Education & Community

Auditions

Online audition application

SSYO and SSYSO auditions are held in the spring for the following fall. There is a $10 audition fee. For more information, please contact the Youth Orchestras Manager, Kimberly Rossi at (315) 424-8222, ext. 273 with any questions.

Overview, Fees, and Forms

  • You may download our Youth Orchestra Brochure with all information and dates here.
  • 2010 Auditions will be held at DeWitt Community Church (3600 Erie Boulevard in East DeWitt).  
  • There is an audition fee of $10.00 due upon arrival.

Audition Dates and Times

Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra
(Grade 9 and up in Fall 2010, NYSSMA Level 5 or higher)

  • Viola, Cello, Bass: Tuesday, May 18 & Wednesday, May 19, 2010 (4:00-8:45)
  • Violin: Tuesday, May 25 & Wednesday, May 26, 2010 (4:00-8:45)
  • Woodwinds & Brass: Thursday, May 27 & Friday, May 28, 2010 (4:00-8:45)
  • Percussion: By appointment; email krossi@syracusesymphony.org

Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra
(Grade 6 and up in Fall 2010, NYSSMA Level 3 or higher)

  • All Strings: Friday, June 4 (4:00-8:45)
  • All Strings: Saturday, June 5 (9:30-4:00)     
  • NO AUDITIONS June 6th

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra
The SSYO encompasses all of the instruments of the symphony orchestra. The minimum grade level for admission is Grade 9 in Fall 2010. Each musician will be asked to play scales (see below) and approximately 4 minutes from a solo of choice (NYSSMA Level 5 or 6). Each audition lasts approximately 8 minutes.

  • Violin: All Major Scales (2 Octaves); 3-Octave Scales in G, A, B-flat, and C
  • Viola & Cello: All Major Scales (2 Octaves); 3-Octave Scales in C, D, E-flat, E, and F
  • Double Bass: Major Scales (2 Octaves) in E, F, G, A-flat, A, B-flat, B, and C
  • Brass: All Major Scales (2 Octaves)
  • Double-Reeds: All Major Scales (2 Octaves)
  • Flute & Clarinet: All Major Scales (2 Octaves) and three 3-Octave Scales
  • Mallets: All Major 3-Octave Scales

Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra and Youth String Chamber Orchestra
The minimum grade level for admission to the SSYSO is Grade 6 in Fall 2010. Each musician will be asked to play scales (see below) and approximately 4 minutes from a solo of choice (NYSSMA Level 3 or higher for SSYSO, Level 4 or higher for String Chamber Orchestra). Each audition lasts approximately 8 minutes.

  • Violin: 1-Octave Scales in C, F, B-Flat, E-Flat, G, D, and A; 2-Octave Scales in G, A, C, and D
  • Viola & Cello: 1-Octave Scales in C, F, B-Flat, E-Flat, G, D, and A; 2-Octave Scales in C, D, F, and G
  • Double Bass: 1-Octave Scales in C, F, B-Flat, E-Flat, G, D, and A

Appropriate audition attire for all musicians: Dresses, dress pants or skirts for ladies; dress shirts with tie and dress pants for gentlemen.