Quad City Symphony Youth Ensemble Auditions
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE). The following information is intended to assist you in preparing for and recording a QCSYE audition. If you’d like more information about each ensembles and what the program offers, please read more here.
All audition videos for Concert Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and Youth Symphony Orchestra and applications for Prelude Strings were due by Monday, May 13, 2024, however, auditions will be accepted on a rolling basis for needed instrument sections (see below for additional details). Register and apply today!
Registering for an Audition
Students interested in auditioning for the 2024-2025 season for Concert Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, or Youth Symphony Orchestra should complete the Audition Registration Form. A non-refundable $10.00 audition fee is required of all applicants.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS + MATERIALS
If you are unsure which ensemble you should audition for, please discuss the various excerpts for your instrument with your school music teacher or private lesson instructor. They can help you decide which orchestra you are likely to find most challenging and fulfilling.
If you would like to be considered for more than one ensemble, please play the more advanced excerpt.
Audition Materials (2024-2025)
Flute (Concert Orchestra openings only)
Oboe
Clarinet (Concert Orchestra openings only)
Bassoon
Horn (Concert Orchestra and YPO openings only)
Trumpet
Trombone (Concert Orchestra and YPO openings only)
Tuba (Concert Orchestra openings only)
Percussion
Harp
Violin (YPO and YSO openings only)
Viola (YPO and YSO openings only)
Cello
Bass
Piano
*For any positions not filled by spring entrance auditions, auditions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Entrance auditions may be performed only once, re-auditioning will not be permitted, and all placements are final.
CONCERT TOUR OF ITALY
Join the Youth Symphony Orchestra on its tour of Italy! YSO will spend 10 days traveling to Italy to perform 3 concerts and take part in exciting cultural experiences! Take a look at the concert itinerary, companion tour itinerary, and resources available to Youth Symphony Orchestra members!
APPLYING FOR PRELUDE STRINGS
Students who wish to be considered for membership in Prelude Strings (entry-level string orchestra) are not required to perform an audition. Instead, prospective Prelude Strings members complete an application and request a referral from a school music teacher or private instructor.
Prelude Strings
1. Complete an online membership application.
2. Ask a school music teacher or private lesson instructor to complete an online reference form.
3. Pay a $10 non-refundable application fee.
Prelude Strings materials were due on Monday, May 13, 2024, however, we are accepting cello and bass applications on a rolling basis. Placement emails indicating acceptance status will be sent to each applicant after review the first week in June. Teacher recommendations forms need only be submitted for prospective Prelude Strings members.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Please take a few minutes to read about the Youth Ensembles on our website, including descriptions of each ensemble, about the conductors, and financial aid and tuition information.