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 an 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 are due by Thursday, May 14, 2026. Register and apply today!

Registering for an Audition

Students interested in auditioning for the 2026-2027 season for Concert Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, or Youth Symphony Orchestra should complete the Audition Registration Form. A non-refundable $12.00 audition fee is required of all applicants.

QCSYE Audition Registration Form

If you are interested in joining Prelude Strings, please find the application and teacher reference form at the bottom of this webpage.

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 2026 - 2027

Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Percussion
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass

LISTENING LINKS FOR REFERENCE

We have many great youth orchestras to join! If you need assistance with your audition and choosing which ensemble works best for you, please request a recommendation from your school music teacher or private lesson instructor. If you’d like to get connected with a private instructor, you can read more about the QCSO Private Lesson Program.

*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.

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 $12 non-refundable application fee.

Prelude Strings materials are due on Thursday, May 14, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Placement emails indicating acceptance status will be sent to each applicant after review the first week in June. Teacher recommendation 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.