AUDITIONS FOR THE LYSO AND LYSE ARE FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY

NOTE: Please review our Tuition Requirements!

Video Audition Information

Students who would like to audition for the Longmont Youth Symphony Orchestra (LYSO) or Longmont Youth String Ensemble (LYSE) may submit a video audition.

Deadline

Rolling Basis

Audition Requirements

Video auditions requirements for each ensemble can be found below.

Please review the audition requirements for your ensemble before recording (down below).

Recording Guidelines

  • Your entire audition must be recorded in one continuous take.

  • Please do not edit together multiple recordings or individual excerpts.

  • Make sure both the video and audio are clear enough for our Music Directors to evaluate your audition.

  • Students are responsible for reviewing their recording before submitting it.

Uploading Your Video

Please upload your audition using one of the following:

Preferred: Unlisted YouTube Video
Upload your audition to YouTube and set the video's visibility to Unlisted. Do not set the video to Private.

Google Drive
You may also upload your audition to Google Drive and submit a shareable link.

Before You Submit

Please double-check that:

  • Your video has completely finished uploading.

  • The link opens and the entire video plays correctly.

  • Your video and audio are working properly.

  • Your link can be viewed without requesting access or entering a password.

We strongly recommend opening your link in a private/incognito browser window before submitting it. This is an easy way to make sure our Music Directors will be able to access your audition.

Submitting Your Audition

Once your video is uploaded and you have confirmed that the link works,please fill out the video audition form at this link.

Questions?

If you have questions about the video audition process or aren't sure which ensemble you should audition for, please reach out to our operations manager, Sam Cooper (info@longmontyouthsymphony.org)

Auditioned Ensemble Requirements:

Symphony Orchestra Audition Requirements

  • Two scales of the student's choice (one major and one minor) in at least 2-3 octaves. 3-4 octaves preferred for string players. These scales should be played with three notes of the scale per bow. Percussionists can prepare scales on mallet instruments.

  • Two contrasting excerpts (e.g. different composers, styles, and tempos) of the student's choice. 1-2 minutes of each. This can include movements from concertos, sonatas, partitatas, orchestra excerpts, or other solo repertoire. These should be selections which demonstrate the student's musicality and technical proficiency. Percussionists should select two contrasting instruments for their solo repertoire (e.g. one pitched and non-pitched).

Additionally:

Longmont Youth String Ensemble Audition Requirements

The LYSE is an auditioned ensemble. Audition requirements are:

  • One 2 octave major scale of the student's choice

  • One 1 octave minor scale of the students choice 

  • Prepare one solo excerpt of the student’s choice, approximately 1–2 minutes in length. The selection should demonstrate the student’s musicality, tone quality, and technical proficiency. At a minimum, the excerpt should showcase skills equivalent to those found in Suzuki Book 3 (or a comparable method level). 

    Ready to Audition for the Longmont Youth String Ensemble? Sign up today!

Non-Auditioned Ensemble Requirements

Symphonic Band Requirements

There is NO AUDITION required to join the Symphonic Band. HOWEVER, these are the requirements to sign up for this ensemble

  • At least one year of playing experience in an ensemble at their school 

  • If you do not have a school music program at your school, are homeschooled, or have not been in an ensemble for a full school year yet, you can participate pending a letter of recommendation from your private lessons teacher 

Ready to Join the Symphonic Band? Sign up today!

Longmont Youth Prelude String Ensemble

The Prelude String Ensemble is a non-auditioned ensemble designed for developing young string players. Students should have completed at least one year of instruction and/or be playing at the level of Suzuki Book 1 (or an equivalent method book). Participation in LPSE provides students with the opportunity to develop ensemble skills, improve musicianship, and experience the joy of making music with others. Please review the recommended minimum skill requirements below to determine if this ensemble is the right fit for your student.

  • Able to play in D, G and C major keys.

  • Rhythms - Can independently read rhythms up to Dotted Quarter Note-Eighth note and Eighth note patterns.

  • Violins and Violas - Comfort moving from High 2 to Low 2.

  • Basses - Comfortable in third position.

  • Demonstrates appropriate Tone Quality for age level.

  • Consistently demonstrates proper playing posture. 

  • Desire and excitement to learn more music and have a great time! 

    Ready to Join the Prelude Strings Ensemble? Sign up today!