Audition Requirements

Audition requirements for the 2026–2027 PYSO season have been updated as of March 30, 2026.

Click here for a chart for a complete overview of ensemble expectations and requirements.

How Auditions Are Evaluated

Auditions are heard by a panel of PYSO conductors, coaches, and artistic staff. We look at the whole performance to get a sense of each student’s current level and potential.

What we’re listening for:

  • Tone quality and intonation
  • Rhythm and accuracy
  • Technique and overall control
  • Musicality, expression, and style
  • Sight-reading and how you respond to new music

Choosing your piece:
Your prepared solo is an important part of your audition. Choose something you can play with good tone, accurate intonation, and musical expression from start to finish. We value a piece that is well-prepared and performed with maturity over something more technically difficult that isn’t fully mastered. A strong, musical performance at the right level will always serve you best.

Additional Considerations
The panel also considers overall musicianship, consistency, and potential for growth. Leadership, awareness, and how a student might fit within an ensemble are also taken into account.

Placement:
After all auditions are heard, students are placed into the ensemble that best fits their overall performance.

The following outlines the requirements for the 2026–27 season.

Audition Requirements: At a Glance

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Explore the tabs above for detailed requirements of each Program

  Philharmonic Sinfonia Symphony Overture Strings String Orchestra Wind Ensemble Prelude Strings
Type of Orchestra  Full  Full  Full String Instruments Only  String Instruments Only  Wind, Brass, and Percussion Instruments Only String Instruments Only
Strings X X X X X   X
Winds/Brass X X X     X  
Percussion X X X     X  
Skill Level Most Advanced Advanced Upper Intermediate-Advanced Upper Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Beginner-Intermediate
# of Concerts per Year 2+ 2+ 2+ 2 2 2 2
Commitment Level Very High Very High High Moderate-High Moderate-High Moderate – High Moderate
Rehearsal Days Sunday
6:00pm-8:30pm
Pasadena High School		 Sunday
6:00pm-8:15pm
Pasadena High School		 Tuesday
5:30pm-7:45pm
Pasadena High School		 Tuesday
5:15pm-7:30pm
Pasadena High School		 Monday  5:15pm-7:30pm  Pasadena High School Tuesday
5:15pm-7:30pm
Pasadena High School		  Monday 5:00pm-6:30pm Pasadena High School

 

Philharmonic

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Strings

Audition Requirements

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, preferably 2 or more notes per bow, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120, in the following keys:

  • All three-octave major and melodic minor scales

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: less than 5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Woodwinds 

Audition Requirements (Woodwinds)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

    • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
    • All two-octave major scales through 5 sharps and 5 flats
    • Two-octave melodic minor scales through 2 sharps and 2 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Brass

Audition Requirements (Brass)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest comfortable note to your highest note
  • All two-octave major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats
  • Two-octave melodic minor scales through 2 sharps and 2 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

    • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Percussion

Audition Requirements (Percussion)

Technical Skills

Students should prepare:

  • Snare drum single stroke roll
    • Begin slow, gradually accelerate, then slow down again (smooth accelerando and ritardando)
  • Snare drum roll (approximately 20 seconds total):
    • Start at ppp for 3 seconds
    • Gradually crescendo to fff
    • Sustain fff for 5 seconds
    • Gradually diminuendo back to ppp
    • Sustain ppp for 3 seconds

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • Prepare solo or étude(s) on two or more of the following:
    • Timpani
    • Snare Drum
    • Mallets (bells or xylophone)
  • Selection(s) should represent your current skill level

Sight-Reading

    • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Orchestral Excerpts

 

Type of Orchestra
Full
# of Concerts per Year
2+
Commitment Level
Very High
Practice Schedule
Sunday | 6:00pm-8:30pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Most Advanced

Sinfonia

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Winds and Brass: ability to transpose sheet music as necessary. See the requirements for each instrument group outlined below.

Strings

Audition Requirements (Strings)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, preferably 2 or more notes per bow, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120, in the following keys:

  • All three-octave major and melodic minor scales through 5 sharps and 5 flats
    • Basses: two octaves acceptable

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under  4 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Woodwinds & Brass

Audition Requirements (Woodwinds & Brass)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
  • Two-octave major scales through 4 sharps and 4 flats
  • Two-octave melodic minor scales through 2 sharps and 2 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 4 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Percussion

Audition Requirements (Percussion)

Technical Skills

Students should prepare:

  • Snare drum single stroke roll
    • Begin slow, gradually accelerate to fast, then return to slow
    • Perform with smooth, even control throughout
  • Snare drum roll (approximately 20 seconds total):
    • Begin at ppp for 3 seconds
    • Gradually crescendo to fff
    • Sustain fff for 5 seconds
    • Gradually diminuendo back to ppp
    • Sustain ppp for 3 seconds

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One solo or étude of your choice
  • Perform on two or more of the following:
    • Timpani
    • Snare Drum
    • Mallets (bells or xylophone)
  • Selection should represent your current skill level

Orchestral Excerpts

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Type of Orchestra
Full
# of Concerts per Year
2+
Commitment Level
Very High
Practice Schedule
Sunday | 6:00pm-8:15pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Advanced

Symphony

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Strings

Audition Requirements (Strings)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with 2 or more notes per bow, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

