Audition Materials

UPDATE: Audition Materials for next year will now be announced April 10th, 2026. In order to ensure that everything is complete, accurate, and clearly organized for students and teachers, we need just a few additional days to finalize the packets.

In the meantime, students can begin preparing the following components, which will be part of the audition:

• Scales:

  • Younger ensembles will perform two-octave scales

  • Philharmonic and Symphony students should prepare three-octave scales (or as many octaves as they are proficient)

• Solo Piece:
  Prepare 1-2 minutes for younger ensembles, 2-3 minutes for Philharmonic and Symphony, of music that demonstrates both lyrical and technical abilities. This should include both slow and fast playing. Students may either perform short excerpts from two contrasting pieces or etudes (one slow and one fast), or choose one piece that includes both slow and fast passages.

The full audition format, including the required orchestral excerpts for each ensemble level, will be released on April 10.

Audition submissions will open on May 15 and remain open through July 1.

AYO offers six orchestra levels, ranging from beginning string ensembles to advanced full symphony orchestras. Our audition process is designed to help each musician find the ensemble where they will grow, thrive, and be appropriately challenged.

The recorded audition allows our conductors to get to know each incoming musician and evaluate technical ability, ensemble experience, work ethic, and musical maturity.

Audition Recording Requirements

During your audition, you will record:

• Scales

• A solo repertoire excerpt of your choice

• Required orchestral excerpts for the ensemble you select

Symphony & Philharmonic Auditions
Auditions for the Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra must be recorded in one continuous, unedited video that includes all required audition components.

Canzonetta, Serenata & Sinfonietta Auditions
Auditions for Canzonetta, Serenata, and Sinfonietta may be submitted as multiple videos. We recommend:

• One video for scales

• One video for orchestral excerpts

• One video for the solo piece

Select the ensemble you plan to audition for below to download the full audition packet, which includes scales, excerpts, and detailed recording instructions.

Please note: Student school-district email accounts may block access to Google forms and audition materials. Please use a non–school email address when accessing the audition packets.

Questions? Email us anytime at education@austinyouthorchestra.org.

Sinfonietta, Serenata and Canzonetta Audition Materials

Sinfonietta
A string orchestra for developing musicians who are strengthening technique, ensemble skills, and musical confidence.

Serenata
An entry-level string ensemble for newer players building foundational skills in tone, rhythm, and ensemble playing.

Canzonetta
Our introductory string ensemble for beginning musicians who are just starting their orchestral journey.

Symphony and Philharmonic Audition Materials 

Symphony Orchestra
AYO’s premier full symphony orchestra, designed for advanced musicians ready to perform major orchestral repertoire with high technical and musical demands.

Philharmonic Orchestra
A full orchestra for intermediate to advanced players, offering a broad and challenging orchestral experience that prepares musicians for Symphony.