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SRSYE YOUTH ENSEMBLES 

We believe auditioning is an important skill for every musician to develop.  New and returning musicians must audition each season. Our auditions are friendly and non-threatening and are designed to place you in an ensemble level that will encourage your musical growth while you have fun learning music with your peers. Please consult with your teacher about the audition level that might be best for you.

NOTESTRING ORCHESTRA WORKSHOP does not require auditions. 
Sign up for SOW 2024-2025 here >


 

AUDITIONS FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON

The SRSYO will be going on an international tour in June 2025! Participation is required of all SRSYO members.

In April 2024, we are holding entry auditions for SRSYO & AYO’s 2024-2025 season. 
Applications for Spring Auditions are now closed.  Register today for a Fall audition!


In August 2024, all young musicians, new and returning, are required to participate in seating auditions.
 

SCHEDULE:

SRSYO Entry Auditions: April 18, 19, 25, 2024 after school.
For young musicians who want to audition to become a member of SRSYO (Level 3) for the 2024-25 season.  This includes new students and AYO members auditioning for SRSYO.  String players interested in YPCO can indicate so on their application. 
Applications for Spring Auditions are now closed.  Register today for a Fall audition!
 
AYO Entry Auditions: Sunday, April 21, 2024
For young musicians who want to audition to become a member of AYO (Level 2) for the 2024-25 season. This includes new students and DYO members auditioning for AYO.
Applications for Spring Auditions are now closed.  Register today for a Fall audition!

Fall Auditions: August 17, 18, 24, 25, 2024​
For new and returning young musicians; Additional entry auditions for AYO and SRSYO accepted; DYO entry auditions; Seating auditions for all ensembles.

Jazz Ensemble: September 7, 2024
Students will play with the group on the first day.  The director will send a chart to learn in advance.

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Spring auditions are for entry into AYO and SRSYO only.  DYO auditions will be in August. 
  • Anyone who prefers to audition in August may do so.
  • Anyone who is not accepted into their preferred ensemble in April may re-audition in August.
  • Students who are staying in their current ensemble are not required to audition in April.
  • Materials for August Seating Auditions will be available by May 2024.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

January 2024:                 Spring Audition Materials and Registration forms available online
March 15, 2024:             Deadline to register for the Spring AYO or SRSYO Entry Audition
April 18, 19, 25, 2024:   SRSYO (Level 3) Entry Auditions for 2024-2025 season
April 21, 2024:                AYO (Level 2) Entry Auditions for 2024-2025 season
August 17, 18, 24, 25, 2024:  Seating Auditions for all ensembles; Entry auditions for all ensembles for 2024-2025 season
September 7, 2024        Jazz Ensemble auditions 


Questions? Contact Youth Ensembles Manager Elena Sloman.

 

Audition Requirements

- Before submitting an audition registration form, please download the audition materials and seek advice from your private teacher about which level of audition materials are appropriate to your current playing level.
- If you are seeking a private teacher, please contact Youth Ensembles Manager Elena Sloman directly.

YOUNG MUSICIANS MUST PREPARE THE FOLLOWING:

1. SCALES/RUDIMENTS: Prepare scales or rudiments for your instrument and level as described.

2. SOLO: Prepare a two- to three-minute solo highlighting your technical proficiency.  This can be any solo work, etude, or excerpt in a style relevant to the orchestra setting that demonstrates the musician's present level of accomplishment. The solo does not need to be memorized. No accompaniment is allowed in the audition. 

3. EXCERPT(S): Carefully prepare the excerpt(s) from your audition packet with the tempo indications given.

4. SIGHT READING: Be prepared to sight read material representative of the level of difficulty of the repertoire of the orchestra you wish to join.

All auditions will be held with a panel of at least two adjudicators selected as appropriate for your level and instrument family. Auditions are recorded for conductors’ review. Only the musician is allowed to enter the audition room; parents and friends may wait in the waiting area. Auditions last 10-20 min.
 

