Rossen Milanov, Music Director

Next Event:

The Ohio State University Marching Band

July 27, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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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.

Scales

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

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

Edibility Requirements

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

CYSO 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:

Junior Strings

grades 3–7

excerpts

Chamber Strings

grades 6–9

excerpts
excerpts

Repertory Orchestra

grades 7–10

excerpts

Youth Orchestra

grades 9–12

excerpts

Solo

Perform 2 contrasting short excerpts of a solo piece, etude, or concerto:

  1. Combined pieces should not exceed 6 minutes
  2. Recommended: one should be more lyrical and the second should be more technical
  3. 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

Percussion Requirements

Snare Drum

“Etude #9” from Advanced Snare Drum Studies by Mitchell Peters

  • Target tempo should be dotted quarter note = 80 BPM
  • Rolls should be played as multiple bounce (buzz) rolls

Timpani

“Etude No. 46” from Fundamental Method for Timpani by Mitchell Peters

  • Student will be the correct pitches and asked to tune the drums to the appropriate pitches (A on 29″ drum, D on 26″ drum, and F# on 23″ drum)
  • Target tempo should be half note – 144 BPM (slightly slower than marked)

Mallets

Reading Study #3″ from Fundamental Method for Mallets by Mitchell Peters

  • Target tempo should be quarter note = 108 BPM

Scales in two octaves (B Major, C Melodic Minor, & Chromatic starting on C)

Sight Reading

Students will be asked to sight-read basic rhythms on an accessory instrument (tambourine, triangle, or hand cymbals)

Percussion Excerpts

Click here to view percussion excerpts

Additional notes

  • all instruments will be provided
  • music, sticks, and mallets will be available, but the student should plan to bring their own

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.