There’s TONS of information below about our orchestra and audition process.

But if you know you’re interested, feel free simply to complete an application form. We can’t wait to see you all!

APPLICATION/AUDITION INFORMATION FOR the 2023-2024

auditions are held in late august, with additional mid-year auditions in january.

AUDITION OVERVIEW

Auditions determine your placement in the Youth Chamber Orchestra (YCO), Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO), or Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO). Read more about our orchestras here.

2023-2023 Season Audition Dates

  • Saturday August 19, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

  • Sunday August 20, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

  • Saturday August 26, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

  • Sunday August 27, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

If you are interested in applying mid-season, please contact us.

Appropriate Instruments; Doubling Instruments
Orchestral instruments are violin, viola, cello, double bass, oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, and harp. If you wish to audition for an orchestra, you must play one of these instruments. If you play a doubling instrument (piccolo, English horn, bass or E-flat clarinet, contra-bassoon, bass trombone) and have an instrument, please bring it to your audition and be prepared to play it too. Double the fun!


AUDITION INFORMATION
The audition process, no matter what time of year, starts with completing an application. After submitting the application, you will be able to arrange an audition.

Arranging an Audition Time

  • Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email which contains a link to audition sign ups.

  • Applicants will be charged a $20 audition fee.

  • If financial assistance is needed, please contact office@youthorchestrasfresno.org.

Audition Requirements:

  • Solo: Two contrasting pieces of the applicant's choice or two contrasting movements from a sonata or a concerto, demonstrating the musical and technical abilities of the candidate. The works will be performed without accompaniment at the audition.

  • Scales: As appropriate to applicant's instrument and level. Choose scales that show your playing to your optimum advantage. Scales should be played at a moderate tempo, with any desired articulation and bowing.

  • Percussionists: Bring your own sticks/mallets. You will be expected to perform a solo or solos of your choice, as appropriate to your playing level, and also to perform the required excerpts found here.

  • Auditions are a maximum of 5 minutes long — conductors will be able to hear only portions of what you have prepared. Don’t worry if you are cut short in the middle of your audition.

Audition Location:

  • Fresno State is currently under construction and may affect access to the Music Building. Visit Fresno State’s website to see up-to-date information on parking and construction.

  • Parking Fees: Plentiful free parking is available on-site. Parking permits are not required on Saturdays, Sundays, or State holidays except during special events.

Audition Results:

  • Candidates will be contacted via email before the first rehearsal in September. If accepted, players will be placed into one of our three orchestras with the goal of ensuring both a positive experience for each musician and the success of each ensemble.

Still have questions? Contact office@youthorchestrasfresno.org.

CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR AUDITION APPLICATION FORM!

Programs offered by the Youth Orchestras of Fresno are designed to be supplemental to school music programs. Our orchestra members participate in their school music programs whenever those are offered, and are encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of school musical activities. 

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS

  • Flutists should be able to play or be willing to learn to play piccolo. If you already play piccolo, please bring the instrument to your audition, and be prepared to play at least one piece of your choice.

  • Oboists should play or be willing to learn to play English horn. If you already play English horn, please bring the instrument to the audition, and be prepared to play at least one piece of your choice.

  • Clarinetists should let us know if you can play both B-flat and A clarinet. Both are often needed in orchestral music. We also hope some of you will be able to play or be willing to learn to play bass clarinet and, on occasion, E-flat clarinet.

  • Bassoonists should let us know if you play or are willing to learn to play contrabassoon.

  • Horn players should, for YPO, be able to transpose. Those aiming for YSO should begin learning to transpose.

  • Trumpet players for YPO should be able to transpose. Those aiming for YSO should begin learning to transpose

  • Trombone players for YPO should be able to read bass clef and tenor clef, and be willing to learn to read alto clef. Those aiming for YSO should be willing to learn new clefs.

  • Percussionists must play or be willing to learn to play timpani, snare drums, cymbals, and mallet instruments. Percussionists must be prepared to play the 2023 percussion excerpts.

REHEARSALS
The Youth Orchestras of Fresno rehearse in the Band Room at Fresno State, except on concert days, when the pre-concert rehearsal will be at the concert hall.

  • 2:00pm-3:30pm: Youth Chamber Orchestra (YCO)

  • 4:00pm-6:00pm: Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO)

  • 6:30pm-9:00pm: Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO)


Rehearsals begin on September 10, 2023.

Visiting our Sunday rehearsals (after August auditions)

  • Interested players are welcome to bring their instruments and sit in on a rehearsal for the appropriate orchestra (scroll down to learn more about levels) to see if the.

  • Interested musicians can audition for admission to the orchestras at any time throughout the year, although they will not be competing for seating, which will already have been decided.

  • Visitors are always welcome during our regular season, September - May.


Repertoire suggestions from Milton Young Musicians' Festival

This competition offers a breakdown into six levels, and is a rough estimate of what we expect based on Orchestra level.

levels 1-2 = Youth Chamber Orchestra (YCO)
levels 3-4 = Youth Symphony Orchestra (YSO)
levels 5-6 = Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO)

We said roughly, because our conductors will be observing how you play more than what you play, so anything can happen!  

Violin rep lists from reputable pedagogues
         
A few additional lists that might be fun to check out...


Keep us posted at office@youthorchestrasfresno.org if you find more useful lists to share.