Auditions
2023-2024 Season Auditions
ELIGIBITLIY
Open to students ages 12 to 21 in all orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, percussion (students under the age of 12 may also audition with written recommendation of their band/orchestra director or private lesson teacher).
TIMELINE
JUNE 1st: Online audition registration opens (all students must register to audition)
AUGUST 20th: In-person auditions will take place at UTRGV School of Music Edinburg campus
(August 20th is also a deadline for video audition submissions)
SEPTEMBER 3rd: Program acceptance and orchestra rosters emailed directly to parents and students.
SEPTEMBER 10th: Rehearsals begin.
AUDITION FORMAT
Auditions will be in-person or by video submission. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the audition site.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- A solo of your choice (2-3 minutes). Make sure your choice of solo piece best displays your highest playing ability. This can be an entire 2–3-minute piece or a 2–3-minute excerpt from a longer piece. You are not required to have piano accompaniment. This is your chance to really put your best “musical foot forward” and shine! Memorization is not required.
- You will be asked to play a major scale. Sight reading may be required during your audition at the conductor’s discretion.
- Percussionist should prepare a short excerpt for snare drum and a short excerpt for mallets.
Acceptance and placement are based on criteria listed above in addition to grade level, instrumentation needs and orchestra/ensemble availability. All orchestra placements are final. Students may audition on more than one instrument.
In the event regulations preclude in-person gatherings, the Rio Grande Youth Symphony reserves the right to transition rehearsals and programming online as needed.