Auditions

Young musicians (ages 8-23) are eligible to audition for participation in the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO). The YSSO includes three ensembles: Youth Strings (entry level), Youth Orchestra (intermediate) and Youth Symphony (advanced). Musicians must audition each year.

Audition times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific days/times are limited to specific instruments/instrument groups. Musicians will be grouped by instrument each day.

Musicians auditioning for Youth Symphony and/or Youth Orchestra are adjudicated by local or out-of-the-area professional musicians and music educators (depending on instrument group) who serve as adjudicators along with the YSSO Music Director. The Music Director and Associate Conductor adjudicate musicians auditioning for Youth Strings.

If selected, musicians are placed in one of the YSSO's three ensembles.

Musicians are notified by letter of audition results within two weeks following the conclusion of all auditions.

Parent Orientation Meetings and Registration for the 2010-2011 concert season will take place at North Medford High School on Sunday, October 3, 2010. All registration forms are turned in and payments are made at this time.

Please click 2010-2011 Audition Information Form (2-page PDF) to view or download this form. Musicians must complete the form and bring it to the scheduled audition.

Audition Schedule

Auditions for the 2010-2011 Concert Season will take place September 10-15, 2010.
Please note, the audition schedule (date, times, locations) is subject to change.

Friday, September 10 (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 11 (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 12 (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 13 (3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Southern Oregon University Music Department, Ashland
Youth Strings Musicians ONLY

Tuesday, September 14 (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 15 (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, Expectations, Music

Placement in one of the YSSO ensembles 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 the excerpt(s) 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.

Music - Solo Work or Movement (all instruments):

All musicians must prepare a solo work or portion of a 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 student musicians 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 and play 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 selection for or placement in 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 (PDFs) of recommended solo works or movements for violin, viola and cello:

Music - Required Excerpts for Youth Symphony (all instruments):

Musicians auditioning for Youth Symphony are required to play music excerpts selected by the Music Director. Please click on a link below to view or download a list of Youth Symphony excerpts or specific music excerpts for each instrument.

Click Youth Symphony 2010-2011 Required Music Excerpts (PDF) to view or download a complete list of all Youth Symphony music excerpts for all instruments.

The Youth Symphony 2010-2011 Required Music Excerpt(s) for Each Instrument follow. Please select an instrument and click the link to view or download an excerpt (PDF).

Music - Required Excerpts for Youth Orchestra (all instruments):

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 a list of Youth Orchestra excerpts or specific music excerpts for each instrument.

Click Youth Orchestra 2010-2011 Required Music Excerpts (PDF) to view or download a complete list of Youth Orchestra required music excerpts for all instruments.

The Youth Orchestra 2010-2011 Required Music Excerpt(s) for Each Instrument follow. Please select an instrument and click the link to view or download an excerpt (PDF).

Sight Reading:

Musicians may be asked to sight read a short piece selected by the Music Director.