Students audition by preparing the required audition materials for their instrument and ensemble level. These materials are posted on the MYSP website and may include scales, excerpts, or other short musical selections. Some auditions may also include sight-reading or rhythm components, depending on the ensemble.

MYSP’s primary audition period takes place at the end of May each year for placement in the upcoming season. An additional audition day is typically offered in August for students who were unable to audition in the spring or for ensembles with remaining openings.

Auditions help MYSP conductors and staff determine the ensemble placement that will best support each student’s growth. Placement is based on the student’s current playing level, technical readiness, musical preparation, ensemble experience, and overall maturity, not age or grade level alone.

Students should prepare carefully, but auditions are not meant to be intimidating. The goal is to place each student in an ensemble where they will be appropriately challenged, successful, and able to contribute positively throughout the season.

At MYSP, auditions are only one part of the placement process. We strive to place students in the ensemble where they will learn, grow, and thrive musically and personally.

Placement decisions are based on:

• Musical skill level

• Technical readiness

• Prior ensemble experience

• Rehearsal behavior and focus

• Attendance and reliability

• Past participation in MYSP ensembles

• Age and overall maturity

Our goal is always to create ensembles where students are appropriately challenged while building confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of music.

Ensemble changes during the season are rare and generally not encouraged, as consistency is important for both individual students and the overall ensemble. Reassigning students after the season begins can disrupt ensemble balance, repertoire preparation, seating structure, and the musical continuity that develops throughout the year.

MYSP works carefully during the audition and placement process to place students in the ensemble where they are most likely to succeed, grow, and contribute positively over the course of the full season.

In limited situations, staff may determine that a different placement would better support a student’s musical or personal development. These decisions are made thoughtfully and only when there is a clear educational benefit for both the student and the ensemble.

Most students are placed into an appropriate ensemble, though some advanced groups may have limited openings depending on instrumentation and ensemble balance.

Yes. Exceptionally advanced younger students may occasionally be placed into older ensembles if they demonstrate the musical skills, maturity, focus, and endurance necessary for the rehearsal environment.

No. MYSP ensemble placements do not function like honor bands or honor orchestras such as All-West or All-State, where students are placed strictly by numerical ranking.

Instead, MYSP conductors and staff place students into the ensemble they believe is the best overall fit based on:

• Current playing level

• Technical readiness

• Musical maturity

• Ensemble experience

• Rehearsal focus, preparedness, attendance, and etiquette

• Instrumentation and ensemble balance

• The environment where the student is most likely to grow and succeed

Because placements are based on overall fit rather than simply filling ensembles by rank order, there may occasionally be open positions in some ensembles even if additional students auditioned.

Students who would like to be reconsidered for a different ensemble are welcome to reaudition in August, particularly if they have continued to grow musically over the summer or if additional ensemble openings become available.

That is exactly what the audition and placement process is designed to help determine.

You are also welcome to contact us and we will gladly help! Email executivedirector@myspmusic.org and we will help you determine the ensemble that may be the best fit.

Yes, all students must audition each year, even if they want to stay in the same ensemble.

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to audition during MYSP’s primary audition period in May. Auditioning in May gives conductors and staff the greatest flexibility when making ensemble placements for the upcoming season and allows students to be considered alongside the full audition pool.

August auditions are intended primarily for:

• New students who were yet not aware of the MYSP

• Students with scheduling conflicts during the May audition

• Ensembles with remaining openings

• Students who want more time to prepare their audition (primarily recommended for Prelude Strings, Intermezzo Orchestra, String Orchestra, and Concert Band but not limited to those ensembles)

Recorded auditions may also be accepted in certain situations, particularly for students who are unable to attend an in-person audition. However, live auditions are generally preferred when possible, as they allow conductors to better evaluate tone, musicianship, preparation, and overall ensemble readiness.

Wind, brass, and percussion openings in Repertory Orchestra and Youth Symphony often fill during the May audition period, though this is not always the case. After spring auditions conclude, MYSP will post any remaining ensemble openings that are available for August auditions or recorded submissions.

Regardless of audition format, all students are considered carefully for placement in the ensemble that best matches their current playing level and musical development.

Placement decisions are based on much more than technical ability alone. MYSP considers musical readiness, ensemble balance, rehearsal maturity, consistency, experience, and the environment where each student is most likely to succeed and continue growing.

Students who audition in May are welcome to re-audition in August if they would like to try for a more advanced ensemble.