Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Auditions

General audition questions:

When are auditions?
Auditions for the 2024-25 season will take place online with pre-recorded video submissions. Application materials, audition fee and audition video must be submitted by Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

What instruments do you accept?
Violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet in B-flat, clarinet in E-flat, clarinet in A, bass clarinet, bassoon, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, trumpet, cornet, tenor and bass trombones, euphonium, tuba, harp, piano and percussion. (We do not accept vocalists).

Can my student audition for your ensembles?
Students who meet the eligibility requirements may audition.

What are the eligibility requirements?
All students must participate in their school music program, take private lessons on their instrument and meet the age requirements for the ensemble they wish to audition for. Please visit PSYE Auditions for more information.

What if I didn't participate in my school music program this year?
That's okay! We ask that you participate in your school music program and take private lessons on your instrument during the season that you will be playing in PSYE. If you are auditioning for the 2024-25 PSYE season, you will need to participate in your school music program and take private lessons for the 2024-25 school year.

Questions about the registration and audition process:

Do you audition for only open spots when seniors graduate or do you audition for the entire ensemble each season?
We hold open auditions for the entire group each season. Current members are required to re-audition each season.

How do I register for an audition?
Auditions for the 2024-25 season will take place online with pre-recorded video submissions. Application materials, audition fee and audition video must be submitted by Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Please visit our Registration page to get started.

Is there a fee for auditions?
Yes. A $45 audition fee will be collected when you submit your audition video. Our audition platform, Acceptd, does offer reduced cost application fees to qualified students. Please visit the Acceptd Help Desk for more information.

Is the audition fee refundable?
We are not able to offer refunds of the audition fee. The audition fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the adjudication.

What is an auxiliary instrument?
An auxiliary instrument is an instrument which is related to a primary instrument. For example, the flute has several auxiliary instruments in its family, including the piccolo, alto flute and bass flute. Likewise, the E-flat clarinet, A clarinet, and bass clarinet are auxiliary instruments to the B-flat clarinet. A harp is not an auxiliary instrument to the clarinet.

Can I audition on two different instruments?
Students may audition on unrelated instruments. Doing so will require two audition fees and two separate auditions. This scenario does not apply to auxiliary instruments (i.e. piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet). Flutists auditioning on both flute and piccolo will submit one audition video.

Where can I get the excerpts for my instrument?
Excerpts for the 2024-25 season are available HERE.

How are audition dates/times scheduled?
For the 2024-25 season, auditions will take place online with pre-recorded audition videos. Please visit our Registration page for more information.

What should I play for my audition solo?
We recommend that you speak with your private teacher to choose an appropriate solo for your audition. PSYE staff are not able to provide guidance on your choice of solo.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?
All audition results will be sent via mail upon completion of all auditions. All students will receive correspondence, regardless of outcome.

Should I memorize the music?
Memorization is not required.

What should I wear for my audition?
Wear nice clothes which are comfortable to perform in. This is the first impression you will make on those who will evaluate you. It is also a good idea to practice in the clothes you are planning to wear for your audition at least one time.

Don't see your question? email psye@pacificsymphony.org.