OAKLAND
YOUTH
ORCHESTRA


Auditions

Our main auditions are offered every year in Spring (April/May), and we offer additional auditions for select instruments in August.

The Fall Audition Schedule is as follows;
Studio String Strings Philharmonia Symphony
Cello, Double Bass, Viola Cello, Double Bass, Viola, Violin Bassoon, Double Bass, French Horn, Harp Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, French Horn, Harp, Percussion, Viola, Violin
Tue, August 31
(4:00PM-6:00PM)
Thu, September 9
(6:00PM-6:23PM)
Tue, August 31
(4:00PM-6:00PM)
Thu, September 9
(8:55PM-9:23PM)
Tue, August 31
(4:00PM-6:00PM)
Thu, September 9
(6:15PM-6:38PM)
Tue, August 31
(4:00PM-6:00PM)
Thu, September 9
(6:15PM-6:38PM)

Current In-House Members, please log in to your Members Only Page to schedule your audition.

For NEW APPLICANTS ONLY

Our four tier orchestra system is grouped by the following criteria:
Studio String*
Advanced Beginner
String musicians only
(Violin, Cello, Double Bass)
Suzuki books 2 through 3
In general, grades 3 through 7
Rehearses Thursdays 7pm-8:30pm at University Presbyterian Church (Adams Rd S of Avon)
Strings
Intermediate Level
String musicians only
(Violin, Cello, Double Bass)
Suzuki books 3 through 5
In general, grades 3 through 9
Philharmonia
Advanced Intermediate
Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion
Completed Suzuki books 4-7 (Strings)
In general, grades 7 through 12
Symphony
Advanced Level
Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion
In general, High School musicians


Note: Due to the large number of string instrument auditions, all Violin, Cello and Bass players grades 9 and under will have an initial audition with the Strings Orchestra Conductor. Based on your audition, you may be asked to re-audition with either the Philharmonia Orchestra Conductor or the Symphony Orchestra Conductor for final placement, so please allow extra time. If this is not possible, your re-audition will be scheduled on one of the other audition dates.

*: The Studio String Orchestra will perform literature appropriate for violin, cello and bass students at the Suzuki Book 2 and 3 levels. Building reading and ensemble skills will be an important component.



Audition Requirements

Solo: 3~4 minutes showing technique and tone quality. The solo will be heard unaccompanied and does not need to be memorized.
Studio Strings: 2~3 minutes

Sightreading: Materials will be chosen by the conductors.

Note: If you would like to audition on more than one instrument, you must be prepared to play a solo on each instrument you wish to play in the orchestra.

Percussionists: If you play keyboard, prepare a solo on your chosen instrument and drums. You must supply your own mallets and sticks. Instruments will be available at the audition site.