Upcoming Audition Requirements
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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 2026-2027 season will take place beginning mid May 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.
HOW TO REGISTER TO AUDITION:
26-27 Audition Registration Is Now Open
Click HERE for Orchestral Audition Registration
Click HERE for Jazz Audition Registration
Click HERE for audition schedule
1. Please create an account*, enroll in an audition and complete your non-refundable audition fee ($60 individual, $90 family of one child or more).
*Returning members can click the link above to login. Please do not create a new account if you already have one. If you need help with your account, please call us at 908-771-5544.
2. Upon registration you will receive an automated receipt in your email. Locate and click on the scheduling link at the bottom of the receipt to select your audition time. Select your audition time on the designated dates for your instrument/level.
3. Practice and arrive on time for your audition! Your audition time is when you play, please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your auditions time to be given a room to warm up.
Audition requirements
Select one to review audition requirements:
Orchestra/Wind Ensembles
Audition Requirements:
1. Solo of students’ choice. See NJYS Solo Lists
2. Excerpts or Scales, depending on the level of the solo
3. Sight-reading, provided by NJYS on audition day
Solo Requirements:
- Students must prepare the entire solo; however, due to time constraints, judges may request selected excerpts at their discretion.
- The solo should best represent the student’s current level at the time of the audition.
- Students are responsible for providing the judges with a copy of their solo.
For works with more than two movements, students must prepare two contrasting movements, unless a single movement contains sufficient contrast (e.g., clearly defined fast and slow sections).
Students must prepare two contrasting movements.
If the selected movement includes a cadenza, students must either:
- perform the cadenza, or
- prepare and perform a contrasting movement.
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.
View Level Chart
View Excerpts/Scales
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:
*If you do not see your solo on the solo lists, please submit the Solo Level Request Form.
Jazz
Audition Requirements:
1. Scales
2. Excerpts by instrument
3. Improv – over MP3 audio provided by NJYS
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).
We are excited to welcome all students and all instruments to audition for NJYS jazz ensembles! Whether you’re on a traditional jazz instrument or something more unique, we encourage you to audition. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@njys.org.
Click HERE for Jazz Audition Requirements/Excerpts/Scales
Percussion
All percussionists will be considered for the Percussion Ensemble and a Full Orchestra.
On Audition Day:
What to Bring:
- 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).
Additional Notes for Students
- Presentation counts, but there is no mandatory attire for this audition. We encourage you to dress nicely!
- Check in at the front entrance and a staff member will provide you with a warm-up room, where you will have a few minutes to warm-up.
- Arrive early to ensure you have time to warm up, as you may not be provided time if you arrive late. Aim to arrive about 20 minutes before your audition time.
- Warm-up rooms may need to be shared with other students depending on space availability.
- 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. Results will be emailed in mid-June.
- Accompaniment is not permitted for this audition.
For Parents:
- Students may only be accompanied by one parent or guardian in the warm-up room.
- 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
