2026–2027 SEASON
Auditions
Join a community of passionate young musicians.
Who Should Audition?
CYSO welcomes dedicated student musicians playing string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments from across the Chesapeake region. Our audition process is designed to evaluate each musician’s technical proficiency, musicality, and potential for growth.
We offer multiple ensemble levels to ensure proper placement based on ability and experience. Whether you’re a developing musician or an advanced player preparing for conservatory auditions, CYSO provides the right environment for your musical journey.
All students are placed in ensembles that best support their current level while challenging them to reach new artistic heights under the guidance of our exceptional faculty.
Auditions Open Year-Round
There's always an opportunity to join CYSO! We welcome young musicians of all experience levels to audition throughout the year.
Auditions by Appointment Only
Ensemble Placement
Students are placed in ensembles based on demonstrated ability, experience, and musical maturity. All placements are determined by our artistic staff following auditions.
Youth Symphony
Our premier ensemble for advanced musicians performing major symphonic repertoire. Preparation for conservatory and professional careers.
Concert Orchestra
Intermediate to advanced ensemble exploring challenging orchestral works and developing refined ensemble skills.
String Orchestra
String-focused ensemble for developing musicians building technical foundation and musical expression through classical repertoire.
Preparatory Orchestra
Beginning ensemble for young string players learning fundamental orchestral skills in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Audition Requirements
Required Scales
All instrumentalists must prepare major scales in the following keys:
- Two octaves: C, G, D, A, F major
- Three octaves (advanced students): all major scales
- Scales should be performed with proper bow distribution (strings) or breath control (winds)
- Tempo: quarter note = 80–120 bpm depending on level
Solo Selection
Prepare one solo work or excerpt that demonstrates your technical ability and musical expression:
- Solo piece may be from standard repertoire, etudes, or method books
- Memorization is encouraged but not required
- Performance should be 2–3 minutes in length
- Accompaniment is optional (we will not provide an accompanist)
Sight Reading
Students will be given a brief orchestral excerpt to sight-read during the audition. This component evaluates reading ability, rhythm accuracy, and adaptability. Excerpts are selected to be appropriate for each audition level.
Percussion-Specific Notes
Percussion auditions include the following components:
- Snare drum: rudiments and etude
- Timpani: tuning exercise and excerpt
- Mallet percussion: two-octave scales and prepared piece
- Sight reading on multiple instruments
What to Expect
Your audition day will follow this structured process to ensure a fair and supportive experience.
Check-In
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time. Check in at the registration desk where you’ll receive your audition number and room assignment.
Warm-Up
Warm-up rooms are available on a first-come basis. We recommend arriving early to ensure adequate preparation time before your audition slot.
Individual Audition
Your audition will last approximately 10–15 minutes. You’ll perform scales, your prepared solo, and sight-read a brief excerpt for our panel of faculty evaluators.
Placement Notification
Audition results and ensemble placements will be emailed within one week. Accepted students will receive rehearsal schedules and registration instructions.
Results & Placement Notification
All audition results will be sent via email within one week of your audition date. Placement decisions are made by our artistic staff based on technical proficiency, musical maturity, and ensemble needs.
Accepted students will receive detailed information about their assigned ensemble, including rehearsal schedules, concert dates, and first-day expectations. Rehearsals begin in early September and run through May.
Students are expected to attend all weekly rehearsals and concert performances. Our rehearsal commitment ensures the highest quality musical experience for all participants.
View Rehearsal ScheduleTuition & Financial Assistance
CYSO is committed to making exceptional orchestral training accessible to all talented young musicians, regardless of financial circumstances.
Season Tuition
Tuition covers the full academic year from September through May, including all rehearsals, concerts, and music materials.
Fees
- Audition & Registration Fee: $45
- Tuition Deposit: $100
Financial Assistance
We offer need-based financial aid to ensure no student is turned away due to financial constraints. Assistance ranges from partial to full tuition support.
Financial aid applications are confidential and reviewed separately from auditions. All families are encouraged to apply if assistance would make participation possible.