-26. We encourage any families who may need assistance to apply. Please do not hesitate to reach out to info@syso.org for more information.

Eligibility

SYSO’s orchestras are opportunities for students to learn to perform music under the instruction of world-class conductors and coaches. The following students are welcome to apply to participate in SYSO’s 2023-24 Academic Year Orchestra season:

Dedicated young musicians ages 7+
Musicians who play strings, winds, brass, and percussion instruments.
SYSO supports public and private school music and arts programs. Participation in school arts programs is required, when available. View the Music Participation Form here.

HARP AND PIANO STUDENTS

Piano students that wish to perform with the Academic Year Orchestra Program, must apply and participate in the Seattle Conservatory of Music. You will have the opportunity to indicate if you are interested in playing with an orchestra as part of the application process for the conservatory. Please note, this is not guaranteed, as the number of pianists typically exceeds the number of pianists needed throughout the year. For questions, please contact the Conservatory Manager at gabriela.garza@syso.org.

Harp students that wish to perform with the Academic Year Orchestra Program should contact alex.wass@syso.org for a unique application link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & Contact

RESOURCES

TIPS & TRICKS – Helpful tips that are useful for all students preparing to audition for any group or ensemble.

ABOUT THE AUDITION COMPONENTS – Students are required to prepare multiple components for their audition, including scales, solo repertoire or excerpts, and sight reading. Visit this link to learn why these components are part of the audition process, and what you can do to help prepare for your audition

AUDITION FAQ’s – Read through some of our most commonly asked questions. Additional questions can be directed Izchel Chacón, Orchestra Manager at izchel.chacon@syso.org

AUDITION FEEDBACK – Being open to constructive feedback is a very important part of the learning process. SYSO will provide notes from the adjudication team to ALL students who participate in the audition process, regardless of acceptance into the program. No action is necessary – we will send audition feedback by mid-December, if not sooner.