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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

We are returning to in-person auditions this year, with self-recorded options available for those unable to attend.
All students are invited to sign up for a live audition time slot at Brown School. Auditions will be facilitated and recorded by trained proctors. Adjudicators will not be present during the auditions; each audition will be videotaped in a single take and later reviewed by adjudicators, affording the flexibility to review auditions more than once. 

Students who are unable to attend the live audition due to scheduling conflicts may submit a self-recorded audition. Recordings must be done in one continuous take, without stopping, and students must attest to following this method.

Percussion Auditions
Percussionists are submitting only their audition application due May 24th. No videos are required. Percussion auditions will be in-person on June 8. See audition requirements and excerpts. You will select an audition time as part of your audition application.
Percussion ONLY Audition Application – COMING SOON!

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

Woodwinds

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

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
Wind 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 the 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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