Students who wish to participate in BYSO must audition. This includes both new and returning students. Students only need to audition once for the season.
Season Dates
Rehearsals will begin on September 25, 2023 for our Fall Quarter, culminating in our Fall Concert Series which will take place November 18 & 19, 2023.
More detailed information about our full season schedule for each ensemble will be available by the end of July. And each ensemble page will be updated by September 1st.
Auditions
BYSO will be returning to in-person auditions this year. Auditions for BYSO’s 2023-24 Season have been scheduled for August 14, 15, & 19, 2023. Online auditions will be accepted for those unable to attend in-person auditions. Registration opens May 24, 2023.
Click here for more information about how register and prepare for your audition.
Audition standards and process are the same as in previous years. Click here for details: Audition Instructions
Once the audition process is complete and all auditions have been reviewed by our music staff, students are placed into BYSO ensemble levels. These placements are used for assignment to specific ensemble offerings. A placed musician may choose to participate or save their spot for later in the 2023-24 season. Members of Youth Symphony and Percussion Ensemble in 2022-23 do not require an audition and will be contacted regarding participation.
Whether you are new to BYSO or a returning student, please review all the information in our enrollment section to help you prepare for your audition. The ensembles section of our website describes each level within our organization and the music typically played at each level.
Qualifying Instruments
BYSO welcomes all symphonic orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and harp.
Ensemble Placement
At BYSO, students do not audition for specific orchestras. Students should use the Audition 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.
Students Not Placed
Some candidates may not meet BYSO standards upon auditioning. Students who have not met the standards for entry into BYSO will be told following their audition evaluation. Encouragement and suggestions for improvement will be given at that time and we hope these promising young musicians continue to practice and that we will see them next year!
