Youth Orchestra Audition Requirements & Procedures

Musician Requirements

In order to participate in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, musicians must:

  • Be enrolled in their applicable school music program, if one exists. For example, string players must participate in their school orchestra program, etc.
  • Be no younger than 12 and no older than 22 on September 1, 2024.
  • Submit an online audition application and non-refundable application fee by March 31, 2024.
  • Adhere to the attendance policy and other policies as outlined in the Musician Handbook.

Basic Audition Requirements

Audition Process

Note: Due to the construction at Powell Hall, all auditions this season will be recorded. Students are asked to submit an audio-only recording to maintain the anonymity of a blind audition. Applicants will receive additional instructions and details via email to assist with this process. 

Preliminary Audition

  • Preliminary auditions consist of scales and a solo of the student’s choice. Please see the Basic Audition Requirements for your instrument  listed above for more information.
  • Applicants not currently in the Youth Orchestra should be prepared to take a preliminary audition.
  • Not all instruments will need to take a preliminary audition. This is determined annually based on the number of applicants on each instrument.
  • If it is required, applicants must pass the preliminary audition in order to advance to the final audition.

Final Audition

  • Final auditions include the Basic Audition Requirements listed above and a set of orchestral excerpts. Please refer to the documents linked below for a comprehensive list of performance expectations.
  • Current Youth Orchestra members, current alternate musicians, and applicants who advanced from the preliminary audition must take a final audition.
  • All auditions are judged on intonation, rhythm, sound production and overall musicianship. The Music Director of the SLSYO and members of the SLSO serve as the judges for auditions.
  • Recorded final auditions must be received by Monday, June 3, 2024.

SLSO education programs are presented by:

Steward Family Foundation logo
World Wide Technology

Youth Orchestra programs are presented by:

Kathleen Clucas

And supported in part by:

G.A., Jr. and Kathryn M. Buder Charitable Foundation
Gateway Metro Federal Credit Union
ESCO Technologies Foundation

Support the YO

For more than half a century, the Youth Orchestra has provided exceptional musical opportunities to students in our region. Make your gift today and champion music education in our community.

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