Before You Audition
Whether you’ve been a member of BYSO for years, or are new, please review the Join BYSO page. It contains critical information about our auditioning and placement policies.
2025/26 SEASON AUDITION REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
There are still spots available for the following instruments: viola, double bass, bassoon, horn, trumpet, tuba, and percussion. Auditions will be via the online process only. Audition video submissions are due no later than February 9. If you are interested in auditioning, please email auditions@byso.org for further information.
2026-27 Season Audition Information
Season Audition Information
BYSO hosts in-person auditions prior to the start of the season. It is strongly recommended that students audition in person during the Season Auditions in June. In-person auditions allow our adjudicators the best chance to place students in the appropriate ensembles. For students who are not able to make any of the in-person audition dates, online auditions may be accepted. Please continue reading for more information around timeline of process and what to expect.
- When are auditions?
In-person auditions for the 2026-27 Season will take place June 8-13. -
When Will Registration Open?
Registration opens January 15, 2026. View the Audition Instructions page for instructions on how to register, and to view the registration link. -
When Does Registration Close?
Registration closes May 25, 2026. - What audition days and times are available for my instrument?
Each instrument and age group is allotted a specific window of time during the available audition days. Not all instruments are able to audition on all days. Download the BYSO 2026-27 Season Audition Schedule to use as reference when filling out the registration form. -
When Will I Know My Audition Time?
Audition date and time requests will be entertained in the order in which registrations are received. Time slot confirmation emails with your exact audition time will be sent my May 29, 2026. Email auditions@byso.org with any questions. -
When will I Know My Placement Results?
Placement emails with tuition links will be sent by September 1. -
Where will the 2026-27 Season Auditions take place?
Auditions take place at Overlake Christian Church or Lake Washington High School, depending on the day/time of your instrument and chosen audition date. Your time slot confirmation email will include your specific location along with the full address, plus other important information. -
If I need to submit an online audition, what instructions should I follow?
Students wishing to submit an online audition must fill out the registration form provided by the office. BYSO will then provide specific instructions for online auditions, including how to complete the sight-reading requirement and submit your student’s pre-recorded audition video. Instructions are sent out via email within two weeks of registration. Audition music requirements located on our Ensemble Levels page still apply to online auditions. -
What if I need to cancel my audition?
If you need to cancel your student’s audition, please notify the office by emailing auditions@byso.org. Audition registration fees are non-refundable.
How to Audition
- Prepare for your audition by reviewing the standards of musicianship expected at each ensemble level and practicing.
- Download the BYSO 2026-27 Season Audition Schedule to use as reference when filling out the registration form.
- Register and Pay via the registration link posted on the Audition Instructions page when available.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check in and unpack your instrument. BYSO staff will direct you to your audition room.
- Play the required audition material for the judges. Your audition will be no longer than 10 minutes. Required audition material can be found here.
Placement Criteria
Your audition will be judged on the following criteria:
- Intonation
- Tone Quality
- Rhythmic Accuracy
- Musicality
- Style
- Overall performance and preparation
- Instrumentation capacity for each ensemble
Ensemble Placement
At BYSO, students do not audition for specific orchestras. Students should use the Ensemble Levels provided on this site to prepare the most advanced level of audition material that they feel comfortable with and can play well. Preparing material for a certain level does not ensure placement at that level.
Placement is based solely on the musician’s ability, not age or grade.
A student’s ensemble placement is final. Students are only permitted to audition for BYSO once per season.
Rehearsal Location:
We have different rehearsal locations. Please refer to the specific ensemble pages for the day, time, and location of rehearsals. Note: all rehearsal locations are subject to change. Rehearsal locations and times for our 2025-26 Season are available on all ensemble pages.
Season Auditions:
Auditions for our full regular season generally take place in the Summer. All new and returning students must audition for placement in the new season, with the exception of students who have previously auditioned into and participated in Youth Symphony or Percussion Ensemble (see below for more details).
Winter Auditions:
BYSO holds entry auditions in the Winter only for students who haven’t auditioned that season and on an instrument-need basis. Please see our Audition Instructions page for detailed information.
Spring Auditions:
BYSO holds entry auditions in the Spring only for students who haven’t auditioned that season and on an instrument-need basis. Please see our Audition Instructions page for detailed information.
Youth Symphony and Percussion Ensemble Participation:
Students who audition and place in the Youth Symphony or Percussion Ensemble and participate for at least one academic year do not need to re-audition for the next season. They will receive a separate registration form via email to sign up for the new season. This registration form is generally sent at the end of the current season.
Students who do not enroll in Youth Symphony or Percussion Ensemble for an entire Academic Season will be required to re-audition for BYSO if they wish to be considered for placement in a subsequent season.
