Auditions for Surrey Youth Orchestra
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN AUDITIONING FOR THE SURREY YOUTH ORCHESTRA!
The 2025/26 season audition is now open.
If you are interested in joining the Surrey Youth Orchestra in the coming season from September 2025 to May 2026. Please go through this page carefully and fill out an online audition request. We encourage each applicant to review each orchestra’s requirements to ensure they are qualified for the program before applying. *Former SYO members must re-audition each season.
Audition Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable)
What does a SYO audition video entail?
- Fill out your online application form.
- Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email including instructions on how to upload your video.
- Record a solo repertoire piece (or excerpt of a piece) of your choice and 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. Please submit this by no later than May 31.
*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 the level of the repertoire they auditioned with. The conductors’ decision will be considered final.
Students must be proficient at the following levels at a minimum 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.
Requirements: reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 1 RCM or above. Minimum age: 5 years old
The video submission deadline is May 31: please include (1) a solo of your choice, (2) a scale, and (3) a corresponding arpeggio.
Prelude Strings
Conductor Andrea Taylor leads this orchestral experience for string players of new ability. The Prelude Strings is designed to teach beginning ensemble skills, musical interpretation as well as rhythm development, rehearsal etiquette, and note-reading skills.
Requirements: reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 3 RCM or above. Minimum age: 6 years old
The video submission deadline is May 31: please include (1) a solo of your choice, (2) a scale, and (3) a corresponding arpeggio.
Intermezzo Strings
The Intermezzo Strings perform music that builds upon the theoretical and musical concepts covered in the Prelude Strings. Emphasis will be given to listening skills related to playing in a large ensemble. Conductor Andrea Taylor chooses contrasting repertoire to introduce students to various musical styles.
Requirements: reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 5 RCM or above. Minimum age: 8 years old
The submission deadline is May 31: please include (1) a solo of your choice, (2) a scale, and (3) a corresponding arpeggio.
Intermediate Orchestra
Led by Conductor Will Chen, this new ensemble welcomes string, brass, and percussion players. Explore a variety of music while building orchestral skills, perfect 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
Requirements: reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 7 RCM or above for string players, reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 6 RCM or above for winds and brass players. Minimum age: 11 years old
The submission deadline is May 31: please include (1) a solo of your choice, (2) a scale, and (3) a corresponding arpeggio
Senior Orchestra
Under the direction of conductor Joel Stobbe, this premiere full symphonic orchestra is comprised of students who demonstrate strong musicianship and highly advanced technical level. The group performs a wide range of demanding orchestra repertoire.
Requirements: reading and playing at a minimum level of Grade 8 RCM or above. Minimum age: 13 years old
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
The video submission deadline is May 31: please include (1) a solo of your choice, (2) a B major scale and (3) an Eb minor harmonic scale at an appropriate tempo.
What is the SYO time commitment?
- Prelude Strings 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
- Intermezzo Strings 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
- Intermediate Symphonic Orchestra 9:30 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.
Attendance is mandatory for all orchestra members at the following events and performances:
- Open House – October 11, 2025
- Music Retreat (Intermediate & Senior Orchestra) – November 1 & 2, 2025
- Music Retreat (Prelude & Intermezzo Strings) – November 15 & 16, 2025
- Sounds of the Season Concert – December 13, 2025
- Open House – February 14, 2026
- 50th Anniversary Concert – May 9, 2026
In addition to weekly rehearsals and season highlights, SYO hosts various events such as Chamber Music Workshops, Charis Music Camp, Scholarship Competition, and more exciting activities throughout the year. Join us!