Auditions & Membership
YOUTH ENSEMBLES OVERVIEW
| Ensemble name | Ensemble type | Level | Age range | Rehearsals | Auditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra (SRSYO) | Full Orchestra | Advanced | 12-23 | Sunday evenings | Level 3 Audition Packet |
| Young People’s Chamber Orchestra (YPCO) | String Ensemble | Advanced | 12-23 | Monday evenings | Level 3 Audition Packet |
| Aspirante Youth Orchestra (AYO) | Full Orchestra | Intermediate/Advanced | 10-18 | Saturday morning/afternoons | Level 2 Audition Packet |
| Debut Youth Orchestra (DYO) | Full Orchestra | Beginner/Intermediate | 9-15 | Saturday mornings | Level 1 Audition Packet |
| String Orchestra Workshop (SOW) | String classes | Beginners | 5-adult | Saturday mornings | No Audition Required |
| Saturday Morning Jazz | Jazz Ensemble | Intermediate/Advanced | 10-18 | Saturday mornings | Auditions held the first day of rehearsal |
Want more details? Visit About the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Ensembles >
AUDITIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON
Fall admission and seating auditions for DYO, AYO, SRSYO, and YPCO will be held on August 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2025 at Sonoma Academy. Appointments are assigned by the Education department; there are no “walk-ins”.
Saturday Morning Jazz auditions will be held in September 2025.
String Orchestra Workshop does not require auditions.
Check the “Audition Requirements” tab for Audition Materials Packets.
NOTE: String Orchestra Workshop (SOW) does not require auditions. Simply register below!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Materials for Auditions are available under the next tab, “Audition Requirements”.
- Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact Youth Ensembles Manager, Elena Sloman: esloman@srsymphony.org
IMPORTANT DATES
| April 23, 2025 | AYO & SRSYO Entry Auditions for 2025-2026 season |
| June 2025 | Fall Audition Materials for DYO, AYO, SRSYO, and YPCO available online |
| August 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2025 | Fall Auditions for for DYO, AYO, SRSYO, and YPCO |
| September 6, 2025 | Saturday Morning Jazz Ensemble Auditions |
| Early September 2025 | All Ensemble Rehearsals begin! |
Questions? Contact Youth Ensembles Manager Elena Sloman at esloman@srsymphony.org
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.
NOTE: String Orchestra Workshop (SOW) does not require auditions. Sign up for SOW 2025-2026 here >
AUDITIONS FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON
Fall admission and seating auditions for DYO, AYO, SRSYO, and YPCO will be held on August 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2025 at Sonoma Academy. Appointments are assigned by the Education department; there are no “walk-ins”.
Auditions for Jazz Ensemble will be held at the first rehearsal in September, 2025.
SOW does not require auditions.
Please prepare the scales and excerpts that are appropriate to your current playing level. Seek advice from your private teacher or music instructor about which level of audition materials is most appropriate based on your current skill level.
Audition Requirements:
Scales/Rudiments
Prepare scales or rudiments for your instrument and level as described.
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.
Excerpt(s)
Carefully prepare all the excerpt(s) from your audition packet with the tempo indications given.
Sight Reading
Be prepared to sight read material representative of the level of difficulty of the repertoire of the orchestra you wish to join.
Auditions will be held with a panel of at least two adjudicators selected as appropriate for your level and instrument family. Warm up rooms may be shared group spaces. 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.
Level 1 Audition Materials Packets
Level 1: appropriate for DEBUT YOUTH ORCHESTRA
For beginning to intermediate musicians ages 9 -15
Rehearsals are on Saturdays 9:15 AM -10:45 AM, September – May
Level 2 Audition Materials Packets
Level 2: appropriate for ASPIRANTE YOUTH ORCHESTRA (& Young People’s Chamber Orchestra by invitation)
For intermediate musicians ages 10 -18
Rehearsals are on Saturdays 11 AM -1 PM, September – May
Level 3 Audition Materials Packets
Level 3: appropriate for SANTA ROSA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA & YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (Strings only)
SRSYO – For advanced musicians ages 12 – 23 (exceptional students accepted)
Rehearsals are on Sundays 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM, September – May
Read about SRSYO here >
YPCO – For advanced string players by invitation ages 12 – 23
Rehearsals are on Mondays 6 PM – 8:30 PM, September – March
Read about YPCO here >
NOTE: Returning SRSYO musicians/Spring Admits need to prepare the separate “seating audition” packet which will be shared via email to registered members.
SRSYO Concertmaster Auditions
Contact Youth Ensembles Manager directly to request an SRSYO Concertmaster audition appointment, after submitting your registration form. Elena Sloman, esloman@srsymphony.org
CM Audition Date: August 24, 2025.
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 2025-2026 season.
Note: All violinists auditioning for the concertmaster position must also present a regular L3 audition using the L3 Violin 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 L3 Violin packet.
The CM auditions will be held before a panel of three 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
Saturday Morning Jazz Ensemble
For intermediate/advanced musicians ages 10 – 18
Rehearsals are on Saturdays 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM, September – May
Auditions are informal and will be held on the first day of rehearsal.
