You may choose from two levels of Audition Packets: Advanced and Intermediate. Advanced Packets include more challenging excerpts than Intermediate Packets, and we encourage you to consult with your Private Instructor and School Orchestra or Band Director to decide which level you should select.

You should also prepare a piece you select yourself that showcases your range and ability.

We recognize that this may be your first audition, and we are giving you two different levels to choose from to make your audition more comfortable. Your choice will not influence the panelists’ judgment of your audition. All students will be considered for all CYO ensembles.

No. While we understand your solo work most likely includes an accompaniment part, we just want to hear you with no accompaniment.

No. Memorization is not necessary. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your audition.

CYO offers in-person and pre-recorded audition options. Email Sarah Welty, Orchestra Manager, to learn more about which audition option is best for you!

• Wear clothing appropriate for an audition.
• Bring your music including excerpts and three (3) copies of your prepared piece.

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition time. Check in at the CYO Welcome Desk where you will receive instructions on where you can warm up before your audition.
• Your audition will last approximately 15 minutes.

• Your recording must include both audio and visual – be sure that you are in the frame for the recording so that we can see you playing.
• Introduce yourself with your name and indicate if you will be auditioning with the intermediate or advanced requirements. Include a brief statement about why you would like to join CYO.
• Before you play your personally selected audition piece, please state the name of the piece and the composer.

We appreciate you wanting to submit the best possible recording but also know that we understand the limitations of recordings and will take the format into account. Below is a list of recording tips but just know that we receive many recorded auditions each year and most are just simple iPhone recordings so it is not necessary to take these measures!

• Don’t place the microphone too close to the instrument.
• Turn on Airplane Mode to avoid the sound of incoming notifications.
  Change the Sound Quality to Lossless in your Settings. This avoids file compression and provides a higher quality audio experience.
• You can Enhance Recordings in the Voice Memos App- this will reduce some echoes and background noise.
• You could also try a 3rd party app on the iPhone rather than the iPhone recording itself. Dolby On is a good one.
• You can also record using a windscreen or external microphone to try and enhance quality.

It is acceptable to submit separate videos if you would like for the scales and pieces you are playing. A single take / video submission is not required.

We recommended that you publish your videos to google drive and send the link to avoid any issues with sending large files by email.

Submit all recorded auditions to Sarah Welty, Orchestra Manager, by the date provided in your Audition Welcome email.

Members of CYO’s team will carefully review and assess your audition. You will receive notification of your audition results via email mid-July.