2023-24 Audition Requirements
Audition registration extended to May 7 for the following instruments:
All Jazz Instruments
Level 1 Winds and Brass, Viola & Cello
Level 3 Horn & Trombone
All Levels of Double bass, Bassoon, Oboe, Percussion, Viola, Trumpet & Tuba
Please email info@njys.org to inquire about available audition spots.
We have 15 ensembles, including three full orchestras, three string orchestras, three flute ensembles, two clarinet ensembles, a wind ensemble and our Jazz and percussion ensembles. Auditions for the 2023-24 season will take place May 16-25 and all students—both current and new—must audition to be considered for an ensemble. Eligible students are those who are entering grades 3-12. Returning member? Click here to access your account.
Audition dates
WOODWINDS
Flute
Level 1 & 2 | May 16
Level 3 & 4 | May 20
Clarinet, Oboe & Bassoon
Level 1 & 2 | May 16
Level 3 & 4 | May 17
Saxophone (Orchestral)
Level 1 | May 16
STRINGS
Violin
Level 1 & 2 | May 24 or 25
Level 3 & 4 | May 22, 24 or 25
Level 5 & 6 | May 18 or 19
Viola
Level 1 & 2 May 24 or 25
Level 3 & 4 May 22 or 24
Level 5 & 6 May 17 or 18
Cello & Bass
Level 1 & 2 May 24 or 25
Level 3 & 4 May 20 or 21
Level 5 & 6 May 19 or 20
BRASS
All Brass
Level 1 & 2 | May 16
Level 3 & 4 | May 18
JAZZ
All Instruments All Levels | May 21
HARP & PIANO
Level 5 & 6 | May 16
PERCUSSION
All Instruments All Levels | May 21
HOW TO REGISTER TO AUDITION:
Audition requirements
Select one to review audition requirements:
Orchestra/Wind Ensembles
Audition Requirements:
1. Solo of students’ choice
2. Excerpts or Scales, depending on the level of the solo
3. Sight-reading, provided by NJYS on audition day
Solo Requirements:
- For solos in levels 5 & 6 that have more than one movement, students must prepare two contrasting movements.
- Students must prepare the entire solo, but they may be asked to play selections of the piece at the discretion of the judges.
- The solo level should best represent the student’s level at the time of the audition.
- The student is responsible for providing the judges with a copy of their solo.
Please review the solo lists and level chart provided below. Each list is categorized by levels that correspond with each orchestra/ensemble. Students auditioning are encouraged to consult with their private teachers to select an appropriate level solo.
The level of the audition solo will determine the additional materials the student will need to prepare. The Artistic Team will take into consideration placing the student in the level for which they auditioned or lower levels, but please note that students will only present one audition. Results will be emailed towards the end of June.
Click on your instrument below to review solo pieces by level:
*Level 1 solo required for Concertino Winds
Jazz
Audition Requirements:
1. Scales
2. Etude
3. Improv
4. Sight-reading
All students who audition will prepare the same materials and be considered for all three levels of the Jazz program; Jazz Orchestra (Advanced), Big Band (Intermediate), Jazz Workshop (Intermediate).
Click on the links below to download the audition materials:
Percussion
All percussionists will be considered for the Percussion Ensemble and a Full Orchestra.
Click on the links below to download the audition materials:
On Audition Day:
Required items for the day of the audition:
- Your instrument (extra strings, reeds, etc.) Cellos and Basses should also bring their rock stop.
- Your solo piece and excerpts that you will be presenting.
- An extra copy of your solo piece for the judges (we will not be able to make copies on the day of the audition. It can be a printout or copy of your part).
- Please be sure that you have read the requirements correctly and have your scales or excerpts prepared, depending on your audition level.
- All applicants will be required to sight-read. The judges will give you about 30 seconds to look at the sight-reading and play.
- Presentation counts, but there is no mandatory attire for this audition. We encourage you to dress nicely!
- Students, when you arrive, please check in at the front entrance. Give your full name and instrument to the staff member at check-in.
- A staff member will take you to a warm-up room, where you will have a few minutes to warm up. Students may only be accompanied by one parent or guardian in the warm-up room. Please note that warm-up rooms may need to be shared with other students, in which case family members may be asked to wait outside.
- Please arrive early to ensure you have time to warm up, as you may not be provided time if you arrive late.
- An NJYS staff person will call you when the judges are ready, and you will bring only what you need into your audition. Memorization of your solo piece is not mandatory but appreciated.
- Two judges will listen to the audition without a proctor. Please be alert and ready for their instructions.
- Once you have completed the audition you may pack up and leave.
- Accompaniment is not permitted for this audition.
For Parents:
- Parents are not allowed in the audition rooms. Staff will be available for student assistance.
- Parents are not allowed to stand by the audition door while auditions are in session.
- Recording and photography of any kind is not permitted in our building during auditions.
Location:
New Jersey Youth Symphony
570 Central Avenue, New Providence NJ 07974
Driving Instructions: Please enter through the entrance with the NJYS sign, and exit out the other exit closest to the traffic light. (Follow the provided map).
Our entrance is located in the rear of the building through the “Music School” entrance.
Free parking is available along the rear of the building.