Are you interested in joining the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony or Classical Orchestra? Auditions for both ensembles are held each May for the following season.
2025-2026
Thank you for your interest! Auditions for the 2025-26 season are currently closed, please contact Jaclyn Swartz at jswartz@grsymphony.org for specific mid-year inquiries.
2026-2027
Auditions for 2026-2027 will open this spring- the application to audition will be due Monday, May 16, 2026, and a video of required scales, sight reading, and the prepared piece will be due Monday, May 23, 2026, both through digital submission. Please review the information below carefully and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions at 616-454-9451 or manager@grys.org.
- Current students: If you are a current member of either Youth Symphony or the Classical Orchestra and wish to stay in your current orchestra in 2026-2027, you must log into the Members Only site and choose “save spot” (under the Audition and Registration Status) by May 16. This will secure your spot for next year! (Current students would have to re-audition if they wish to change to a different instrument or if a Classical Orchestra student wants to join the Youth Symphony.) There is a $20.00 fee for reserving your spot.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to audition if they are:
- Between the ages of 12 and 21.
- A member of their school band and/or orchestra or a comparable program for homeschoolers.
- Prepared to commit to the rehearsal and concert schedule for the full school year. (We are aware Monday evening rehearsals may conflict with marching band commitments in the fall semester. GRYS staff will work with school directors to resolve scheduling issues on behalf of students, as we do not want that to be a discouragement from participation).
There is only one audition for the two groups:
Audition Process
1 –> Complete the audition application: The deadline for the application and $30.00 fee is May 16. On May 17 students will be sent the required scales and sight reading to perform in addition to their prepared etude.
2 –> Submit a video recording of your audition no later than May 23: See below for details about the prepared solo or etude for your instrument- note special instructions for percussionists. More information will be provided after you’ve completed the audition application.
For Strings, Winds, and Harp
- Prepared solo or etude should be 3 to 5 minutes in length (without piano accompaniment) — work with your private lesson instructor to select an appropriate piece; select the portion of the piece that best showcases your abilities.
- Solo does not have to be memorized.
For Percussion
Proficiency on the following instruments is desirable but not mandatory: timpani, snare drum, multiple percussion, mallets.
Prepared performance:
- Short solo on timpani, snare drum, multiple percussion, and/or mallet (concert type, not rudimental or drum set) solo does not have to be memorized.
- Long roll on both timpani and snare: soft to loud to soft.
After Your Audition
- Our adjudicators/music staff will place students according to the quality of their recorded audition.
- You will receive an email notifying you of your audition results in June or July. String players may be placed in either the Classical Orchestra or the Youth Symphony.
- If you receive a letter of invitation to the GRYS or Classical Orchestra, be sure to do the following to complete your membership:
- Return to the audition site and fill out the commitment and information form.
- Pay your $350 tuition fee (note that tuition assistance is available).