How To Join

What are the requirements for membership in the OAYSA?

Every student must audition each year regardless of previous Youth Symphony participation. Auditions take place each spring in early May. Placement is competitive and based on your audition score and teacher recommendations. Students will be judged on tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, musical interpretation and scale proficiency. Each Youth Symphony member must participate in his/her school ensemble on the instrument he/she plays in the Youth Symphony. If a student cannot participate in their school ensemble they must provide a signed release from the band/orchestra director of their school stating the reason for the waiver. The final decision will be at the discretion of the youth symphony Board of Directors. If a school music program is not available where the student attends, the student must be enrolled in weekly private lessons with a well-qualified instructor.