Auditions

Why join MYS? 

For over 50 years, MYS has educated and inspired some of the most talented young musicians in Minnesota. MYS has established a reputation as one of the premier youth orchestra programs in the nation. MYS students have access to a broad range of learning experiences that serve them for years to come. We provide tools for students to grow musically, socially, and become leaders.

Our program includes three full orchestras, a string orchestra and a wind orchestra. Learn more about our orchestras.

MYS provides a well-rounded music education that includes:

• Sectionals and full rehearsals

• Music education classes

• Orchestra retreats

• Three major concerts per season

• A lifelong appreciation of music

MYS auditions consist of four components:

1. Solo

2. Scales

3. Excerpt

4. Sightreading

audition process

Through the audition process, instructors use various metrics to measure the current level of ability and room for growth in our students. Placement in the ensembles is made with the students’ best interests in mind, so that each student faces appropriate challenges while being given room to improve and grow as musicians. The primary avenue to entering MYS and for being assessed as one matures as a musician is through the summer auditions. Auditions are meant to be a constructive opportunity for students to strive to exhibit their level of achievement and for instructors to assess what level of challenge will have a positive impact on a student’s musical growth. Ensemble placement through this process is intended to provide students and families with a fair and appropriate sense of where they are at relative to the expectations of the instructors hearing auditions.

Audition policies are subject to revision at the discretion of Minnesota Youth Symphonies. To review all audition policies, please refer to page 15 of the Student Handbook.