SYO Audition
Information & Signup
Full Orchestra, Ages 14-24
Key Details
⏰ Auditions for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra are currently closed.
You can explore this page and learn about the process.
Auditions for next season will be open again in the spring.
About the Process
Prospective members of the SYO senior ensemble should be serious students of their instruments with several years experience. They should have already developed good technique and facility and be able to play with good tone and intonation.
Player candidates will be provided with audition music specific to their instrument and may be asked to play other material to demonstrate proficiency. Only the candidate and the music director will be in the room during the audition.
Auditions are not meant to be stressful, meerly a way of evaluating a player’s ability to handle the repertoire and to assign seating positions. And perfection is NOT required! We like to have fun, enjoy playing together and developing our musicianship.
String players who have not yet achieved the minimum level for the senior ensemble should consider auditioning for the Saskatoon Strings. It is a great group, with a wonderful music director, who can help get you ready for your next step.
The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and Saskatoon Strings are high-calibre music programs. Our players are expected to learn their music prior to rehearsal and attend all rehearsals and performances.
In addition they are expected to:
- practice on a regular and continuing basis
- take weekly private lessons, working on repertoire with your tutor as needed
- participate in all scheduled events
- arrive at least 15 minutes prior to rehearsal
- have a well-maintained instrument capable of being played with good tone and intonation
- participate in their school music program
- conform to the concert dress policy
- represent the SYO Inc. in a creditable manner
Get Started
Here's how it works.
1
Fill out the registration form
Fill out the registration form to let us know you're interested in auditioning, and to provide us with some key information about yourself.
2
Book your audition time
Book your audition time using our online audition scheduling tool.
3
Download the required music
Download the required music for your instrument and practice, practice, practice.
⏰ Auditions for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra are currently closed.
You can explore this page and learn about the process.
Auditions for next season will be open again in the spring.
2
Book your audition time
Click or tap the "Book Audition Time" button to go to our audition booking singup tool and book an available time that works for you.
⏰ Audition time booking will be available again when auditions open in the spring
3
Download the required audition music
Time to practice. Select your instrument from below and click the card to download your sheet music.
Flute
Download Music
Clarinet
Download Music
Oboe
Download Music
Bassoon
Download Music
Percussion
Download Music
Piano
Download Music
Harp
Download Music
Trumpet
Download Music
French Horn
Download Music
Trombone
Download Music
Bass Trombone
Download Music
Tuba
Download Music
Violin
Download Music
Viola
Download Music
Cello
Download Music
Double Bass
Download Music
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where do the ensembles of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra Inc. rehearse?
The SYO and Saskatoon Strings rehearse Sunday evenings in the Education Building on the University of Saskatchewan campus. (SYO: 5:45-8:30 p.m., Saskatoon Strings: 5:45-8 p.m.)
What are the ages of the players?
Saskatoon String players are generally 10-18 years of age.
Saskatoon Youth Orchestra players generally start in the 13-14-year-old range and go up to 25 years of age. Younger players may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Is there travel involved with these groups?
The Saskatoon Strings does a school tour each spring. A bus is provided for them as well as lunch. The group generally visits about 3 schools.
Is there opportunity for fundraising to cover fees and travel costs?
There are several different options available to players and parents in regards to fundraising. Some of the various activities that are undertaking include: QSP Magazine sales, grocery gift card sales, Saskatoon Youth Orchestra Spring Gala ticket sales and silent auction.
What involvement is expected of parents and players?
Parents contribute to the general operation of the organization by completing one or two tasks during the season. Parents are encouraged to attend parent and board meetings and become involved in the various committees.
What are the fees for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra Inc.?
Fees for the SYO Inc. are as follows:
SYO (one player): $685. Each additional player (SYO or SSTR) from one family is $410.
SSTR (first player): $525. Each additional player in the SSTR from one family is $315.
Members in the SYO Inc. are required to also be members of the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association. The fees are $25 (first player), $5 (each additional player).
Is there a concert dress requirement?
The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and Saskatoon Strings dress codes are as follows:
SYO males: Black attire, including long-sleeved shirt, tie (optional), suit jacket (optional), long pants, black socks, black dress shoes.
SYO females: All black attire, including dresses and skirts that come at least to the knees, or full length pants, black suit jacket, black hosiery or stockings, black shoes and black blouse (shoulders and midriff must be covered).
SYO players are encouraged to dress stylishly and express their individual styles, within the confines of good taste in keeping with representing the institution of the SYO Inc. in public in a creditable manner.
Saskatoon Strings males: White, long-sleeved dress shirt, black bow tie, black belt (optional), black full length pants, black socks and black shoes.
Saskatoon Strings females: White blouse, black full length pants, or black dress or skirt that comes at least to the knees, black hosiery or socks, black dress shoes.