Schedule your Audition Appointment

 

Level 1 Audition Materials Packets

Level 1: appropriate for DEBUT YOUTH ORCHESTRA
For beginning to intermediate players 8 yrs -15 yrs
Rehearsals are on Saturdays 9:15 AM -10:45 AM, September - May 
Read about DYO here

Audition Materials for the DYO 2024-25 season will be available by May 2024.

 

Level 2 Spring Audition Materials Packets

Level 2: appropriate for ASPIRANTE YOUTH ORCHESTRA (& Young People’s Chamber Orchestra by invitation)
For intermediate players 9 yrs -18 yrs
Rehearsals are on Saturdays 11 AM -1 PM, September – May
Read about AYO here
 
Fall Seating Audition Materials will be available in May 2024.

SPRING AUDITION PACKETS:

VIOLIN Level 2
VIOLA Level 2
CELLO Level 2
DOUBLE BASS Level 2


FLUTE Level 2
OBOE Level 2
CLARINET Level 2
BASSOON Level 2

HORN Level 2
TRUMPET Level 2
TROMBONE Level 2
TUBA Level 2

PERCUSSION Level 2


 

Level 3 Spring Audition Materials Packets

Level 3: appropriate for SANTA ROSA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA & YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SRSYO - For advanced players 12 yrs - 23 yrs
Rehearsals are on Thursdays 6 PM - 9 PM starting in Fall 2023, September - May 
Read about SRSYO here 
 
YPCO – For advanced string players by invitation 10 yrs - 23 yrs
Rehearsals are on Mondays 6 PM - 8:30 PM, September - March 
Read about YPCO here

Fall Seating Audition Materials will be available in May 2024.

SPRING AUDITION PACKETS:


VIOLIN Level 3
VIOLA Level 3
CELLO Level 3
DOUBLE BASS Level 3


FLUTE Level 3
OBOE Level 3
CLARINET Level 3
BASSOON Level 3

HORN Level 3
TRUMPET Level 3
TROMBONE Level 3
TUBA Level 3

​PERCUSSION Level 3

 

SRSYO CONCERTMASTER AUDITIONS

Contact Youth Ensembles Manager Elena Sloman directly to request an SRSYO Concertmaster audition appointment, after submitting your registration form. 
 
CM AUDITION DATE: TBD August 2024.
There are no makeups or other dates available for CM auditions.
RESULTS: The selection for the position of Concertmaster will be announced before the first rehearsal of the 2024-2025 season.
NOTE: All violinists auditioning for the concertmaster position must also present the regular Level 3 Violin seating audition packet.
 
CM Audition Requirements:
SCALES/RUDIMENTS: Prepare scales or rudiments from the L3 Violin packet.
SOLO: Prepare a three-minute solo highlighting your technical proficiency.
EXCERPTS: Prepare the excerpts from the Concertmaster audition packet AND the regular Level 3 Violin packet.

SRSYO CM Audition Materials for the 2024-25 season will be available by May 2024.

The CM auditions will be held before a panel of two professional violinists selected by Education staff and faculty based on their impartiality. Auditions are recorded for conductors’ review. Only the musician is allowed to enter the audition room; parents and friends may wait in the waiting area. Expect concertmaster auditions to last up to 30 min.
 

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble applicants will play in the group on the first day, Saturday, September 7. The conductor will send a chart to learn in advance via email. 


Late or Mid-Season Auditions

Late or Mid-season auditions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Late entry affects seating and is disqualifying for the concertmaster seat and most principal seats. 

For questions about auditions, please contact Youth Ensembles Manager Elena Sloman.



HOW WILL WE STRIVE TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE?

It is our primary goal to be sure all our musicians--students, staff, and faculty-- are safe and confident before, during and after rehearsals. To that end, we require all faculty and staff to be vaccinated, as well as the following protocols:

We no longer require proof of vaccination or weekly Negative Rapid Antigen tests for young musicians to participate in SRSYE programs. 

MASKING

  • Masks are optional.  You are welcome to wear one.  
  • Some venues may require masks backstage.

