updated April 16th, 2024
2024-25 Season Auditions:
Select instruments will be considered in the next round of auditions, which will take place on Tuesday evenings May28th/June 11th of 2024. We are still looking for: Tuba, Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon
Video prescreens should be submitted by May 15th to allow us to arrange the audition judges and schedule.
Please read HOW TO AUDITION, In-Person Audition Requirements and the FAQ sections below before scrolling all the way down to the AUDITION REGISTRATION LINK
HOW TO AUDITION
All applicants submit a screening video of themselves playing a brief solo or combination of pieces that shows off their musicality and skill level. This can be a previously recorded performance or recital, or a self made video on a smart phone at home. Videos can be up to 10 mins in length, and can be either several short excerpts or part or all of a piece, as long as it demonstrates your best playing.
Videos are to be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo as unlisted or public, and the link is to be sent to us in the submission form. Videos must show hands, face, and instrument clearly at all times.
If you are not sure how to upload to YouTube, please see this link: https://youtu.be/R8bMUZV5GME
If the applicant passes the screening video, they will then be invited to a full in-person audition.
Full Video Auditions are a consideration if in-person is completely impossible, for instance if a student is overseas for the year.
If you have questions about auditioning please Email us at Auditions@ypsomusic.org
FULL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (after passing the screening video):
In-person auditions are described below, and full video auditions require the same sections, recorded or virtual.
At your full audition you will be asked to:
1. Introduce yourself briefly including your name, age, grade, and anything you think we would like to know - why you want to be in the orchestra, what other music experiences you may have had, etc
2. Play scales: violin, viola, cello, horn, flute, clarinet, bassoon - three octaves: double bass, oboe, trombone, trumpet tuba - two octaves. Choose a scale that demonstrates your skills best.
3. Play excerpts for your instrument - see below: Remember that nobody plays perfectly in live auditions, and if you have a few mistakes that is not important, as long as overall you are playing your best.
4. Perform a solo piece: One polished solo piece that demonstrates your level of playing. This could be a showpiece or a movement from a concerto, and may be what you performed on your screening video. Accompaniment is not required, and will not influence the decision. It should be 4-10 minutes approximately. You may use music, though memorization shows off your skill and musical achievement better.
5. You may be asked to sight read at the discretion of the judges.
Orchestral excerpts required for all full auditions:
(Metronome markings for the NEW materials are in the excerpt files. Markings for standard materials can be found in the “standard metronome markings" link)
Violin 1 (Metronome marking in this document) (Ask your teacher if you should try out on Violin 1 or 2)
Violin 2 (Metronome marking in this document) (If you/your teacher feel you are not ready for Violin 1, use these)
Viola (Metronome marking in this document)
Cello (Metronome marking in this document)
Trumpet (Metronome marking in this document)
Trombone 1 (Metronome marking in this document)
Trombone 3 (use for Bass Trombone) (Metronome marking in this document)
Percussion (Metronome Marking link here)
Clarinet (Metronome marking in this document)
Oboe (Metronome marking in this document)
Bassoon (Metronome marking in this document)
Flute (Metronome marking in this document)
English Horn (Metronome Marking link here)
Standard Metronome markings (Use currently only for Bass, Horn, Tuba, Percussion,Piccolo, English Horn)
FOR HARP OR KEYBOARD, PLEASE CONTACT US REGARDING AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
YPSO FAQ's and Logistics
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REHEARSALS
YPSO rehearses most Monday evenings at First Congregational Church of Oakland (2501 Harrison St. Oakland) from 6:00-9:30PM (arrival 5:45, pick up 9:45). There is also a required annual weekend retreat to Carmel Valley in the Fall and several Sunday late afternoon intensives during the year.
YPSO TUITION/FEES
There is no audition application fee. Tuition for the 2024-2025 season is $1800 per student. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $100 is due upon acceptance for new members, and by June 1st for continuing members. The $1700 remaining tuition is due on or before the season opening parent meeting in September. YPSO can offer payment plans as necessary.
SCHOLARSHIPS
No eligible student will be denied for lack of funds. YPSO awards partial tuition scholarships with work exchange and payment plans based on financial need. Scholarship applications are posted with the registration materials under the members section. Members who have received financial aid in previous seasons need to reapply each season.
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SAFETY
DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE 100 STRONG AND REHEARSING INDOORS, BEING FULLY VACCINATED FOR INFLUENZA, COVID, AND ALL ELSE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED EVEN WHEN NOT REQUIRED. All applicable public health rules will be followed.
TOUR
YPSO tours every other year, and tour is required of all orchestra members. Members with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for tuition scholarship, and will be considered for tour scholarship under the same application. JUNE 18-27, 2024 is our TOUR to JAPAN.
MINIMUM AGE AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
There is no specific minimum age, however, there are age considerations. YPSO plays challenging repertoire, rehearsals run three and a half hours and last late into the evening on Mondays, and students generally enjoy participating when they make friends in the orchestra. Most of the students are in late middle school and high school, with a few college age students as well. Many students have previous orchestra or band experience. If you are uncertain about auditioning, please email us at Auditions@ypsomusic.org. We strongly encourage all students to maintain enrollment in appropriate school ensembles, and we have an agreement with Oakland Unified School District that all OUSD members currently in their school ensemble must remain in that program when enrolling in YPSO.
READY TO SUBMIT A SCREENING VIDEO? TO START YOUR AUDITION, YOU MUST FIRST GO THROUGH THE Audition Application Form