  • All three-octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats
  • The following two-octave melodic minor scales: a, d, e, g, b, c, and f

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 4 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

    • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Woodwinds 

Audition Requirements (Woodwinds)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
  • All two-octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 4 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Brass

Audition Requirements (Brass)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120 in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
  • All two-octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats

At the audition:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will then be asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: under 4 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Percussion

Audition Requirements (Percussion)

Technical Skills

Students should prepare:

  • Snare drum single stroke
    • Slow to fast to slow
    • Gradual accelerando and ritardando, performed seamlessly
  • Snare drum roll (approximately 20 seconds total):
    • Begin at ppp for 3 seconds
    • Gradually crescendo to fff
    • Sustain fff for 5 seconds
    • Gradually diminuendo back to ppp
    • Sustain ppp for 3 seconds

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One solo or étude of your choice
  • Perform on two or more of the following instruments:
    • Timpani
    • Snare Drum
    • Mallets (bells or xylophone)
  • Selection should represent your current skill level

Sight-Reading

    • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition
Type of Orchestra
Full
# of Concerts per Year
2+
Commitment Level
High
Practice Schedule
Tuesday | 5:30pm-7:45pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Intermediate-Advanced

Overture Strings

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Strings

Audition Requirements (Strings)

Scale Requirements by Instrument

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, preferably with 2 or more notes per bow, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120.

  • Violin:
    • 2-octave: C, G, D, A, F, & B♭ Major
    • 2-octave: A, D, & E melodic minor
  • Viola/Cello:
    • 2-octave: C, D, F, & G Major
    • 2-octave: A, E, & D melodic minor
    • 1-octave: A & B♭ Major
  • Bass:
    • 2-octave: F & G Major
    • 1-octave: C, D, A, & B♭ Major
    • 1-octave: E, A, & D minor

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: 2–3 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition
Type of Orchestra
String Orchestra
# of Concerts per Year
2
Commitment Level
High
Practice Schedule
Tuesday | 5:15pm-7:30pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Upper Immediate

String Orchestra

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Strings

Audition Requirements (Strings)

Scale Requirements by Instrument 

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, preferably with 2 or more notes per bow, at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 120.

  • Violin:
    • 1-octave: F Major
    • 2-octave: C, G, & D Major
    • 1-octave: A melodic minor
  • Viola/Cello:
    • 2-octave: C, G, and D Major
    • 1-octave: F Major
    • 1-octave: A melodic minor
  • Bass:
    • 1-octave: C, G, D, & F Major

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: 3–5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Type of Orchestra
String Instruments Only
# of Concerts per Year
2
Commitment Level
Moderate-High
Practice Schedule
Monday | 5:15pm-7:30pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Intermediate

Wind Ensemble

Audition Expectations

Previous ensemble experience. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Woodwinds 

Audition Requirements (Woodwinds)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred, in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
  • All two-octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: 3–5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Brass

Audition Requirements (Brass)

Scales

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, with even tone and consistent technique and all notes clearly articulated, slurred in the following keys:

  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note
  • All one-octave major scales through 3 sharps and 3 flats

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared chromatic scale
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: 3–5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Percussion

Audition Requirements (Percussion)

Technical Skills

Students should prepare:

  • Snare drum single stroke roll
    • Slow to fast to slow
    • Gradual accelerando and ritardando, performed seamlessly
  • Snare drum roll (approximately 20 seconds total):
    • Begin at ppp for 3 seconds
    • Gradually crescendo to fff
    • Sustain fff for 5 seconds
    • Gradually diminuendo back to ppp
    • Sustain ppp for 3 seconds

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One solo or étude of your choice
  • Perform on two or more of the following instruments:
    • Timpani
    • Snare Drum
    • Mallets (bells or xylophone)
  • Selection should represent your current skill level

Sight-Reading

    • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Type of Orchestra
Wind, Brass, Percussion Instruments Only
# of Concerts per Year
2
Commitment Level
Moderate-High
Practice Schedule
Tuesday | 5:15pm-7:30pm | Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Intermediate

Prelude Strings

Audition Expectations

Musicians must be reading notes. Click here for a chart with all of our ensemble expectations and requirements.

Strings

Audition Requirements (Strings)

Scale Requirements by Instrument (1 or 2 Octaves as Listed)

Students should prepare a memorized scale, played ascending and descending, preferably with 2 or more notes per bow in the following keys:

  • Violin:
    • 1-octave: D & C Major
    • 2-octave: G Major
  • Viola/Cello:
    • 1-octave: D & G Major
    • 2-octave: C Major
  • Bass:
    • 1-octave: D, G, & C Major

At the audition, you will perform 2 scales:

    • You will first perform your prepared scale in a key of your choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble
    • You will be then asked to perform a scale of the judge’s choice that meets the requirements of the ensemble

Prepared Solo or Étude

  • One movement with contrasting sections or two contrasting pieces
  • Recommended length: 3–5 minutes
  • Perform without accompaniment

Sight-Reading

  • Sight-reading will be included as part of the audition

Type of Orchestra
Full
# of Concerts per Year
2
Commitment Level
Moderate-High
Practice Schedule
Monday| 5:00pm-6:30pm, Pasadena High School
Skill Level
Beginner-Intermediate