ATTENDANCE

  • Anyone who is ill, for any reason, must not attend any rehearsal or event.  
  • Anyone experiencing any COVID symptoms must not attend any rehearsal or event.  
  • Notify your ensemble manager and we can work to set up a Zoom Video Conference to the rehearsal so you can observe and take notes.


These protocols are subject to change. 

Please email Director of Education, Wendy Cilman, if you have any questions. 

 

Tuition

As with the great majority of youth orchestras across the country, the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Ensembles (SRSYE) depend upon grants, community support, and tuition fees. SRSYE tuition rates are lower than the national average and are significantly lower than comparable Northern California Youth Orchestras.

Fees for 2024-2025 have not yet been finalized and will be announced before the spring auditions.

The following list is the tuition rates from the previous season (2023-2024):

Ensemble Annual Tuition       
String Orchestra Workshop Session I (12 weeks) $175  
String Orchestra Workshop Session II (14 weeks)      $275  
String Orchestra Workshop Full Year                          
Debut Youth Orchestra
$425
$475
 
Aspirante Youth Orchestra $525  
Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra $650  
Young People's Chamber Orchestra
Jazz Ensemble
$375
$525
 


All tuition is due at or before the first rehearsal. You may pay by phone with a credit card or by mail with a check. You may also pay online; instructions for online payment will be sent with your invoice. You may also pay in person by appointment at our downtown Santa Rosa administrative offices with a credit card, check or cash. Only checks are accepted at rehearsal sites. 

If you choose to discontinue participation and notify the Education Department by the second rehearsal, you may receive a refund of the tuition less the $50 administrative fee. There will be no tuition refunds after the second rehearsal.

A 10% discount is available for families with multiple current SRSYE members.

 

Financial Aid

A limited number of financial aid awards are available each season to help members cover tuition fees. Student eligibility is based upon family income and expenses, using criteria created by the State of California Department of Education. You may obtain a financial aid application by requesting one from the SRS Education Department or by printing the forms linked below. Please note that financial aid recipients are not eligible for other tuition discounts.

Deadlines for financial aid vary and are listed on the application. Applications received prior to the deadline are given preference over those received following the deadline.

Financial Aid Applications for 2024-2025 will be available soon.

 

Read more about auditions

Notification of Audition Results
Musicians will be notified of the audition results as soon as possible following the auditions. In many cases, results may not be decided until all auditions have been completed. Results will be distributed by email. Musicians successfully completing an audition are offered membership in one (or more) of the ensembles. Each member's placement in the group will be based upon auditions and input from qualified professional musicians.

Technical Requirements

STRINGS
Debut Youth Orchestra: All students should demonstrate simple articulation techniques, including staccato and legato bowing. Violins and violas must demonstrate a solid knowledge of first position. Knowledge of third position is a plus. Cellos must demonstrate facility through third and fourth positions. Double basses must demonstrate facility through third position.

Aspirante Youth Orchestra: All students be proficient in spiccato, detache and martele bowing techniques and must demonstrate use of vibrato. Violins and violas must demonstrate strong facility in first through third positions. Comfort in fifth position is a plus. Cellos should be able to read tenor clef, and must demonstrate facility through fifth and sixth positions.   Doublebasses must demonstrate facility through seventh position.  

SRS Youth Orchestra/Young People's Chamber Orchestra: All students must be proficient in all positions, have advanced bowing technique and be able to produce a solid, clear tone with continuous vibrato. Violas should be able to read the treble clef. Cellos should be able to read the tenor and treble clefs. Basses should be able to read the tenor clef.

WOODWINDS
Debut Youth Orchestra: Students must demonstrate simple articulation techniques, including staccato and legato tonguing.

Aspirante Youth Orchestra: Students must be proficient in producing a full, clear tone in all registers and demonstrate accurate articulation technique, including staccato and legato tonguing. Clarinets: some knowledge of transposition a plus.

Youth Orchestra: Clarinets must have a basic knowledge of A and C transposition. Bassoons must be able to read the tenor clef. Flutes must be able to double tongue.

BRASS
Debut Youth Orchestra: Students must demonstrate simple articulation techniques, including staccato and legato tonguing.

