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.
2024-25 Season Audition Information
Winter Auditions Update
Winter Auditions will be held online for the following instruments only: viola, double bass, bassoon, and tuba. Students who have not yet auditioned for BYSO and who wish to audition on one of those instruments should email auditions@byso.org for further instructions.
Students who auditioned on June 17, July 22, August 15-17, or online over the summer are not eligible to audition again through the 2024-25 Season (September 2024 through May 2025).
Season Audition Information
BYSO has returned to in-person auditions prior to the start of the season. It is strongly recommended that students audition in person during the Season Auditions over the summer. 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 five in-person audition dates, online auditions will be accepted. Please continue reading for more information around timeline of process and what to expect.
- When are auditions?
Auditions for our next academic year season will take place in June 2025. More details will be posted at a later date. -
When Will Registration Open?
Registration will open in early 2025. -
When Does Registration Close?
Registration will close by late May 2025. - What audition days and times are available for my instrument?
Each instrument and age group has been allotted a specific window of time during the available audition days. Not all instruments are able to audition on all days. -
When Will I Know My Audition Time?
Audition date and time requests will be entertained in the order in which the registrations where received. Audition time slot confirmation emails are sent out via email prior to audition days. Email auditions@byso.org with any questions. -
When will I Know My Placement Results?
Placement emails with tuition links are generally sent by September 1. -
Where will the 2024-25 Season Auditions take place?
Any remaining auditions held during the 2024-25 Season will be held via the online process. -
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. Instructions are sent out within two weeks of registration. Audition music requirements located on our Ensemble Levels page still apply to online auditions.
How to Audition
- Prepare for your audition by reviewing the standards of musicianship expected at each ensemble level and practicing.
- Register and Pay when the registration link is posted on the website.
- 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 a season.
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 2024-25 Season will be updated by September 1, 2024.
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.
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.
