Audition Information

STEP 1

• Visit Audition Information page to read VYSO audition requirements, terms and conditions.
• Visit Audition Requirements and click on the orchestra you are applying, to learn about the specific audition requirements and expectations that will apply to you. (for best success, apply for the orchestra that best suits your playing ability – one audition per musician unless auditioning on 2 different instruments)
• Click on one of the APPLY NOW buttons at the bottom of the page and follow instructions to complete and submit your application and to pay the audition fee.

STEP 2

• New / Move up Musicians:  Wait patiently while the VYSO processes your application. (up to a week, when application volume is heavy)
• Watch your email for a return message from the VYSO, with an audition appointment booking link.
• Click the sign up link and follow instructions to make your appointment, on the date(s) offered. (appointments are limited to specific age groups on specific dates – please don’t ask for a custom date)

• Returning Musicians:  Please submit your audition video by Friday, May 23 at 5 pm.  YouTube link only. Please DO NOT video files via email to VYSO office staff.

STEP 3

• Return to Audition Requirements page and download audition requirement and orchestra excerpts for the orchestra you are applying for. (piano accompaniment is not required when performing the solo piece of your choice)
• Work on all the audition materials with your private teacher, for best preparation and success

STEP 4

• New / Move up Musicians: On your audition day, warm up at home (warm up space at St James may be limited)
• Arrive at St James no earlier than 15 minutes before your audition appointment (don’t be late – rescheduling audition appointments cannot be guaranteed)
• Upon arrival, sign in at the audition check-in desk downstairs in St James
• Wait in the assigned waiting/warm up area until a staff or volunteer escorts you to the audition room
• Be prepared to play all the required materials in your 8 – 10 minute audition

STEP 5

Be patient while you wait for your audition results (no results are offered until all auditions are completed and evaluated, in late June)

VANCOUVER YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
2025 – 2026 Season Audition Terms and Conditions 

• All new  and move up audition applicants are required to audition in person for the  VYSO 2025 – 2026 Season. 
• Auditions for 24/25 Season musicians auditioning to RETURN to the same orchestra in 25/26 – by video only – Video submission Deadline Friday, May 23 by 5:00 pm.  
• Audition applicants are required to submit an online audition application, pay  the $38.00 non-refundable audition fee and arrange their audition appointment. Audition appointments will be  held between May 24 – June 15, 2025 and arranged on a first come first served basis, until full.  
• Audition applicants are only permitted to audition once, unless they are auditioning on two  different instruments. In this case, two audition application fees and two live auditions will be  required. 
• Audition applicants are required to prepare audition materials as indicated and provided on the  VYSO website. 
• Applicants must meet the minimum age requirement for each orchestra, with new applicants  required to provide an applicable ID to verify their date of birth.
  Minimum age limits: Debut 8, Junior 10, Intermediate 12 and Senior 14 
• The criteria for orchestra placement will include the following: level of playing based on the  2025 live / video audition, age, orchestra experience, number of years current VYSO orchestra, current  noted VYSO attendance/commitment and the instrumental and personnel needs of each VYSO  ensemble.  
• Wind, brass and percussion players auditioning for the Intermediate Orchestra must meet the  age requirement and have played their instrument for a minimum of two years. 
• VYSO Conductors and adjudicators will evaluate auditions to determine suitable orchestra  placement. Their audition results are considered final. 
• Musicians not offered a seat in one of the VYSO Orchestras for the 2025 – 2026 Season, are  encouraged and welcomed to audition again for the 2026– 2027 Season.

• Audition results will be emailed to each applicant and posted at vyso.com, no later than June 30.
• Auditions are evaluated by Conductors and partner professionals according to musicianship, instrumental ability, sight-reading ability and specific instrumental requirements of each orchestra.
• The criteria for orchestra placement will be based on level of playing at the 2023 live audition, age, orchestra experience, number of years in current VYSO orchestra, 2023 – 2024 VYSO attendance record and the instrumental and personnel needs of each VYSO ensemble.
• Audition results are considered final.
• Musicians not offered a seat in one of the VYSO Orchestras for the 2024 – 2025 Season, are encouraged and welcomed to audition again for the 2025 – 2026 Season.