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.

Auditions help MYSP conductors and staff place students into the ensemble where they will be most successful and continue to grow musically.

Because MYSP offers ensembles at many different experience and skill levels, auditions allow conductors to evaluate each student’s current playing level, technical readiness, musical understanding, and ensemble preparedness. This helps ensure that students are placed in an environment that is both appropriately challenging and supportive.

Auditions also help conductors:

• Balance instrumentation within ensembles

• Select repertoire that fits the group’s abilities

• Maintain positive and productive rehearsal environments

• Create ensembles where students can learn confidently and collaboratively

In addition, MYSP considers the audition process itself to be an important part of students’ musical education and personal development. Learning how to prepare for an audition, perform for a panel, manage nerves, and receive constructive feedback are valuable skills that help students grow both as musicians and as individuals.

MYSP auditions are not intended to discourage participation or create unnecessary pressure. The goal is not simply to rank students, but to thoughtfully place each musician in the ensemble that best supports their musical development at that point in time.

Students may register for auditions through the audition page on the Memphis Youth Symphony Program website during the audition registration period.

The audition registration form will ask for basic student information, instrument, school, ensemble interest, and contact information. After registering, families will receive additional details about audition times, requirements, and next steps.

Students are encouraged to review the audition requirements and ensemble descriptions before registering. If you are unsure which ensemble would be the best fit, MYSP staff is happy to help guide you through the process. Email mysp@myspmusic.org for assistance.

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

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.

A great place to start is by looking at the audition requirements for the different ensembles and seeing which excerpts and technical expectations seem closest to your current playing level. You can also visit the ensemble description page to learn more about the musical level, rehearsal expectations, and typical experience level for each group.

If you are unsure which ensemble is the best fit, don’t worry! MYSP staff is happy to help. Families and students are always welcome to contact us (mysp@myspmusic.org) for guidance before auditions.

It is also important to know that choosing the “perfect” ensemble when registering for auditions is not something students should stress too much about. MYSP conductors can learn a great deal from the audition process and will place students in the ensemble they feel is the most appropriate fit based on current playing level, musical readiness, and overall development.

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. While students are encouraged to prepare the listed audition materials whenever possible, we understand that not every student has access to private lessons, school directors, or enough preparation time before auditions.

If you would still like to audition, please bring or submit whatever music you have prepared. Our conductors can learn a great deal from hearing students play and can usually make an assessment about which ensemble would be the best fit based on current playing level, tone quality, rhythm, musicality, and overall readiness.

Students should not avoid auditioning simply because they were unable to prepare every required excerpt.

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.

Students who are unable to attend the May or August in-person audition dates may submit a recorded audition video.

Families should still go ahead and register for auditions through the MYSP website. After registration, MYSP staff will be in touch with instructions for submitting a recorded audition.

Recorded auditions should include the required audition materials for the student’s instrument and intended ensemble whenever possible. Conductors will review the video and determine the ensemble placement that best matches the student’s current playing level and musical readiness.

While live auditions are generally preferred, MYSP understands that summer travel schedules, camps, family commitments, and other conflicts sometimes make in-person auditions difficult. Students should not hesitate to audition simply because they are unavailable on the scheduled dates.

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.

MYSP conductors and staff place students into the ensemble they feel is the best overall fit based on playing level, technical readiness, musical maturity, ensemble experience, and the environment where the student is most likely to grow and succeed.

Because placements are made thoughtfully and holistically, students are not always placed into the specific ensemble they initially hoped for or auditioned toward. Our goal is always to place students where they will be appropriately challenged while continuing to build confidence and musical skills.

If a family chooses not to accept the placement offered, participation in MYSP is not required, and students are absolutely encouraged to continue growing musically and audition again the following year. Many students advance into different ensembles over time as their skills and experience develop.

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.

Yes. Audition feedback is available upon request.

Because MYSP auditions are intended to support student growth and musical development, conductors are happy to provide constructive feedback when possible. Feedback may include comments about technique, tone quality, rhythm, musical preparation, ensemble readiness, or areas for continued growth.

Families and students should understand that audition feedback is educational in nature and is intended to help students continue developing their skills for future musical opportunities and auditions.

The $25 audition registration fee helps MYSP cover the costs associated with organizing and administering auditions each season.

Audition fees help support:

• Hiring professional musicians and educators to hear and assess auditions

• Facility and equipment use

• Administrative and scheduling costs

• Audition materials and technology

• Other operational expenses required to hold auditions effectively and efficiently

The audition process is an important part of MYSP’s educational programming, and the registration fee helps ensure that students receive thoughtful evaluations and placements from experienced music professionals.

Families who may need assistance with audition fees are encouraged to contact Memphis Youth Symphony Program directly.