THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN AUDITIONING FOR THE SURREY YOUTH ORCHESTRA!
2027/2028 Season Auditions Are Now Open!
We are excited to welcome applications for Surrey Youth Orchestra’s 2027/2028 season!
Join us for a wonderful year of music, learning, and friendship. If you are interested in joining the orchestra in September 2027, please complete our online audition request form.
For further information, please contact gm@surreysymphony.com .
The Surrey Youth Orchestra welcomes young musicians to audition for our upcoming season, running from September 2027 to May 2028.
Our five orchestras offer exciting opportunities for students to develop their musical abilities, gain orchestral experience, and make music with fellow young musicians.
*Current SYO members must re-audition each season.
Audition Fee: $30.00 (non-refundable)
What Does a SYO Audition Video Entail?
- Complete the online audition request form.
- Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email including instructions on how to upload your audition video.
-
Record a solo repertoire piece
(or an excerpt of a piece)
of your choice, together with
a scale and corresponding arpeggio.
Bowings, speed, and rhythm should be observed according to RCM standards.
The scale and arpeggio should be the same RCM level (or higher) as the repertoire you submit.
2027/2028 Video Submission Deadline: To Be Announced
Please Note: All conductors will be involved in the orchestra placement process for students.
Students will be placed according to the level assessed by the conductors, not necessarily the level of the repertoire they auditioned with.
The conductors’ placement decision will be considered final.
Orchestra Audition Requirements
Students must be proficient at the following minimum playing levels and age requirements to audition.
Piccolo Strings
The youngest orchestra in the SYO family. Andrea Taylor is the conductor.
This ensemble offers a starting point for beginner string players who want to join an orchestra.
RCM Requirement: Grade 1 or above
Minimum Age: 5 years old
Conductor: Andrea Taylor
Video Requirements:
- A solo of your choice
- A scale
- A corresponding arpeggio
Prelude Strings
Conductor Andrea Taylor leads this orchestral experience for string players of new ability.
Prelude Strings is designed to teach beginning ensemble skills, musical interpretation, rhythm development, rehearsal etiquette, and note-reading skills.
RCM Requirement: Grade 3 or above
Minimum Age: 6 years old
Conductor: Andrea Taylor
Video Requirements:
- A solo of your choice
- A scale
- A corresponding arpeggio
Intermezzo Strings
The Intermezzo Strings perform music that builds upon the theoretical and musical concepts covered in Prelude Strings.
Emphasis is given to listening skills related to playing in a large ensemble. Conductor Andrea Taylor chooses contrasting repertoire to introduce students to various musical styles.
RCM Requirement: Grade 5 or above
Minimum Age: 8 years old
Conductor: Andrea Taylor
Video Requirements:
- A solo of your choice
- A scale
- A corresponding arpeggio
Intermediate Orchestra
Led by conductor Will Chen, the Intermediate Orchestra welcomes string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players.
Students explore a variety of music while building orchestral technique, ensemble skills, and musical style. This ensemble provides excellent preparation for the Senior Orchestra.
Open to all orchestral instruments, including:
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
- Percussion: Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Mallet Percussion
Strings: Grade 7 RCM or above
Winds and Brass: Grade 6 RCM or above
Minimum Age: 11 years old
Conductor: Will Chen
Video Requirements:
- A solo of your choice
- A scale
- A corresponding arpeggio
Senior Orchestra
Under the direction of conductor Joel Stobbe, the Senior Orchestra is a premier full symphonic orchestra comprised of students who demonstrate strong musicianship and a highly advanced technical level.
The group performs a wide range of demanding orchestral repertoire, offering students opportunities to develop advanced ensemble playing and musical artistry.
Open to all orchestral instruments, including:
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass: French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
- Percussion: Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Mallet Percussion
RCM Requirement: Grade 8 or above
Minimum Age: 13 years old
Conductor: Joel Stobbe
Video Requirements:
- A solo of your choice
- A B major scale
- An E-flat minor harmonic scale at an appropriate tempo
What Is the SYO Time Commitment?
The SYO season runs from September to May.
Rehearsals generally take place on Saturdays at the Surrey Christian Secondary Campus.
Rehearsal Location:
Surrey Christian Secondary Campus
15353 92 Avenue
Surrey, BC
The following is our typical rehearsal schedule. Times for the 2027/2028 season are subject to confirmation.
| Orchestra | Rehearsal Time |
|---|---|
| Prelude Strings | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Intermezzo Strings | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Intermediate Orchestra | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Senior Orchestra | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Piccolo Strings | 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM |
Each Orchestra Member Must:
- Commit to weekly rehearsals and give priority to SYO by keeping Saturday mornings available.
- Regularly practice their orchestra music during the week.
- Seek individual support from their private teacher to prepare their parts as needed.
2027/2028 Season Events & Performances
Attendance at required rehearsals, concerts, and applicable events is an important part of SYO membership.
The following events are planned as part of the SYO season. Exact dates will be announced once the 2027/2028 calendar has been finalized.
-
Fall Open House
Date to be announced -
Music Retreat
Intermezzo Strings, Intermediate Orchestra & Senior Orchestra
Date to be announced -
Winter Concert
Date to be announced -
Spring Open House
Date to be announced -
Spring Concert
Date to be announced
In addition to weekly rehearsals and season highlights, SYO hosts various events such as Chamber Music Workshops, Charis Music Retreat, Scholarship Competition, and other exciting musical activities throughout the year.
We look forward to welcoming you to Surrey Youth Orchestra!
Join Surrey Youth Orchestra!
Take the first step toward an exciting year of music and friendship. Complete your audition request for the 2027/2028 season today!
Sign Up for an Audition Request →Questions? Contact gm@surreysymphony.com