Play in the YSSO

Young musicians (ages 8-23) are eligible to audition for participation in the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO). The YSSO includes Youth Strings (entry level), Youth Orchestra (intermediate) and Youth Symphony (advanced). Auditions take place in September. Audition times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and musicians are grouped by instrument. If selected, musicians are placed in one of the three ensembles. Musicians will be notified by letter of the results within two weeks following auditions. The first rehearsals for each ensemble will take place Sunday, September 30, 2007, at North Medford High School. The Parent Orientation Meetings and Registration will take place the same day.

Auditions for the 2007-2008 season will be held on the dates listed below at the following times. Locations are noted. Please keep in mind that certain dates and times are set aside for specific instruments.

Monday, September 10
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Southern Oregon University Music Department
Ashland
Youth Strings Only

Tuesday, September 11
3:40 to 6:50 p.m.
Southern Oregon University Music Department
Ashland
Brass & Percussion

Wednesday, Setpember 12
4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Southern Oregon University Music Department
Ashland
Woodwinds

Thursday, September 13
3:40 to 6:50 p.m.
Southern Oregon University Music Department
Ashland
Brass & Percussion

Friday, September 14
3:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Southern Oregon University Music Department
Ashland
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Saturday, September 15
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
North Medford High School
Medford
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Sunday, September 16
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center
Grants Pass
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

To view and download the two-page Audition Information Form, please click here.

To review the audition procedures see below.

YSSO Expectations and Policies:

• YSSO musicians are selected and placed through an annual audition.
• YSSO musicians shall participate in their school music program, if available.
• YSSO musicians are expected attend all rehearsals, extended rehearsals/retreats and concerts throughout the season.
• YSSO musicians are expected to be in their seats, warmed up and ready to play 5 minutes before the beginning of each rehearsal.
• YSSO musicians are expected to prepare YSSO music through home practice.
• YSSO musicians are expected to abide by all YSSO policies and procedures, including attendance, dress code, safety, concert etiquette requirements, etc.
  

Audition Procedures

Acceptance into a YSSO ensemble is based upon an annual audition.

All auditions include a solo work or movement, scales and sight reading. In addition, musicians auditioning for Youth Symphony are expected to play a required music excerpt. The required excerpt for each instrument may be downloaded. Please scroll down to the list of excerpts and click on the link to access a specific excerpt.

The YSSO is in the process of revising its audition procedures, clarifying expectations and developing new tools and guidance for musicians who wish to audition for inclusion in an ensemble. The YSSO recently developed lists of recommended solo works or movements for violin, viola and cello for Youth Orchestra and for Youth Symphony. Lists of recommended works or movements for other instruments may be developed in subsequent years.

Scales/Technical Ability:

String Instruments:

• 2 octaves for Youth Strings
• 2 octaves for Youth Orchestra (consult each list of solo works for further details)
• 3 octaves for Youth Symphony (consult each list of solo works for further details)

Wind Instruments:

• 2 octaves (preferred) for Youth Orchestra
• 3 octaves (required) for Youth Symphony

Percussion:

Candidates must demonstrate a basic facility and an understanding of the orchestral percussion instruments.

Solo Work or Movement (all instruments):

All musicians must prepare a solo work or movement of no more than 5 minutes in duration for the audition. Each musician should consult with his/her private teacher in selecting a work or movement that best demonstrates technical proficiency, command of the instrument and musicianship. The solo work or movement should be level-appropriate.  More advanced students are encouraged to play pieces that demonstrate maximum technical and musical facility. Musicians intending to play first parts should be prepared to demonstrate facility in the higher register.

Although musicians may select another solo work or movement for this year’s audition, the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon has prepared lists of recommended works or movements for violin, viola or cello for Youth Orchestra and for Youth Symphony. Please keep in mind that selection of a recommended work or movement, however, will not guarantee acceptance into Youth Orchestra or Youth Symphony. Please read the introductory text at the beginning of each list of recommended works or movements for additional expectations and requirements for Youth Orchestra violin, viola and cello musicians and Youth Symphony violin, viola and cello musicians. The text includes information concerning scales and/or other expectations.

Lists of recommended solo works or movements for violin, viola and cello along with other pertinent information may be downloaded by clicking on the following:

Violin
Viola
Cello

Required Excerpt (all instruments auditioning for Youth Symphony):

Musicians who wish to audition for Youth Symphony also are required to play a music excerpt selected by the Music Director.

Required music excerpts for 2007-2008:

Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Flute
Clarinet
Oboe
Bassoon
Trumpet
Trombone
French Horn
Tuba

Sight Reading:

Musicians are required to sight read a short piece selected by the Music Director.

Tuition

See the Members page for tuition information and forms.