2025-2026 Audition Information

Students schedule a live audition date and time in the Registration Form. A confirmation email with the live audition date and time that you selected will be emailed once the registration process is completed.

String students may audition in Portland or Hillsboro. Harp, wind, brass, percussion and jazz students must select a Portland audition date and time.

If auditioning on two instruments, or for orchestra/wind and jazz, you need to schedule a second audition time. To schedule two audition times on the same day, 1) choose an audition type for each instrument ensemble type when registering, and 2) select one audition time. 3) Then email production@playmys.org. We will manually add a second audition time for you. If you would like to schedule your second audition on a different day, you can do that directly in the registration form.

Live auditions include three components:

1. Scales
2. Solo Repertoire
3. Sight Reading

Click here to view specific Audition Requirements for strings, winds, percussion, and jazz.

You may request a custom date for a Live Audition via the registration form. A member of the MYS Staff will reach out to you to schedule a date and time for your student to audition. Contact production@playmys.org if you have questions.

Tip: check out “Recommendations for a successful audition video” before recording your audition. Smartphone videos are great!

Detailed instructions for your audition videos will be sent via email upon completion of the registration form. Contact the MYS office if you do not see this email arrive in your inbox after your registration form is submitted.

Video auditions consist of two recordings:

• Video No. 1 – Scales & Solo Repertoire (All instruments and ensembles) This audition recording is a separate recording from the “scheduled excerpts” below, the 2 recordings may be submitted in any order. Please see the requirements below and the recording tips.
  • String and Wind Audition Requirements
  • Percussion Audition Requirements
  • Jazz Audition Requirements
    
• Video No. 2 – Scheduled Excerpts (All ensembles, except Jazz)
  This replaces the sight-reading component of an in-person audition. These orchestral excerpts allow the MYS artistic team to evaluate the ability of a student to read and learn music in a timely manner.
  • Students sign up for three-day window (e.g. Friday to Sunday) in the MYS registration form. If none of the offered dates work with your family’s schedule, you may request alternate dates. [See the registration form for details.]
  • MYS will email students and parents the orchestral excerpts the morning of the scheduled date. The email will include a link to a PDF as well as information on how to submit recordings. The PDF will contain several musical excerpts, ordered in increasing difficulty. Students should select and record the two most advanced excerpts that they can perform accurately at the indicated tempo. This includes correct pitches, rhythm, dynamics, articulations, and musical phrasing.
  • Excerpts must be recorded with an audible metronome.
  • Students are encouraged to listen to professional recordings of the pieces from which the excerpts are taken. Free recordings of all of the pieces can be found online.
  • Students should prepare excerpts without assistance from others, including parents and teachers. Please note: The goal of ‘Scheduled Excerpts’ is to give students the most accurate placement based on their current skill level. If a student is assisted and then placed in an ensemble that is too advanced, they may become overwhelmed and frustrated, and their experience at MYS may suffer.
    Our hope is that each family adheres to these guidelines so that their child receives the most appropriate placement.
  • Students have three days to listen, practice, record, and submit their excerpts. Excerpts are due by 11:59 PM on the third day of their scheduled window.
    
    Note: “Video No. 1 – Scales and Solo Repertoire” does not have to be submitted by the “Video No. 2 – Scheduled Excerpts” due date. We will not offer a placement in an ensemble until all components of your audition are submitted.

Custom dates for Scheduled Excerpts may be requested via the registration form. A member of the MYS Staff will reach out to you to schedule a date and time for your student to complete their audition.

Contact programs@playmys.org if you have any questions.

A snare drum and xylophone will be provided at the live audition.

1. Two scales on xylophone (optional for entry-level students): 1 major and 1 minor (melodic or harmonic). Students may choose to play 1-octave or 2-octave scales depending on their skill level.
2. Solo repertoire: choose a piece for mallet or snare drum. This can be an etude, solo piece, or a selection from the music you play in your school’s ensemble. The piece should show your highest level of achievement.
3. Snare drum rudiments: play each of the following slow-fast-slow (without stopping)
   • Orchestral (multiple bounce) Roll
   • Paradiddle
   • Flamtap
4. Music Reading:
   • Live Audition: Sight Reading
   • Video Audition: Scheduled Excerpts

MYS Percussionists are expected to bring their own set of sticks to every rehearsal. We recommend students purchase the Vic Firth pack for $110 (at Beacock Music). This includes two sets of snare sticks (SD1 and SD2)

These requirements are for placement in a Full Orchestra or Wind Ensemble. Click here for Jazz requirements.