AUDITION INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
For the EYSO 2010-11 Concert Season
About the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra
EYSO is comprised of 6 ensembles and the Chamber Music Institute (CMI), each with their own requirements.
Primo: training string ensemble for beginning players with little auditioning experience
Prelude Orchestra: string orchestra for beginning to early intermediate level students
Sinfonia: string orchestra for intermediate level students (full orchestra 2nd semester)
Philharmonia: full orchestra for intermediate and advanced students
Youth Symphony: full orchestra for advanced students
Brass Choir: includes brass musicians in Youth Symphony, Philharmonia, and additional strong brass students
Chamber Music Institute (open to both EYSO and non-EYSO members): provides an opportunity to work closely with professional coaches in groups of 3-5 students.
Respective requirements for each ensemble are below. Please observe the minimum age and/or grade requirements
for each ensemble.
The Audition Application
EYSO Audition Applications and Scheduling can be completed online HERE. After submitting an online application
to audition, you will be able to select a specific audition time. There is a $35 audition fee for current EYSO members and a $45
audition fee for non-EYSO members. All auditions fees are non-refundable. The audition fee may be paid online by credit card.
Checks (payable to EYSO) should be mailed with an online payment voucher OR with a completed paper audition application (you will be contacted regarding an audition time) to:
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 6508, Elgin, IL 60121-6508
Double check your assigned audition time to make sure your calendar is clear. We understand that schedules change and things
happen-we will gladly alter an audition time before May 15. After May 15, you will be charged an additional $25 for changing
audition times.
If you are unable to pay by the audition fee by May 17th please contact the EYSO office or the audition time may be released.
What to Prepare
Solo Repertoire
Prepare two contrasting selections totaling 2-3 minutes: one should be faster and more technical in nature to
demonstrate your facility on the instrument and the other should be slower and more lyrical to illustrate your musicality
and expressively. Selections may include solo literature, etudes or appropriate orchestral excerpts. Choose these
selections carefully with guidance from your instrumental teacher, as they must show your abilities on the instrument.
Selections that are beyond or beneath your skill level will not enhance your audition results. Selections do not need to
be memorized. No accompanist is required. Please bring two photocopies of each piece for the adjudicators'
reference. Harp and piano players are requested to call the EYSO Administrative Office (847-841-7700) for audition
requirements.
Scales
Every audition will include a demonstration of your knowledge of scales. For specific information, see the requirements
on the following page.
Sight reading
Every audition will include appropriate-level sight reading of rhythms and orchestral excerpts.
The Day of Your Audition
Please arrive at Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
You will register at the check-in desk, receive your audition room assignment, and have a chance to warm-up. Your audition will
be approximately ten minutes in length.
Student placement in EYSO ensembles is competitive and ranked in order of artistic quality. Those qualities include: superiority of tone, technical ability, intonation, vibrato, dynamic contrast, range, articulation, musicality, phrasing, rhythmic skill, artistic expression, style, and overall accuracy. Meeting the requirements of an orchestra does not guarantee placement.
String Orchestra* Requirements
* Includes Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass students with a minimum of 2 years playing the auditioning instrument
** Auditions for Sinfonia wind, brass and percussion students will take place in the Fall of 2010. Sinfonia Fall Audition details will be available online by August 1, 2010.
Full Orchestra** and Brass Choir*** Requirements
*** Includes Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp and Piano students
**** Includes French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba and Percussion students
The Mission of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra is to create a community of young musicians,
enriching their lives and those of their families, schools, communities and beyond,
through the study and performance of excellent music.
