BYSO AUDITIONS FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON

Thank you for your interest in the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras! Please read below carefully for information about the 2025-26 BYSO audition process.

STRINGS

Due to high numbers of applications and a limited number of live audition slots, following the submission of the application and application fee string applicants new to BYSO (not currently in a BYSO ensemble during the 2024-25 season) will be asked to submit a preliminary audition video by March 31 at 11:59pm to determine eligibility for a live audition.

Students will be asked to record one scale and one short excerpt from their solo repertoire that best reflect their current skill level. Videos must be recorded without accompaniment. Videos can be uploaded to the portal following submission of the audition application. Specific instructions detailing how videos must be submitted online, along with video FAQs, can be found below.

Videos will not be evaluated on the quality of the recording device, i.e. a reasonably good and clear computer or smartphone recording should be sufficient.

Timeline

• Late-February: web application open via BYSO website
• Monday, March 31 at 11:59pm: Final deadline to submit preliminary video and application with application fee
• Late-April: preliminary results released; live audition scheduling link sent
• Live auditions will take place May 19-27.

It is our goal to hear as many applicants as possible in a live audition. If the number of applicants exceeds our capacity to schedule live auditions, however, we reserve the right to make decisions based on the preliminary video alone, when an accurate decision can be made regarding placement or non-placement in BYSO.

WOODWINDS, BRASS, PERCUSSION, PIANO, and HARP

No preliminary audition video is required. Following the submission of the application and application fee, students will receive an audition scheduling email. Audition slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early as audition slots will fill up.

Timeline

• Late-February: web application open via BYSO website
• Live auditions will take place May 19-27.

Click the links below for more information and to register for an audition.

• 2025-26 PRELIMINARY (STRINGS) AND LIVE AUDITION STANDARDS – COMING SOON
• AUDITION INTEREST FORM – WE WILL SEND YOU AN E-MAIL WHEN THE AUDITION APPLICATION GOES LIVE
• 2025 AUDITION APPLICATION – COMING SOON