Auditions for Surrey Youth Orchestra
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN AUDITIONING FOR THE SURREY YOUTH ORCHESTRA!
Application for the 23/24 season is open.
Surrey Youth Orchestra welcomes musicians age 6 – 22 to audition for our 2023/2024 season.
If you are interested in joining the Surrey Youth Orchestra in the coming season from September 2023 to May 2024. 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 you are qualified for the program before applying. *Former SYO members must re-audition each season. New winds and brass members will be auditioned in person.
Audition Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable)
What does an SYO audition video entail?
- Fill out your online application form
- After your application is processed, you will receive your audition preparation packet via email, which will outline the audition requirements as well as upload instructions to assist you in submitting the video.
- Record a solo repertoire piece (or excerpt of a piece) of your choice (recording time maximum 5 mins) as well as 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 that you are submitting. Please submit this by no later than May 27.
- On May 28, the SYO will send out a “quick study” piece that is appropriate for the level of repertoire that the student has submitted. Each student will be required to submit the quick study piece by June 3.
*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 that they auditioned with. The conductors decision will be considered final.
Students must be proficient at the following levels at a minimum to audition:
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 or above Grade 2 RCM or end of Suzuki book 1. Minimum age: 6 years old
Video Submission Deadlines:
- 1st video submission deadline is May 27: please include (1) a solo of your choice (2) a scale (3) corresponding arpeggio
- 2nd video submission deadline is June 3: a videotape of your ‘quick study’ piece
Intermezzo Strings
Intermezzo Strings perform music that will build upon theoretical and musical concepts covered in the Prelude Strings. Emphasis will be given to listening skills as related to playing in a large ensemble. Conductor Andrea Taylor chooses contrasting repertoire to introduce students to a variety of musical styles.
Requirements: reading and playing at or above Grade 4 RCM or Suzuki book 4. Minimum age: 8 years old
Video Submission Deadlines:
- 1st video submission deadline is May 27: please include (1) a solo of your choice (2) a scale (3) corresponding arpeggio
- 2nd video submission deadline is June 3: a videotape of your ‘quick study’ piece
Symphonic Strings
Under the baton of conductor Ben Goheen, the Symphonic Strings performs major repertoire from the standard string orchestra literature while learning the skills needed for excellent orchestral playing.
Requirements: reading and playing at or above Grade 7 RCM or Suzuki book 6. Minimum age: 11 years old
Video Submission Deadlines:
- 1st video submission deadline is May 27: please include (1) a solo of your choice (2) a scale (3) corresponding arpeggio
- 2nd video submission deadline is June 3: video tape of your ‘quick study’ piece
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: playing at or above Grade 8 RCM Minimum age: 13 years old
Video Submission Deadlines:
- 1st video submission deadline is May 27: please include (1) a solo of your choice (2) all the requested orchestral excerpts, please see below (3) a B major scale and an Eb minor harmonic scale at an appropriate tempo.
- 2nd video submission deadline is June 3: a videotape of your ‘quick study’ piece
- SO-Violin
- SO-Viola
- SO-Cello
- SO-Flute
- SO-Clarinet
- SO-Oboe
- SO-Horn
- SO-Trombone
- SO-Trumpet
- SO-Bassoon
- SO-Percussion
Wind & Brass Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble of brass and wind players will develop their skills by sectionals before entering the rehearsal with the senior orchestra. Instructors Bernard Blary and Greg Farrugia offer interesting and challenging sectional training for their members.
What is the SYO time commitment?
- Prelude Strings 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
- Intermezzo Strings 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
- Symphonic Strings 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
- Senior Orchestra 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Each orchestra member is expected to regularly practice the orchestra music during the week. Also, each orchestra member is expected to seek individual assistance from their private teachers.
In addition to weekly rehearsals and the season highlights, the SYO hosts two chamber music workshops, Charis Music Camp in Fall for Senior Orchestra and Symphonic Strings and other exciting activities throughout the year. We look forward to having you join us!