Auditions Open Now For 24/25 Season!

Scroll down to view your audition requirements per instrument
To join an ESYO Performing Ensemble, you must complete an audition. Young musicians through the age 20 are encouraged to audition!
Auditions will be accepted until positions are filled
Students may submit one Classical and one Jazz audition per instrument each season.

Record now

Solo recordings from as early as January 1, 2024 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.

Are you a local college student interested in performing with ESYO? Email info@esyo.org.

Are you interested in singing in the Melodies of Christmas Concert? Check Back in August for audition information.

2. View Requirements by Instrument:

Violin Requirements

Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra and Concertino Strings

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 Requirements

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 Requirements

Available Ensembles: String Orchestra, Concertino Strings

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 Requirements

Available Ensembles: Repertory Orchestra, String Orchestra, Concertino Strings

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.

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 Requirements

Available Ensembles: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.

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 Requirements

Available Ensembles: 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. 

2. View Requirements by Instrument:

Flute/Piccolo Horn Requirements

Ensemble positions are filled for the ’24-’25 season. Positions available in Flute Choir – contact slascoe@esyo.org for information.

Audition must be prepared on flute.

Classical Audition Requirements 

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Oboe/English Horn Requirements

Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra

Audition must be prepared on oboe.

Classical Audition Requirements 

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Clarinet Requirements

Available Ensembles: Repertory Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Bass Clarinet Requirements

Available Ensembles: Wind Orchestra

NOTE: If you are auditioning for wind orchestra only, you may perform your audition on bass clarinet. Otherwise, if you are auditioning for any other ensemble, you must perform your audition on clarinet.

Classical Audition Requirements 

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Bassoon Requirements

Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Alto Saxophone Requirements

Ensemble positions are filled for the ’24-’25 season

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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: Wind Orchestra Excerpt Only. To only be considered for Wind Orchestra 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.

Tenor Saxophone Requirements

Available Ensembles: Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements 

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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: Wind Orchestra Excerpt Only. To only be considered for Wind Orchestra 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.

Baritone Saxophone Requirements

Ensemble positions are filled for the ’24-’25 season.

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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: Wind Orchestra Excerpt Only. To only be considered for Wind Orchestra 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.

2. View Requirements by Instrument:

French Horn Requirements

Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

Trumpet Requirements

Available Ensembles: Wind Orchestra, Youth Jazz Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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: Two octave scale to your highest, consistent note at forte volume.

Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

Trombone/Bass Trombone Requirements

Available Ensembles: Wind Orchestra, Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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: Two octave scale to your highest, consistent note at forte volume.

Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

Euphonium Requirements

Ensemble positions are filled for the ’24-’25 season

Classical Audition Requirements 

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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: Wind Orchestra Excerpt Only. To only be considered for Wind Orchestra 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.

Tuba Requirements

Available Ensembles: Repertory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements

Solos:  Prepare two solos of contrasting style and tempi or two contrasting sections from a larger work.  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 Wind Orchestra 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.

2. View Requirements by Instrument:

Jazz Drum Set Requirements

All positions are filled for the ’24-’25 season

Repertory Jazz Orchestra Drum Set 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: 45 seconds of ‘time’ in the following styles: medium swing, fast swing, ballad, bossa nova and funk/rock; One-minute solo in any style, any tempo.

Excerpts: Prepare all excerpts.

Violin Requirements

Available Ensembles: Symphony Orchestra and Concertino Strings

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.

 

Classical Percussion Requirements

Contact slascoe@esyo for openingstory Orchestra, Wind Orchestra

Classical Audition Requirements 

Instruments available:
Click here to view the audition requirements for each instrument.

  • Snare Drum
  • Mallet Percusson
  • Accessories: Bass drum, Cymbals, Tambourine
  • Timpani

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