Join the LYS!

Info for the 2026-27 Season

Please review our Tuition Details

Symphony Orchestra Requirements

Director: Dr. Rachel Waddell

Audition Information for the Symphony Orchestra can be found here.

The Longmont Youth Symphony Orchestra auditions the following instruments:

  • Flute/Piccolo

  • Oboe/English Horn

  • Clarinet

  • French Horn

  • Trumpet

  • Violin

  • Viola

  • Cello

  • Bass

  • Percussion (Timpani)

Symphonic Band Requirements

Director: Ms. Carrie Borja

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 

The Longmont Youth Symphonic Band includes the following instruments:

  • Flute/Piccolo

  • Oboe/English Horn

  • Clarinet

  • Bass Clarinet

  • Alto Saxophone

  • Tenor Saxophone

  • Baritone Saxophone

  • Bassoon

  • French Horn

  • Trumpet

  • Trombone

  • Baritone (Euphonium)

  • Tuba

  • Percussion

Ready to Join? Sign up today!

Strings Ensemble Requirements

Director: Mr. Jonathan West

The LYS has TWO Strings Ensembles for the following instruments:

  • Violin

  • Viola

  • Cello

  • Bass

There are separate requirements for each:

Longmont 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!

Longmont Youth String Ensemble

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). 

Audition Information for the Longmont Youth String Ensemble can be found here.