Youth Orchestra Program Audition Sign Ups

Students will receive their audition time via email by the end of May.

Our youth orchestra ensembles are separated by skill level, not by age or grade, following the order below:

• String Sinfonietta (no audition required)
• Camerata Strings
• Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO): rising 5th grade or higher
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO): rising 7th grade or higher

Percussion Ensemble requires an audition with the director, Dr. Justin Alexander, who will also place students into either YCO or RSYO.

Please note that YCO and RSYO require age minimums, as detailed above.

Each ensemble requires different audition guidelines, which can be found under each ensemble’s page. We recommend that you/your student review these guidelines with their school music teacher or private instructor in order to select the appropriate level for you/your student.

String Sinfonietta, our entry level ensemble, does not require an audition.

Any additional questions about recommended ensemble levels can be directed to the YOP team at education@richmondsymphony.com.

Students should come ready to perform scales and two prepared selections. Refer to each ensemble's guidelines for specific instructions on what should be prepared.

YOP auditions are not blind. Judges will be able to see the student throughout the audition and may ask questions and review selections during your audition.

We encourage students to dress in whatever way feels comfortable and allows adequate movement so they can play their instrument well.

We do not require Suzuki specific repertoire, but we do recommend students use the following Suzuki book levels as guidelines for their Prepared Selections:

• Camerata Strings: Suzuki Book levels 2–4
• Youth Concert Orchestra: Suzuki book levels 4–5+
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra: Suzuki book levels 6+

For YCO and RSYO auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.

We do not require students to participate in regional auditions outside of the youth orchestra program, but we do recommend students use the following guidelines for their prepared selections:

• YCO: SRO audition etudes
• RSYO: All-Virginia audition etudes

For YCO and RSYO wind and brass auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.

For percussion auditions, please contact Dr. Justin Alexander, Percussion Ensemble director (jlaexander@vcu.edu) for specific repertoire questions.