Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Elisha Wells, music director
Audition for the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra
Applications for the MSYO are accepted beginning in May of each year for consideration for the following season. Auditions for the MSYO take place online via video submission.*
Orchestra auditions are open to students in grades 5-12. Please see Audition Requirements for more information on what to prepare and Ensemble Qualifications if you are unsure of which ensemble to audition for.
Register for an audition
To audition for the MSYO, you’ll need to fill out the “Audition Application” form.
Once that is received by the MSO office, candidates will automatically receive an email with an upload link where they can submit their audition video. Candidates can upload their video anytime after they receive the link.
Audition Timeline:
May 1, 2026: 2026/27 Season Audition Submissions Open
June 15, 2026, 11:59 pm: Auditions Close
July 8, 2026: 2025-26 Season Spring Audition Results Announced
August 19, 2026: Parent Zoom Meeting
August 26, 2026: MSYO Rehearsals Begin
Fees:
Orchestra audition submissions are required to pay a $20 non-refundable fee upon submitting your audition video.
Register to audition for Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 2026/27 Season!
Upon paying the $20 Audition Fee, you will receive an email with a link to download a PDF that includes your audition video upload link and this season’s Audition Requirements.
*Please note that audition videos submitted 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 msyo@modestosymphony.org to schedule an alternative audition. Technology should not deter you from auditioning!
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 & 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.
Audition Requirements
All candidates should prepare a solo piece that adequately shows their ability on their instrument and has contrasting sections. Solo pieces should be around 3-5 minutes long, though candidates may select to perform a section of a longer piece. Repeats should not be played. Candidates will be assessed for technical ability, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and musicianship. Candidates are allowed to audition on multiple instruments, but must submit a separate video for each instrument. An accompanist is not necessary. Please note that entrance to the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra is not guaranteed. Ensemble placement is determined by the MSYO Music Director & Audition Committee.
Concert Orchestra Audition Requirements
-
One major scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Separate bow strokes
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
One minor scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Separate bow strokes
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
Solo piece
-
One major scale of your choice
One octave
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
One minor scale of your choice.
One octave
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72
Solo piece
-
Solo piece on instrument of choice (snare drum, bells, etc.)
Symphony Orchestra Audition Requirements
-
One major scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Separate bow strokes
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
One minor scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Separate bow strokes
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
Solo piece
-
One major scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
One minor scale of your choice.
Two octaves
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
Chromatic scale encompassing the range of your instrument
Minimum metronome marking of quarter note = 72.
Solo Piece
-
Solo piece on instrument of choice (snare drum, bells, etc.)
How to Record an Audition Video
Review and prepare the audition requirements for your selected instrument/ensemble.
Find a space where you can record without being interrupted.
Start the video by stating your name, grade (as of the upcoming Fall), which school you attend, and who you study with if you take private lessons.
Record your major scale.
Record your minor scale.
Record your chromatic scale (Symphony Wind Auditions Only)
Record your solo piece.
Review your audition video and make sure that you’re happy with what you are submitting!
Save your video file as last name_first name_instrument (e.g. Doe_John_Trumpet).
Submit your video using the provided submission link.
The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra understands that recording an audition video will be a new experience for many of our applicants and they may not have the technology to record a “high quality” video (e.g microphones or video cameras). It is acceptable to record your audition video via a laptop, a cell phone, or by any other means that you have. Please just make sure that your body and instrument are visible on the screen and that the audio is clear.