Join an Auditioned Ensemble

View audition requirements per Instrument

Check back soon for 2023 audition excerpts.

Audition excerpts will be live April 1!

To join an ESYO Performing Ensemble, you must complete an audition.
Young musicians through the age 20 are encouraged to audition!

Are you interested in singing in the Melodies of Christmas Concert? Click "Voice" below to view audition details and requirements.

Are you a local college student interested in performing with ESYO? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Auditions are open to most instruments. Is your instrument not listed? Email Sue Lascoe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Record now

New this year: Solo recordings from as early as January 1, 2023 can be used for your upcoming ESYO audition! If you are preparing for a recital or a state solo and ensemble festival, capture/record a video and save it for your ESYO audition.

Choose Your Instrument Family...


View Requirements by Instrument:

  • Violin

    Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings, & Repertory Jazz Orchestra

    Classical Audition Requirements 

    Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  To be considered for Concertino Strings prepare and submit one solo piece.  Maximum length per solo: 3 minutes.

    Scales: Prepare one scale appropriate for your playing ability: scales should demonstrate your range on the instrument and embodied musicianship is strongly recommended. Check out a video on embodied musicianship below.

    Excerpts: Prepare two excerpts that best align with your current level of skill and experience. To only be considered for Concertino Strings: prepare the single excerpt for that ensemble.

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

     

  • Viola

    Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings, & Repertory Jazz Orchestra

    Classical Audition Requirements 

    Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  To be considered for Concertino Strings prepare and submit one solo piece.  Maximum length per solo: 3 minutes.

    Scales: Prepare one scale appropriate for your playing ability: scales should demonstrate your range on the instrument and embodied musicianship is strongly recommended. Check out a video on embodied musicianship below.

    Excerpts: Prepare two excerpts that best align with your current level of skill and experience. To only be considered for Concertino Strings: prepare the single excerpt for that ensemble.

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

  • Cello

    Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings & Repertory Jazz Orchestra

    Classical Audition Requirements 

    Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  To be considered for Concertino Strings prepare and submit one solo piece.  Maximum length per solo: 3 minutes.

    Scales: Prepare one scale appropriate for your playing ability: scales should demonstrate your range on the instrument and embodied musicianship is strongly recommended. Check out a video on embodied musicianship below.

    Excerpts: Prepare two excerpts that best align with your current level of skill and experience. To only be considered for Concertino Strings: prepare the single excerpt for that ensemble.

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

  • Double Bass

    Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings, Repertory Jazz Orchestra, & Youth Jazz Orchestra

    Classical Audition Requirements 

    Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  To be considered for Concertino Strings prepare and submit one solo piece.  Maximum length per solo: 3 minutes.

    Scales: Prepare one scale appropriate for your playing ability: scales should demonstrate your range on the instrument and embodied musicianship is strongly recommended. Check out a video on embodied musicianship below.

    Excerpts: Prepare two excerpts that best align with your current level of skill and experience. To only be considered for Concertino Strings: prepare the single excerpt for that ensemble.

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

    Youth Jazz Orchestra Requirements

    Solo: Improvising a solo over a blues (in any key, any tempo) is optional, but helpful. Using an Aebersold Play-A-Long would be recommended, or a live performance. Play the melody, two choruses, melody.

    Scales: Chromatic scale from your lowest note to highest note and back down, as fast as possible.

    Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

    All rhythm instruments (piano, bass, drums, guitar) in addition to the given excerpts, play about 45 seconds of 'time' or 'comping' on the tune(s) of your choice, in the following styles: medium swing, fast swing, ballad, bossa nova and funk/rock, then a one-minute solo in any style, any tempo. 

  • Electric Bass

    Available Ensembles: Repertory Jazz Orchestra & Youth Jazz Orchestra

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

    Youth Jazz Orchestra Requirements

    Solo: Improvising a solo over a blues (in any key, any tempo) is optional, but helpful. Using an Aebersold Play-A-Long would be recommended, or a live performance. Play the melody, two choruses, melody.

    Scales: Chromatic scale from your lowest note to highest note and back down, as fast as possible.

    Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

    All rhythm instruments (piano, bass, drums, guitar) in addition to the given excerpts, play about 45 seconds of 'time' or 'comping' on the tune(s) of your choice, in the following styles: medium swing, fast swing, ballad, bossa nova and funk/rock, then a one-minute solo in any style, any tempo. 

  • Guitar

    Available Ensembles: Youth Jazz Orchestra & Repertory Jazz Orchestra

    Repertory Jazz Audition Requirements 

    Solo: Prepare one solo jazz standard of your choice. Play-along track or recorded accompaniment permitted, not required. 

    Jazz improvisation (optional): Improvisation within a prepared solo encouraged, but not required.

    Youth Jazz Orchestra Requirements

    Solo: Improvising a solo over a blues (in any key, any tempo) is optional, but helpful. Using an Aebersold Play-A-Long would be recommended, or a live performance. Play the melody, two choruses, melody.

    Scales: Chromatic scale from your lowest note to highest note and back down, as fast as possible.

    Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

    All rhythm instruments (piano, bass, drums, guitar) in addition to the given excerpts, play about 45 seconds of 'time' or 'comping' on the tune(s) of your choice, in the following styles: medium swing, fast swing, ballad, bossa nova and funk/rock, then a one-minute solo in any style, any tempo. 

Not sure which ensemble to audition for?

Come to an open rehearsal! Simply sign up online, reserve your time, and show up ready to play or simply observe!