Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Audition Information

The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) serves young musicians and their families from more than 40 public and private schools in the Central Valley. Led by a deeply engaged leadership team, the members are presented with the opportunity to share their gift of music in an inspiring and challenging orchestral setting alongside their peers from all social, economic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. As a program within the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, members also have the invaluable experience of interacting with our professional musicians, conductors, and visiting guest artists through workshops, side-by-side performances, and clinics.

The MSYO serves students of varying skill levels and is made up of two full-orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion) groups: CONCERT ORCHESTRA (GRADES 5-9) and the SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (GRADES 9-12).

Both ensembles perform a three-concert series at the Gallo Center for the Arts throughout the season. The MSYO Symphony Orchestra has also performed throughout the United States and world, including performances in England, France, Japan, Eastern Europe, Canada, and China. The Symphony Orchestra has previously partnered with the Napa Valley Youth Symphony to perform in the 2012 Mahler Festival in Vienna and for the 2014 New York Phil Young Composers workshop, where they performed at Carnegie Hall and in Central Park.

All interested students are encouraged to audition for the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Full information for MSYO Auditions can be found below.

MSYO Ensemble & Orchestra Audition Information

Auditions for the MSYO’s 2023-2024 season will take place online via an audition video.*

Orchestra auditions are open to students in grades 5-12. Please see “Audition Requirements” (PDF) for more information on what to prepare and “Ensemble Qualifications” (see below) if you are unsure of which ensemble to audition for.

Audition Timeline:

May 1, 2023: 2023-24 Season Audition Submissions Begin
June 15, 2023, 11:59 pm: 2022-23 Season Auditions Close
*Results will be sent out by June 21st, 2023*

August 23, 2023: Parent Meeting on Zoom

August 30, 2023: MSYO Rehearsals Begin

Fees:

Orchestra audition submissions are required to pay a $20 non-refundable fee.

*Please note that audition videos submitted through the DropBox link will NOT be viewable by the public. Videos will only be viewed by the audition committee.

*If you are unable to record an audition video for whatever reason, please email msiek@modestosymphony.org to schedule an alternative audition. Technology should not deter you from auditioning!

Audition Requirements (PDF)

Audition Registration Form

How to Record a Video Audition

MSYO Scholarship Application

MSYO HANDBOOK (PDF, 7.5MB) →

MSYO Membership Agreement

MSYO Calendar

MSYO Ensemble Qualifications

The MSYO is made up of two large ensembles: Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. Please see the qualifications for each ensemble below.

STRING PLAYERS

Concert Orchestra: Strings in Grades 5-9 (intermediate)
Symphony Orchestra: Strings in Grades 9-12 (advanced)

String players in 9th grade may audition for either Concert or Symphony Orchestra. Those who are interested in auditioning for the Symphony Orchestra should prepare a Symphony Orchestra audition video. Please note that string players in grade 9 may be placed in either Concert or Symphony Orchestra.

WINDS AND PERCUSSION:

Concert Orchestra: Winds and Percussion in Grades 5-12 (intermediate)
Symphony Orchestra: Winds and Percussion in Grades 9-12 (advanced)

Wind and percussion players who are interested in auditioning for Symphony Orchestra should prepare a Symphony Orchestra audition video. Wind Players and Percussionists in grades 9-12 may be placed into either Concert Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra, depending on seat availability.