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2025-2026 Auditions June 7 & 8 at Brown School

150 Corlaer Ave, Schenectady, New York

Auditions are required for ESYO Performing Ensembles. Membership is open to youth up to age 20.

Classical and Jazz Auditions

This year, we are returning to in-person auditions, with a self-recorded option available for those unable to attend.

All students are encouraged to sign up for a live audition time slot at Brown School. Auditions will be conducted and recorded by trained proctors, without adjudicators present. Each audition will be videotaped in a single take and later reviewed by adjudicators, allowing for a thorough and fair evaluation.

For students with scheduling conflicts, a self-recorded audition may be submitted. Recordings must be completed in one continuous take without edits, and students must confirm adherence to this method. This requirement is to ensure self-recorded auditions are closely aligned with the live audition experience.

Percussion Auditions

Percussionists are not eligible to submit a self-recorded audition. All percussion auditions will be live at Brown School. Students who are unable to attend the live auditions due to scheduling conflicts should contact Sue Lascoe slascoe@esyo.org to make alternate arrangements.

Students may sign up for one Classical, one Percussion, and one Jazz audition per instrument each season. 

2025-2026 Openings

Strings

Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Woodwinds

Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Brass

Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra

Percussion & Piano

Percussion Ensembles, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Learn About ESYO Opportunities

Use the interactive helper below to find opportunities for you in Empire State Youth Orchestra.

Auditioned Performing Ensembles

To join an ESYO Performing Ensemble, you must complete an audition. There are classical & jazz orchestras, percussion ensembles, and a concert chorale. Auditions are open to young musicians through age 20.

Additional Program Opportunities

Young Leaders, CHIME, Chamber, and more. Please contact ESYO for more information on how to join.

Membership Information

I want to learn more about joining ESYO

Request more information about the various ways you can join ESYO.

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