Auditions

Auditions for fall 2011 have ended, and we are already in rehearsal. We can accept online applications for the next auditions (January 2012). If you would like to apply to be accepted into one of our orchestras, please complete and submit an online audition application. 

We also welcome interested musicians to visit a rehearsal and sit in--with their instrument--to test the waters. Just notify us beforehand if  you plan to do that, and introduce yourself when you arrive before the rehearsal begins. 

Feel free to look over the information below as you plan for your audition, whenever it may occur.

Click HERE for percussion requirements. 

Note that orchestral instruments are violin, viola, cello, double bass, oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, and harp. Occasionally there is a part for piano, but a pianist is not usually a full-fledged orchestra member.

   2011-2012 AUDITION INFORMATION
Youth Chamber Orchestra
Youth Symphony Orchestra
Youth Philharmonic Orchestra  

2011-2012 AUDITION INFORMATION

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.

Auditions are a maximum of 10 minutes long—conductors will be able to hear only portions of what you have prepared.

Applying: To arrange an audition, fill out and submit an application online at www.youthorchestrasfresno.org. You may also apply by phone—just call (559) 275-6694. Leave a message stating name, instrument, phone number, email address, age, and grade in school. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application. If you do not receive such an email, please call the office at (559) 275-6694.

Scheduling: Candidates will be notified by EMAIL of their audition time. If you do not receive an email from office@youthorchestrasfresno.org, please first check your spam folder, then call our office at (559) 275-6694 or email us at office@youthorchestrasfresno.org.*

Location: CSUF Music Building room #165 (percussionists will be heard in the percussion studio). Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your assigned time so you can warm up. Parents may wait in an adjoining classroom during the audition.

Parking: Permits are normally not required on Saturday and Sunday. Please do not park in the 30-minute zones.

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.

Seating: The conductor will determine seating following this audition. Players will be informed of their seating prior to the first rehearsal in September. The conductor’s decision is final. There will be no challenges during the season in any of the groups.

Fee: Applicants will be charged a $20 audition fee payable at the time of the audition. Checks should be made out to YOOF.

For additional information, visit www.youthorchestrasfresno.org.
Still have questions? Contact office@youthorchestrasfresno.org.


  * To make the adjudicators' jobs easier, we are striving to put like instruments in blocks. Therefore our schedule is the following (with allowances for special requests):

  • Friday 8/26: violin/viola
  • Saturday 8/27: violin
  • Sunday 8/28: cello/bass
  • Friday 9/2: winds/brass
  • Saturday 9/3: percussion (a.m.); harp; brass
  • Sunday 9/4: winds/brass; remaining strings