Request an Audition
EVYS accepts auditions prior to and throughout the season. Musicians are encouraged to audition on the primary audition dates in order participate in and enjoy the full season. You can request an audition online.
Primary audition dates are currently scheduled as follows:
May 20 and 21
Early audition benefit: No sight reading required!
A $25 non-refundable fee is due with application
August 12, 14, and 17
A $25 non-refundable fee is due with application
During the season
A $25 non-refundable fee is due with application
You will be contacted about your audition via email. If you do not receive one please Contact Auditions.
Minimum Audition Requirements
Come Play With Us for the 2024-2025 season! EVYS is accepting audition requests! Please see the audition requirements below, or download our audition requirements flyer.
Concert Orchestra Minimum Requirements
Ensemble Level of Difficulty: Performs literature levels .5 – 2
Scales: 1 – 2 Octave Major scales up to 2 #’s and 2 b’s
Solo: A prepared solo of your choice which shows off your best playing
Approximate Level: Suzuki Book 2 – early book 4
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play
Download Concert Orchestra Minimum Scale Requirements for:
Bass – Cello – Viola – Violin
Chamber Orchestra Minimum Requirements
Ensemble Level of Difficulty: Performs literature levels 2 – 4
Scales: 2 – 3 Octave Major scales up to 3 #’s and 3 b’s, 1 – 2 Octave Melodic Minor scales up to 2 #’s and 2 b’s
Solo: A prepared solo of student’s choice which shows off their best playing. Include both a lyrical and a fast passage. Selection should show use of positions and vibrato.
Approximate level: Suzuki Book 4 and above
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play
Symphony Orchestra Minimum Requirements
Ensemble level of difficulty: Performs literature from the standard professional orchestral repertoire on par or above the difficulty level of a standard college orchestra.
-Strings-
Scales: 3 Octave Major and Melodic Minor Scales up to 4 #’s and 4 b’s plus arpeggios
Solo: A prepared solo of students choice preferably an unaccompanied work, or movement from a sonata or concerto lasting approximately 2-3 minutes. Include both fast and slow passages to show technique; specifically use of positions, vibrato, bow control, and tone quality.
Approximate level: Suzuki book 5 and beyond, Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Concerto and other Sonatas acceptable.
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play
-Winds & Brass-
Scales: Major and Melodic Minor up to 4 #’s and 4 b’s and chromatic scales covering the entire range of the instrument. You may perform as many octaves as is possible for excellent control of pitch and tone.
Solo: 2 excerpts of contrasting value from a Sonata or Concerto showing technique and tone quality. Regional and All-state excerpts are acceptable.
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play
-Percussion-
Players must bring their own sticks and mallets
Scales: Major and Melodic Minor up to 4 #’s and 4 b’s plus chromatic scales covering the appropriate range of the instrument. Xylophone or Marimba available at audition site.
Solo: Perform 3 excerpts for percussion as follows: 1 on snare; 1 on mallets; 1 on timpani
Regional / All-State excerpts acceptable
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play on one of the instruments above.
Preparatory Winds Minimum Requirements
Ensemble Level of Difficulty: Performs literature grades 2 – 4. This wind ensemble will perform on all concerts and will include brass, woodwinds and percussion with the goal of preparing the players for the Symphony Orchestra. Players must be in Jr. High or older or receive an exception based on skill from the EVYS conductors. Performance opportunities may include performing lobby music at the organization’s scheduled concerts, performance at the Play-A-Thon, and occasionally sitting in during Symphony rehearsals to gain experience related to the ensemble’s goals.
Scales: 1 – 2 Octave Major scales up to 2 #’s and 2 b’s (if mallets have been studied)
Solo: A prepared solo of your choice which shows off your best playing
Approximate level: Suzuki Book 4 and above
Sight Reading: A selection will be given at the auditions to play
Tips for a successful audition:
- Be early for your audition! We recommend you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your audition time to complete paperwork and still have plenty of time to warm-up.
- Practice Scales! This is a very important part of the audition process and the evaluation of your skills. Scales are the foundation of music. Please review the specific scale requirement of each ensemble.
- Choose a solo you can play well. Choose a piece to show off your strengths and skills. A polished and well-played solo will help us to learn about your playing for proper ensemble placement.
- Sight Reading is part of each audition, again, so we may learn about your current skills. Practice sight-reading with your teacher at each lesson to become comfortable with the process.
- Auditions should be a positive experience! We are excited to learn about your playing and how we can help you to progress while meeting new friends and making great music together!