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 early intermediate level students
Sinfonia: full orchestra for intermediate level students
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 at Prelude Orchestra level and up): provides an
opportunity to work closely with professional coaches in groups of 3-5 students. An audition for the CMI is required if
not auditioning for a large ensemble. The CMI application will be available after June 10th.
The Audition Application
EYSO Audition Applications and Scheduling should be completed online (link at bottom of page). After submitting an online application
to audition, you will be able to select a specific audition time.
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 up to one week (7 days) before your scheduled audition. After this, you will be
charged an additional $25 for changing audition times. Audition dates and times are subject to change.
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 (if the
two selections are from the same concerto, two different movements are preferred). 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.
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 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.
You will receive your results from the May 30 - June 2 auditions no later than June 15.
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.
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.
