Auditions for the 2007-08 Season

The Music Director and the Board would like to offer this enrichment opportunity to all interested students. To ensure musical balance, however, there will be limited numbers of musicians in each section.

One of the goals within the next few years will be to create a second orchestra for less experienced players. If a student does not make it in the CVYS one season, they are encouraged to continue to develop their skill and musicianship and consider auditioning for another season.

Skill Level Check - All students will be asked to participate in this informal audition; a “skill level check”. This informal audition will be held at three different locations for student convenience. The Music Director wants to understand each student’s playing ability and this informal audition will assist in chair placement.

Auditions Schedule
Tuesday, January 15
3:30p, - 430 pm
North High School
Eau Claire

The Youth Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of young musicians in 7th-12th grade that demonstrate an ability to perform at an advanced level. Students will enjoy the enrichment and challenge of performing with other serious and dedicated musicians. The Music Director’s placement decisions are final.

The Music Director will be selecting musicians to create a full and balanced orchestra. Selection is based on ability and need. Students are encouraged to try out again, if they do not get into the orchestra one semester as needs will change.

To schedule an audition, you need to fill out the registration form online and hit the submit button. It’s that easy, no need to mail anything in. Audition times will be sent by email. Click here to register for an audition time now!

What to play at your audition

• A solo of the student’s choice- no longer than 3 minutes- that demonstrates the musician’s musical and technical abilities. (From material you are currently working on – sonota, concerto, etude, Suzuki solo). This piece does not need to be memorized and must be played with out accompaniment.
• Play one scale of student’s choice (3 octaves if possible)
• Sight read an excerpt of a piece provided by the director.

Notification of Orchestra Roster - The orchestra roster will be posted on the website prior to the first rehearsal.

School Participation Policy
The CVYS is fully committed to supporting the arts in our schools. School music programs contribute greatly to the success of this enrichment experience. We encourage students to share what they learn in the CVYS by taking leadership roles in their own school music programs.

All members of the CVYS are required to participate in their school orchestra or band when these programs are offered. The Youth Symphony should never be used as a replacement for participation in a school music program and no exceptions will be granted.

In order to participate in CVYS:
String players – you must be a contributing member of your orchestra if one is offered.
Wind/percussion players – you must be a contributing member of your school band, if one is offered.

Other Audition Information

• Auditions are closed to parents and the public.
• During the auditions, students will be evaluated on tone quality, rythm, technique, intonation, musicianship, and preparation.
• here are a limited number of seats in each section of instrumentation. The Director will select the musicians based on the quality of play during the audition.
• All students need to audition once each year. New students in the spring will need to audition.

Audition Tips

• Be prepared. This is the most important thing you can do to be successful. Don’t leave your preparation for the last minute.
• Have a positive attitude. Visualize yourself going into the room and playing your best.
• Arrive in plenty of time to warm up. There may be others in the room warming up but stay focused on your own music.
• Eat properly and wear comfortable clothes. Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before.
• The Music Director wants this to be a positive experience and will try to help you feel comfortable.
• Once the Director has heard some of your solo or sight read piece, you will be asked to stop. That is very normal. The intent is to hear you play in a small amount of time. This is not a reflection on your play.
• Play your best material first!
• If a solo selection has several sections of different speeds, begin with the section that shows off your playing ability.