Auditions

Auditions for the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra are held each May for membership the following season. There is one audition for placement consideration in both ensembles. A complete audition consists of scales, solo/etude, and two orchestral excerpts submitted via video upload. Auditions do not need to be memorized. Please record your audition in one take and upload one video. We wish you all best in your audition preparations and can’t wait to hear you!

2026-2027 SEASON

Auditions for the 2026-2027 season are now open! Please review the information below and in your specific instrument pdf packet carefully.

Eligibility

Musicians 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 full year rehearsal and concert schedule. (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).
  • Current members do not need to re-audition for their past season ensemble unless requested by the conductor. Current students must re-audition if they wish to change to a different instrument or for a Classical Orchestra student to join the Youth Symphony.

Audition Process

1 –> Download and prepare your instrument AUDITION PACKET (<-Click Here)

2 –> Complete the AUDITION APPLICATION (<-Click Here) and pay $30 application fee.

Application Deadline: MAY 23, 2026 11:59pm.

After Your Audition

  • Our adjudication team will place students according to the quality of their recorded audition.
  • You will receive an email notifying you of your audition results by mid June. String players may be placed in either the Youth Symphony or the Classical Orchestra.
  • For musicians accepted into the Youth Symphony or the Classical Orchestra, complete the Member Registration Form and pay season Tuition Fee by June 30. Season Tuition is $400. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families.

Questions about spring auditions, the registration process, or specific mid-year inquiries, please contact Jaclyn Swartz at jswartz@grsymphony.org.