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UNLEASH YOUR
CREATIVITY!

Explore new music, work with composers, and share music with the world

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Audition Requirements
Important Dates & Deadlines

EMPIRE STATE YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Your music. Your people. Your orchestra.

Strings • Winds • Brass • Percussion • Jazz

For developing players to advanced musicians (NYSSMA Levels 2–6)

ESYO offers a supportive, high-quality ensemble experience that helps students:

• Grow as confident, capable musicians

• Perform inspiring repertoire

• Build friendships and lasting musical memories

• Learn from experienced conductors and coaches

ENSEMBLES FOR EVERY LEVEL

ESYO offers a range of ensembles across orchestral and jazz programs.

Auditions help us place students in the ensemble that best matches their experience and readiness.

Explore Our Ensembles
Tuition & Financial Aid

Not sure where you fit? We’re happy to help.

info@esyo.org
518-382-7581

AUDITIONS OPEN APRIL 1, 2026

You have two options for submitting your audition:

Option 1: Record your audition video yourself and submit it by June 11.

Option 2: Sign up to record your audition in person at Brown School on June 13–14.

Please note: Classical percussion auditions will be held in person on June 13–14 only.

LEARN MORE
2026-2027 Openings

Strings

Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings
Get Requirements
Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
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Woodwinds

Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
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Wind Orchestra
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Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
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Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Get Requirements
Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Get Requirements
Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Get Requirements

Brass

Wind Orchestra
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Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
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Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
Get Requirements
Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
Get Requirements

Percussion & Piano

Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Percussion Ensembles, Youth Jazz, Repertory Jazz
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Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ESYO welcomes students in grades 3 through post-secondary who are ready for ensemble performance. Opportunities are available for musicians at NYSSMA Levels 2–6 across strings, winds, brass, percussion, and jazz.
Yes. Auditions help us place students in the ensemble that best matches their current level and readiness. The process is supportive and designed to ensure a strong musical fit.
Auditions typically include prepared repertoire, scales, and (for some ensembles). Detailed requirements are posted on our Audition Requirements page.
Students are placed based on musical readiness, technical development, and ensemble experience. Financial aid decisions are completely separate from placement.
No, all musicians must audition annually. Please note that even if a student is currently playing in the ensemble they are auditioning for, participation in the audition is still required and does not guarantee a secured spot for the upcoming season. Each placement is determined based on the audition results and the overall needs of the ensemble.
Most ensembles rehearse once per week. Rehearsals range from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the ensemble.
Most ensembles perform two to four public concerts annually, with some additional special events or collaborative opportunities.
Yes, concerts are mandatory.
Through December 2026, rehearsals take place at Brown School at 150 Corlaer Avenue, Schenectady. Beginning January 2027, rehearsals will move to ESYO’s new music campus at 45 Mac Arthur Drive in Schenectady — the new campus will provide dedicated rehearsal rooms, sectional space, student gathering areas, and a permanent home designed specifically for youth music.
Musicians are allowed two excused absences per concert period.
All musicians MUST complete and submit a request form at least two weeks in advance of any scheduling conflict.
Musicians are expected to review the rehearsal and concert schedule and ensure there are no conflicts before committing to other activities.
Tuition varies by ensemble. We are committed to access — financial assistance and payment plans are available. No qualified student is turned away due to financial need.
No. ESYO serves students with a wide range of goals — from those exploring high-level performance opportunities to those seeking a meaningful, structured musical community.
No. ESYO complements private study and school music programs. Ensemble participation strengthens listening, collaboration, stylistic awareness, and performance confidence, while private lessons remain essential for individual technique development.
ESYO offers a structured pathway from developing ensembles to nationally recognized advanced orchestras and jazz programs. Students work with experienced conductors and coaches and perform in leading regional venues — all within a supportive, high-expectation environment.
No. ESYO students come from across the Capital Region and neighboring states. Placement is based on audition, not residence.
We’re happy to help. Email: info@esyo.org | Phone: 518-382-7581

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