Rossen Milanov, Music Director

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CSYO AUDITIONS

Youth Orchestra

Please review all of the requirements below carefully. Be sure to complete the Online Audition Application below as well.

Columbus Symphony youth Orchestras Audition booklet

CSYO has reopened auditions for the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Oboe, Percussion
Audition excerpts and further information can be found in the CSYO 2026-2027 Audition Booklet above

Violin

Violin 1 short 3-5 minute excerpt of a solo piece, etude, or concerto
Auditionees should provide the indicated excerpt for their instrument in their audition video
VIOLIN: Mozart Symphony No. 39, 4th movement, beginning – m. 41.

Viola

Violin 1 short 3-5 minute excerpt of a solo piece, etude, or concerto
Auditionees should provide the indicated excerpt for their instrument in their audition video
VIOLA: Brahms Symphony No. 4, letter B – m. 80

Oboe

Violin 1 short 3-5 minute excerpt of a solo piece, etude, or concerto
Auditionees should provide the indicated excerpt for their instrument in their audition video
OBOE: Ravel Tombeau de Couperin, beginning – Reh. 2

Percussion

Violin 1 short 3-5 minute excerpt of a solo piece, etude, or concerto
Auditionees should provide the indicated excerpt for their instrument in their audition video
PERCUSSION: Email ndewberry@columbussymphony.com for further instructions.

Scales

1 Major Scale OR 1 Melodic Minor Scale of your choice up to 5 flats and/or 5 sharps

  • 3 or more octaves from memory for Strings. 2 octaves from memory for Woodwinds and Brass
  • Strings – showcase contrasting speeds and bow technique
  • Woodwinds/Brass – showcase contrasting speeds and tongue articulations

Eligibility Requirements

  • In Grades 9-12
  • Participate in their school instrumental music programs
  • Take private lessons on their instrument on which they perform in CSYO
  • Audition Application

CSYO Excerpts

Auditionees are required to include the indicated excerpt for their instrument in the audition video. To view the prepared excerpts, click the corresponding CSYO ensemble below as well as cross reference the Audition Booklet:

Junior Strings

grades 3–7

excerpts

Chamber Strings

grades 6–9

VIolin excerpts
VIola excerpts
Cello excerpts
Bass excerpts

Repertory Orchestra

grades 7–10

String and Wind excerpts
Percussion excerpts

Youth Orchestra

grades 9–12

String and Wind excerpts
Percussion excerpts

Solo

Perform a solo piece, etude, or concerto:

  1. Solo piece should not exceed 3 minutes
  2. Discuss your selection with your private teacher

Audition Timeline

  • All Auditionees MUST complete an online application in order to receive their results
  • Upload your audition video
  • Pay the $40 audition fee
    Checks can be made out to: Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras
    And Sent to:
    Attn. Nia Dewberry
    Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra
    55 E. State Street
    Columbus, OH 43215
  • Audition results will be delivered via mail during the last week of May, along with additional season information for those accepted into the program
  • If you do not receive your audition results by June 8, please contact us

Tips for Recording Your Audition

  • Choose a recording space: a clean, quiet room with natural lighting and moderate reverberation is the best place to record your audition video. if you’re recording at home be sure to talk with your family ahead of time and be sure to pick a time when things are relatively quiet.
  • setting up: make sure your recording equipment is on a stable surface. you can record with your phone, laptop, or tablet, and use household items to prop up your device to make sure you get a good shot. Check that your camera is in front-facing mode (rather than a selfie) and is in a wide (landscape) orientation. set the device 6-10 ft. away from you for the best audio quality. shoot your video at 1080 at 30 frames per second, or consider shooting in 4k.
  • be sure to dress the part!
  • the recording process: Create a test recording of yourself performing at a range of dynamic levels, then play the video back to ensure everything is working properly. when you are ready record your audition excerpts in order. you will want to record multiple takes so that you can review, and select the best one afterwards.
    if you make a minor mistake do not stop, play through it! If you make a major mistake, stop the recording, take a break, and begin again.
    give yourself plenty of time to create your audition video!
  • the review and submission process: review your recordings when you are finished making them. check musical as well as technical details. you can always send it to a family member, friend, or teacher for feedback. once you’ve selected the highest-quality recording, upload your submission.