Aspirante Youth Orchestra: Students must be proficient in producing a full, clear tone in all registers and demonstrate accurate articulation technique, including staccato and legato tonguing. Horn and trumpet: some knowledge of transposition a plus.

SRS Youth Orchestra: Students must be able to double tongue and should own or have access to all mutes. Horns should have basic knowledge of the following transpositions: Eb, G, C, D and E; trumpets should know C, F, D and A transpositions; trombone players should be able to read the tenor clef (familiarity with alto clef a plus).

PERCUSSION
Debut Youth Orchestra: Students must demonstrate good basic technique on snare drum, bass drum, cymbal, and be able to read dotted rhythms and triplets. Knowledge of drum set, timpani, mallets, and other auxiliary instruments a plus.

Aspirante Youth Orchestra: Students must be able to read in simple and compound meters. The Audition Packet includes the basic rudiments necessary for audition. Students may be asked to demonstrate proficiency and good technique for playing all the basic instruments: snare drum, cymbals, bass drum, and triangle. Knowledge of drum set, timpani, mallets and other auxiliary instruments a plus.

Youth Orchestra: Students may be a specialist (timpani, mallets etc.) or be versed in all the 26 rudiments and proper technique for all pitched and non-pitched percussion.

Tips on preparing for auditions

Ways to Prepare
Determine where the problem spots are (down to the measure), and focus on them one at a time, slowly and carefully, until they get consistently better. Then put the difficult spot into context, playing a longer passage. After that, play through the whole piece or excerpt.

Deal with one challenge at a time. For example, if rhythm is the problem, practice the passage first without articulations, dynamics, slurs, etc. Once one problem in the passage is fixed, add the other things back in one at a time.

Practice all your music with a metronome for accuracy of tempo and rhythm. Start at a tempo that feels too easy, play it perfectly, then slowly speed up the metronome until you are performing the music at the assigned tempo.  Do this process for short passages first, gradually building up to include the whole piece or excerpt.

When challenged by the rhythm in a passage, be sure first that you can sing (or tap or clap) the rhythm.  If you can do that successfully consistently, try it slowly on your instrument, gradually speeding up to the assigned tempo. Then put the passage into context in a longer passage. After that, play through the whole piece or excerpt.

When you are feeling confident that you can play through the piece pretty well, ask yourself to address the details: dynamics, articulation, phrasing etc.  Is this piece sad or joyous, lively, or spooky? If the music has markings you don’t know, be sure to ask your teacher about them. Get your technique in place so you can then be an artist!

Practice your audition in front of family or friends. Doing a “dry run” will help you be comfortable with the audition routine and feel less nervous in your actual audition.

Arrive early enough to not feel rushed. You’ll need time to find parking, fill out any necessary paperwork, warm up and perhaps use the restroom. Wear comfortable clothes you are accustomed to. As you warm up, be attentive to your sound, and focus on good breathing and releasing any tension. Staff are there to help, so ask if you need anything!

Things to Keep in Mind
We want you to have a good experience so that you play well. Staff and the audition panel want to see you succeed and continue growing.

The audition panel will assess your current accomplishments, they are not looking for mistakes. We’re excited to see you do well.

Your placement in an orchestra or seating in a section is based on many factors, some of which you can’t control. What really matters is that you are dedicated and continue to improve.

We know you might come to your audition with some expectations about your placement. You might be hoping for an orchestra, section or even have a seat in mind. Know that the results of your audition are not just based on your playing that day, but on how everyone played in auditions. You, your teacher, and your family know what you did to prepare for the audition, but only the audition panel knows how every audition went. Prepare over weeks rather than days. Remember that we’re hoping for the best for you and share your talent with the panel.

 

Banner photo by Jurgita Mazeika

Contact Us

Administrative Office:
50 Santa Rosa Ave
Suite 410
Santa Rosa CA 95404
Phone:  (707) 546-7097

Patron Services | Box Office:
Phone: (707) 546-8742
E-mail: tickets@srsymphony.org

 

Request A Season Brochure

tickets@srsymphony.org