SYRACUSE YOUTH ORCHESTRAS

Audition dates and information for the 2025-2026 Season COMING SOON!

The Syracuse Youth Orchestras give students with a passion for music an opportunity to develop their skills, refine their musicianship and cultivate an overall appreciation for excellence in music with other similarly interested students.

ENSEMBLES

Syracuse Young Artists Orchestra (SYAO)

The Syracuse Young Artists Orchestra (SYAO) offers an elite orchestral experience for students with the most challenging, professional repertoire. SYAO is reserved for players whose commitment to practicing and preparedness, technical skills, and musicality are at the highest level.

In addition to 3 regular season concerts, students in SYAO will join their professional counterparts to perform with The Syracuse Orchestra during one of their concerts at Crouse-Hinds Theatre. SYAO is open to students up to age 22.

Youth Repertory Orchestra (SYRO)

The Youth Repertory Orchestra offers a full orchestra experience with three performances. The Youth Repertory Orchestra is open to students up to age 18.

Youth String Orchestra (SYSO)

The Youth String Orchestra brings together the most talented young string musicians in Central New York to practice and perform a wide variety of string repertoire. This orchestra is targeted for elementary and middle school students performing at NYSSMA level 3, 4, and 5.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

'25-'26 Youth Orchestra Audition Requirements

Audition requirements for the '25-'26 Season will be available soon. Please check back here for more information.

Admission to the SYO program is contingent on a successful audition.

Placement Information:

  • You will be placed in an appropriate orchestra based on your audition performance. Other factors such as instrumentation needs may be considered in your placement decision.
  • Previous participation in SYO does not guarantee placement.
  • All placements are final and re-auditioning is not permitted

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Each ensemble rehearses once a week. For the 24-25 Season, rehearsals for all 3 ensembles were on Sundays at Onondaga Community College. SYSO and SYRO rehearse from 1-3 p.m. and SYAO rehearses from 4-6:30 p.m. (subject to change for the '25-'26 season). The schedule is broken up into 3 cycles, each concluding with a concert. Cycles are designed to accommodate school calendar breaks and offer at least one Sunday off in between.

What is the attendance policy?

Regular attendance is required for all musicians in all ensembles. For the 24-25 Season, students are permitted no more than 2 absences per cycle, and no more than 5 absences per season. Students who surpass these allotments will be subject to reseating within their section, being excused from performing in the concert for the cycle, or possible removal from the ensemble as determined by the Music Director, Conductor, and SYO Manager.

How much is the audition fee?

There is a $10 audition fee.  You will receive an invoice via email in the days leading up to your audition. Paying the invoice is required in order to know the results of your audition.

Do I need to play my solo from memory?

No. It isn’t required to play your solo from memory.

Do I need to provide a copy of my music for the panel?

No. The panel does not need a copy of your music.

Does the audition committee select which orchestra I should be in or do I have to choose?

The audition committee will decide which orchestra is the best fit. The conductor’s selections are the final decisions unless an opening becomes available. At that time, the conductor may select a student or students to invite for the next orchestra.

Can I play a solo that doesn’t have a NYSSMA level specified?  

For students who are new to New York State and will be playing their most recent solo from another state will be able to audition with that piece. Sometimes, a quick google search of the piece title, composer, and "NYSSMA" will tell you it's level though!

I didn’t get a registration confirmation.   How do I know I know that my registration is confirmed?   

Please do check your junk or bulk mail folders and make sure that the message wasn’t placed there.  If you don’t see it, just drop us an email and we’ll be happy to confirm your registration was received.

I submitted my registration but didn't get an audition fee invoice.

Please do check your junk or bulk mail folders.  If it has been more than three days after your audition, and you haven't received anything, please contact SYO@SyracuseOrchestra.org.

How soon will I hear about the audition results?

The audition results will be sent via email to the student and parent email address(es) provided in registration. These will be sent following all audition days, once a decision has been made for all students who auditioned. This should be by the end of July 2025.

What are the expectations for School Participation for students enrolled in SYO?

We expect you to participate in your school music programs when such programs exist. By participating in your school music program, you benefit by playing every day, becoming a better sight-reader, and playing an important part in helping to build meaningful music programs in your school and communities. Limited exceptions apply for students who are home schooled, or have an academic requirement that prohibits participation. These should be discussed with the Youth Orchestra Manager.

Q: What does SYO cost?

A: Tuition rates for the '25-'26 Season are to be determined. Payment plans and tuition assistance applications are available.

Please don't hesitate to contact us at  SYO@SyracuseOrchestra.org