Audition Process

TYS is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 season!

  • Auditions for all programs will be virtual this season
  • Returning TYS members are only required to complete the first three steps of our Audition and Registration process
  • New applicants must complete all five steps

Step 1. Record a 1-2 minute audition video

Record a 1-2 minute prepared solo of your choosing that showcases the level of your playing at this particular time.

At the beginning of your audition video, BEFORE you play your solo, please state the following:

  1. 1
    First and Last Name
  2. 2
    Which group you are auditioning for (Prelude Strings, Youth Symphony, Commercial Ensemble, or you may state Not Sure)
  3. 3
    The title and composer of your piece.

For example: “My name is Betsy Smith. I am auditioning for the Youth Symphony….OR…I am auditioning for Prelude Strings. I will be playing “Title of Piece” written by “Composer name.“

Step 2. Upload your video to YouTube As UNLISTED

After recording your prepared solo, follow these steps to upload and share an unlisted YouTube video:

  1. Visit YouTube and sign in to your account.
  2. Click on the "Upload" button located at the top of the page.
  3. Select your prepared solo video file from your device.
  4. While uploading, click on the "Privacy" dropdown menu.
  5. Choose the "Unlisted" option from the menu. (Only people with the link will be able to see your video)
  6. Complete any other necessary information for your video (title, description, etc.).
  7. Click on the "Publish" or "Upload" button to finish the process.
  8. Once published, copy the provided link and paste into the YouTube field in the Audition Form.

For a visual guide, you can refer to this tutorial: YouTube Unlisted Video Tutorial.

Step 3. Complete the Application to Audition Form

Complete the Application to Audition form at the Audition button below. Remember, you need your UNLISTED YouTube audition video link for the Audition Form.

Audition

Step 4. Zoom Audition

After you have completed the TYS Audition Form, the conductors will review your solo and make a decision based on that performance.

If you are selected to audition virtually, you will then be contacted to schedule a Zoom meeting. This virtual audition will cover the scale and sight-reading portion of your audition. 

Note: If you previously played with TYS within the last year, intend to return to the same ensemble, and maintained appropriate progress throughout the year the virtual portion of your audition may not be needed. 

Step 5. Audition Results

Students will be contacted with audition results via the email address provided on the Application to Audition form.

Instance 1

Prelude Strings Audition Requirements

Scales

  • Selected from: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb
  • Students will be asked to perform 1 or 2 octaves based on ability.

Prepared Solo

A prepared piece of your choice and of any style demonstrating your best ability.

Sightread

A piece will be provided that is comparable to Prelude Strings literature

AUDITION 

Youth Symphony Audition Requirements

Strings and Harp

  • Double Bass - All 2-octave major scales
  • All Other Strings - All 3-octave major scales
  • A prepared solo of your choice
  • Sight-reading

Woodwinds and Brass

  • All major scales
  • A prepared solo
  • Sight-reading

Percussion

  • All major scales (Xylophone, Marimba)
  • A prepared solo or etude
  • Sight-reading
AUDITION

Commercial Ensemble Audition Requirements

Strings

  • All 3-octave major scales
  • A prepared solo of a contemporary piece of your choice
  • Sight-reading

Woodwinds and Brass

  • All major scales
  • A prepared solo of a contemporary piece
  • Sight-reading

Percussion

  • All major scales (Xylophone, Marimba)
  • A prepared solo of a contemporary piece
  • Sight-reading

Please note – improvisation is not necessary.

AUDITION