Audition Overview

Join a Tradition of Excellence

Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras has held a vibrant reputation of excellence throughout its 50-plus years of existence. Marvin Rabin instilled strong values of integrity through education and performance, which remain alive today. We’re proud to share this opportunity with the youth of Wisconsin and anticipate your application!

Making the Decision to Audition

The WYSO commitment includes attending Saturday morning rehearsals throughout the school year, performing in several concerts, and possibly missing one or two days of school for in-state school tours. Youth Orchestra members make an even larger commitment due to more concert dates and touring. Discuss the WYSO commitment with your family and how it will impact your school work, family time, friends and other extracurricular activities.

Eligibility requirements and string proficiency levels have been developed in order to ensure the highest quality musical, educational and social setting for all members. Please refer to these guidelines when determining which orchestra most suits your abilities.

Note: WYSO will place you in an orchestra best suited to your ability level. This may not be the orchestra for which you audition.

2021 Audition Recording Instructions will be posted soon

*To practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC, this year, WYSO will only accept video recorded auditions. Recordings may be submitted online or by mail starting June 1st through June 7th, 2021

Written Instructions for how to Create a link and Submit your video can be found here.

Audition Preparation

Please click on each button to learn more about what the components for the video-recorded audition are and what to prepare. 

To prepare for your recorded video, watch the recorded Audition Tips prepared for you by two of our WYSO conductors: Michelle Kaebisch and Erin Barnard, and listed below.

• Tuning Tips by Michelle Kaebisch
  https://youtu.be/q7SOjev8X_0
  Learn the ins-and-outs of accurately tuning a stringed instrument using easy to download tuning apps and mechanical tuning devices. From beginning with the A string to loosening a stuck peg, you will learn the tricks of the trade that will make you sound your absolute best.
• Recording Tips by Michelle Kaebisch
  https://youtu.be/iQBPx9tR7Po
  Where do you set your iphone to make a good recording? How do you position your body? Where should you put your music stand? In this recording, Michelle Kaebisch answers all of these questions and more.
• How to Submit Your Taped Audition by Erin Barnard
  https://youtu.be/1l66ZfAQ9b0
  You’ve finished recording your audition and you suddenly have a moment of panic: Now what do you do? In this recorded video, Erin Barnard shares information about the 3 major ways to create a link and submit your audition to WYSO using YouTube, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

For Current Members Only

If you wish to remain in your current orchestra, please complete this Seat Reservation form. The seat reservation fee of $50 is required and will be applied towards the student’s 2021 – 2022 tuition.

Learn more about the WYSO experience