Soloing will be a part of rehearsals, but it is not a requirement for the audition and all levels of playing will be accepted.
Audition requirements may vary per instrument; more information is available in the google drive folder:
Questions about the ensemble or audition process can be sent to srsye.jazz@gmail.com. Exceptions may be made by request.
Additional Audition Information
New to Our Orchestras?
- New musicians must audition for entry into our ensembles.
- It is recommended that before submitting an audition request form, you 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 would like to find a private teacher, please contact Youth Ensembles Manager directly: Elena Sloman, esloman@srsymphony.org
Returning Members Audition Requirements
- Returning musicians must all audition each season.
- Discuss with your teacher and prepare the scales and excerpts for the highest-level ensemble in which you would like to play. It is highly recommended you work with your private teacher on your audition materials.
- If you desire to remain in your current level, you are still required to audition for seating purposes. Seating auditions will be held in August.
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.
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, esloman@srsymphony.org
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.
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 must be proficient in spiccato, detaché and martelé 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, especially for Violin 1 placement. Cellos should be able to read tenor clef and must demonstrate facility through fifth and sixth positions. Double basses 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 treble clef. Cellos should be able to read tenor and treble clefs. Basses should be able to read tenor clef.
Saturday Morning Jazz: All musicians should be comfortable reading simple and compound rhythms, especially those which are syncopated. They should also have some familiarity playing in all 12 keys, but should be able to confidently play in the keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
Brass/Winds: Should be comfortable playing in the full range of their instruments and can produce clear sound.
Guitar/Keyboard: In addition to playing melodies, they should know triads and 7th chords as well as how to play them on their instruments.
Drums: Should be comfortable playing patterns from memory, as some tunes do not provide written drum parts.
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.
SRS 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.
Saturday Morning Jazz: All musicians should be comfortable reading simple and compound rhythms, especially those which are syncopated. They should also have some familiarity playing in all 12 keys, but should be able to confidently play in the keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
Brass/Winds: Should be comfortable playing in the full range of their instruments and can produce clear sound.
Guitar/Keyboard: In addition to playing melodies, they should know triads and 7th chords as well as how to play them on their instruments.
Drums: Should be comfortable playing patterns from memory, as some tunes do not provide written drum parts.
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).
Saturday Morning Jazz: All musicians should be comfortable reading simple and compound rhythms, especially those which are syncopated. They should also have some familiarity playing in all 12 keys, but should be able to confidently play in the keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
Brass/Winds: Should be comfortable playing in the full range of their instruments and can produce clear sound.
Guitar/Keyboard: In addition to playing melodies, they should know triads and 7th chords as well as how to play them on their instruments.
Drums: Should be comfortable playing patterns from memory, as some tunes do not provide written drum parts.
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.
Saturday Morning Jazz: All musicians should be comfortable reading simple and compound rhythms, especially those which are syncopated. They should also have some familiarity playing in all 12 keys, but should be able to confidently play in the keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
Brass/Winds: Should be comfortable playing in the full range of their instruments and can produce clear sound.
Guitar/Keyboard: In addition to playing melodies, they should know triads and 7th chords as well as how to play them on their instruments.
Drums: Should be comfortable playing patterns from memory, as some tunes do not provide written drum parts.
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.
The following list is the tuition rates for the 2025-2026 season:
| Ensemble | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| String Orchestra Workshop Session I (12 weeks) | $225 |
| String Orchestra Workshop Session II (14 weeks) | $325 |
| String Orchestra Workshop Full Year (26 weeks) | $525 |
| Saturday Morning Jazz | $550 |
| Debut Youth Orchestra | $525 |
| Aspirante Youth Orchestra | $575 |
| Young People’s Chamber Orchestra | $425 |
| Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra | $715 |
All fees are due at or before the first rehearsal. You may pay online, by phone with a credit card or by mail with a check. Detailed instructions about payment options will be included with your invoice.
If you choose to discontinue participation and notify the Education Department by the second rehearsal, you may receive a refund of the tuition less a $50 administrative fee. There will be no tuition refunds after the second rehearsal.
Families with multiple SRSYE musicians enrolled for a full season will receive a 5% discount for for all siblings.
If a musician joins Debut, Aspirante or Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra after January, tuition will be half of the amount listed above.
Piano/Harp/Saxophone: Because piano, harp and saxophone are infrequently included in orchestral repertoire, young musicians specializing in these instruments in Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra, Aspirante Youth Orchestra or Debut Youth Orchestra will typically be responsible for half tuition. Openings for harp, piano and/or harpsichord will be at the conductor’s discretion. An audition is recommended. Piano and saxophone may be accepted into Saturday Morning Jazz at full tuition.
Financial Aid
A limited number of financial aid awards are available each season to help members cover tuition fees, depending on availability of donated funds. 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 completing the form 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.
Questions? contact Laura Leipzig: lleipzig@srsymphony.org
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.
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 that you will be absent due to illness.
Masking
- Masks are optional. You are welcome to wear one.
These protocols are subject to change.
Please email Director of Education, Wendy Cilman at wcilman@srsymphony.org if you have any questions.
