Audition Information & Requirements

EYSO is for everyone. For instrumentalists from 4th grade to college, playing for 2 years or 12, EYSO aims to find a place for each student to grow in one of our five orchestras.
 

Auditions for the 2023-24 season take place May 25-28.

Applications for new and returning students are now open!

 

The EYSO Difference

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, a leader in music education, the students of EYSO explore a comprehensive curriculum each season—one which aims not only to help these students develop artistically and technically, but also to prepare them for a future of complex ideas, creative risk-taking, and leadership as global citizens. The dynamic and engaging rehearsals foster musical and personal growth as students develop into well-rounded and thoughtful communicators, and leaders in their sections, ensembles, schools, and communities.

How to Apply

New students: click here to create an audition account and begin your application. Click here to log back into your account later.

Returning students: log into your Member Page and click "Statement of Intent" to share your plans for 2023-24 and schedule your audition.

 

Why Audition for EYSO?

Learn about why you should audition from recent EYSO alum Ernesto Bañuelos.

EYSO-English-Ernesto

English Version                    Spanish Version

Audition Requirements
2023-24 Season Calendar
Tuition Information

Common Audition Questions

1I'm already in EYSO. Do I still need to audition?
As a current EYSO student you can either A) audition to move to another ensemble, or B) stay in your current ensemble next season without re-auditioning. Log into your Member Page and select "Statement of Intent" to get started.
2Do I need to be first chair in my school orchestra/band to get into EYSO?
No! EYSO is for everyone looking for another ensemble opportunity. Every student has a place to grow in our five orchestras.
3What is the time commitment to be in EYSO?
EYSO rehearsals take place weekly on Sunday afternoons/evenings, with concerts in November, March, and May. Find more detailed dates and attendance expectations in the 2023-24 Season Calendar.
4What are the audition requirements?
Requirements vary by ensemble. Click here to see complete audition and membership requirements for each instrument and ensemble.
5What music do I need to play for my auditions?

Elements of each audition may include scales, prepared solos, sightreading, and orchestral excerpts. Etudes and excerpts from longer solos are acceptable—we just need to hear a representative snapshot of your playing.

Click here for audition requirements broken down by instrument and ensemble level.

6How do I decide which ensemble to audition for? What if I pick the wrong one?

Start by reviewing the "Membership Requirements" boxes in this document and look for your instrument, age, and grade level. Ask your private teacher for guidance if you have one! String players, also look at the linked excerpts for your instrument to get an idea of the playing level required in each ensemble.

The ensemble you sign up to audition for is just a starting point, and you're automatically considered for placement in the ensemble that will allow for the most growth. See #11 below for more about the EYSO placement philosophy.

7When are auditions held?
May 25-28, 2023. String auditions take place all four days; winds/brass May 26-28 only; piano/percussion/harp May 27 only.
8Where are auditions held?
All auditions take place in person at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123 in Building F (click here for campus map)
9I want to see what an EYSO rehearsal is like. Can I visit before I audition?
Yes! We have two scheduled open houses: February 19 and April 16. Click here for more information.
10What should I bring to my audition?
  • Everyone: your instrument plus accessories (extra reeds, rosin, etc.) and two copies of your solo piece(s)
  • Percussionists: sticks and mallets (timpani, snare drum, mallet instruments, and tambourine are provided)
  • Harpists: your harp
  • Pianists: we'll have a piano for you
11What if I don't have access to my instrument for the audition?
If you don't own your instrument or have challenges auditioning with your instrument, please email office@eyso.org.
12When will audition results be announced?
June 9, 2023 via email.
Audition results are not shared over the phone.
13How are ensemble placements determined?
After hearing auditions in late spring, EYSO staff thoughtfully make placement decisions based on playing ability, age, and the current needs of each ensemble. Students are placed in the ensemble most closely matching their musical level, including such considerations as the quality of tone production, technical facility, range on the instrument, intonation, vibrato, dynamic range, articulation, phrasing, rhythmic integrity, expressive style, and overall accuracy.
14How is seating determined?
All EYSO ensembles use rotational seating, so you won't be assigned a "chair." Wind players will play a variety of parts throughout the season, and string players will sit in different parts of their sections.
15Is there a fee to audition?
Yes: the audition fee is $45 for new students and $35 for returning students and must be paid before your application can be submitted.
An application fee waiver is available.
16Where can I find tuition information?
2023-24 Tuition Schedule and Information
17Is tuition assistance available?
Yes! Need-based tuition assistance is available to qualified students and families and is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications are available during online registration, after audition results are shared.
18Is there a sibling discount?
Yes: a sibling discount of 10% is automatically applied for each student after the first, applicable to the lesser tuition amount(s).
19I have a question that wasn't answered here. Who do I contact?
Emily Krasinski, Director of Membership & Operations (office@eyso.org or 847-841-7700)