Auditions
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). Audition times are reserved on a first-come, first-served
basis. Days/times are set aside for specific instruments and musicians are grouped by instrument. If selected, musicians
are placed in one of the three ensembles. Musicians will be notified
by letter of audition results within two weeks following the conclusion of all auditions.
Parent Orientation Meetings and Registration take place on the first day of rehearsals. All registration forms are turned in and payments are made at this time. Registration and the first rehearsal for the 2009-2010 season will take place on October 4, 2009.
Click 2009-2010 Audition Information Form (2-page PDF) to view or download the form.
Auditions for the 2009-2010 Concert Season took place September 11-16, 2009.
Friday, September 11 (3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Southern Oregon University Music Department, Ashland
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Musicians Only
Youth Orchestra and/or Youth Symphony
Saturday, September 12 (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
North Medford High School
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Musicians Only
Youth Orchestra and/or Youth Symphony
Sunday, September 13 (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass Musicians Only
Youth Orchestra and/or Youth Symphony
Monday, September 14 (3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Southern Oregon University Music Department, Ashland
Youth Strings Musicians ONLY
Tuesday, September 15 (3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Southern Oregon University Music Department, Ashland
Woodwind Musicians Only
Youth Orchestra and/or Youth Symphony
Wednesday, September 16 (3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Southern Oregon University Music Department, Ashland
Brass and Percussion Musicians Only
Youth Orchestra and/or Youth Symphony
Audition Procedures
Acceptance into a YSSO ensemble is based upon an annual audition.
All auditions include a solo work or movement and scales, and may include sight reading. In addition, musicians auditioning for Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra are expected to play required music excerpts each year. The required excerpt for each instrument may be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below. Scroll down to the list of Youth Symphony excerpts or Youth Orchestra excerpts and click on a link to access excerpts for each instrument.
The YSSO has 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 (download the list of recommended solo works for further instructions and expectations for some instruments)
- 3 octaves for Youth Symphony (download the list of recommended solo works for further instructions and expectations for some instruments)
Wind Instruments:
- 2 octaves (preferred) for Youth Orchestra (including 1 octave chromatic scale)
- 2 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.
Please click on the links below to view or download lists (PDF files) of recommended solo works or movements for violin, viola and cello:
Required Excerpt (all instruments auditioning for Youth Symphony and/or Youth Orchestra):
Musicians who wish to audition for Youth Symphony are required to play music excerpts selected by the Music Director. Please click on a link below to view or download the list of excerpts or specific music excerpts.
Youth Symphony 2009-2010 Required Music Excerpt List (PDF)
Youth Symphony 2009-2010 Required Music Excerpts (PDFs)
Musicians auditioning for Youth Orchestra are expected to play a music excerpt selected by the Music Director. Please click on a link below to view or download the list of excerpts or specific music excerpts.
Youth Orchestra 2009-2010 Required Music Excerpt List (PDF)
Youth Orchestra 2009-2010 Required Music Excerpts (PDFs)
Sight Reading:
Musicians may be asked to sight read a short piece selected by the Music Director.
