Auditions

The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association, founded in 1980, is an internationally acclaimed non-profit organization that offers challenging and diverse musical experiences to develop young people as musicians and as leaders. Auditions are open to students who are prepared to make a commitment to the entire rehearsal and performance schedule, including tours and camps. Students are expected to participate in their school music program.

Mid-year auditions for openings in our groups for the 2010-11 season--our 31st year--will be held Sept. 11. Music is available (see below). Audition reservations are now being accepted at 719-633-3901.

Audition Location:
Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association office in the former Jefferson Elementary School:
1801 N. Howard Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909
Telephone: 633-3901

Auditioning for: violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute/piccolo, English horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, baritone sax, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/ baritone, tuba, percussion and harp.

NOTE: Throughout the year, if additional instrumentation is needed, further auditions are available. Auditions for open positions will also be held in December.  Check with the CSYSA office for more information and to schedule an audition.

Audition Preparations:

General requirements for strings:
-1 scale of the musician’s choice
-1 scale of the judge’s choice
-Audition excerpts at a tempo appropriate for you
-Sight reading
-See additional instructions on excerpts

Prepare scales in the following styles: legato (slur 4 notes per bow), martele, spiccato .  Scales for strings (listed from least to most advanced) will be selected from the following categories, commensurate with experience:
-Major scales: C G D   1 octave
-Major scales: C G D A F  1 octave

-Major scales: C G D A F  2 octaves
     Minor scales:  g d c e   2 octaves

-Major scales: C G D A F B-flat E-flat

      Minor scales:  g d c e     
      3 octaves, when possible        

-All major scales
      Minor scales thru 3 sharps & 3 flats
      3 octaves, when appropriate

General requirements for woodwinds and brass:

-Chromatic scale ascending & descending from your lowest possible note to your highest possible note at your fastest controlled speed

-The audition excerpts at a tempo appropriate for you

-Sight reading

General requirements for percussion:

-1 scale of musician's choice

-1 scale of judge's choice commensurate with experience

-The audition excerpts at a tempo appropriate for you

-Sight reading  

Requirements for piano and harp:

-See music excerpts/information sheet

AUDITION MUSIC:

Audition music for the 2010-11 season: Go to "Audition Music" or  Click Here

Music is also available at:

Graner Music Main: 4460 Barnes Road
Meeker Music Downtown: 113 E. Bijou
Graner Music North: 8674 N. Union
Meeker Music North: 3604 Hartsel Dr.
Meeker Music Fountain: 6330 S. Highway 85 & 87
and at
Youth Symphony Office 
1801 N. Howard Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado

Orchestras/bands you may be placed in based on your audition:

Colorado Springs Youth Symphony: Advanced Full Orchestra | Travels regionally yearly and internationally every other year | Conductor: Gary Nicholson

Pikes Peak Winds Symphony: Advanced Band | Travels regionally yearly and nationally every 3 years | Conductor: Dick Kusk

Encore! Youth Orchestra: Intermediate Full Orchestra | Travels regionally yearly | Conductor: Dick Kusk

Bravo! Winds: Intermediate Band | Travels locally | Conductor: Rick Shaw

Vivace Strings: Intermediate String Orchestra | Travels locally | Conductor: Jennifer Boylan

Amadeus Strings: Beginning String Orchestra | Travels locally | Conductor: Ingri Fowler

Wolfgang Strings: Preparatory String Orchestra | Does not travel | Conductor: Daryl Counsell