Youth Orchestra Auditions
The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras (CSYO) invite young musicians from across the greater Charlotte region to audition for the 2026–27 Season.
Whether you're stepping onto the orchestral stage for the first time or returning to earn your seat, this is your opportunity to join one of the Southeast's most celebrated youth music programs.
The CSYO brings together diverse young players for professional-level ensemble training under the guidance of outstanding conductors and coaches from the Charlotte Symphony. Here, you won't just learn to play — you'll learn to listen, lead, and perform alongside peers who share your passion.
What Membership Looks Like
CSYO musicians perform on some of Charlotte's finest stages — including the Belk and Knight Theaters — and enjoy regular sectional coaching with professional Charlotte Symphony musicians.
Symphony, Camerata, and Philharmonic rehearsals run September–May.
Youth Ensemble rehearsals run October–May.
What to Prepare
All auditionees should be ready with:
- Scales & Arpeggios — Derived from Western Regional Orchestra and All-District band requirements. You'll be asked to perform two of the scales listed for your instrument.
- A Solo (1–2 minutes) — Choose a piece that showcases your best playing: an excerpt from a concerto, sonata, etude, or any work that lets your musicianship shine. All-District or Honors Orchestra music is also accepted if needed.
- Excerpts — Download the audition packet for your instrument below. Excerpts are listed in order of difficulty; placement depends on the quality of your audition, not which excerpts you choose.
- Sight-Reading — Provided at your audition.
Audition Excerpts:
The excerpts are listed in order of difficulty. However, a student's placement is ultimately determined by the quality of their audition, and not the excerpts chosen. Generally:
- Students who would like to be considered for Youth Symphony must perform two excerpts, one of which must be the final excerpt (Tchaikovsky)
- Students who would like to be considered for Youth Camerata must perform two excerpts, one of which must be the third excerpt (Dvořák)
- Students auditioning for Youth Philharmonic should prepare and perform the first two excerpts
FAQ:
Are returning students guaranteed a spot?
No. In order to provide equal opportunity and access, all returning students must re-audition each year to earn their seat.
What if I'm not placed in the ensemble I auditioned for?
If space allows and the skill level is appropriate, you'll automatically be considered for another ensemble within the program.
Who judges the auditions, and when will I hear back?
The conducting staff, along with another professional musician, will adjudicate every audition. Students will receive an email within a month of the final audition date indicating acceptance, decline, or waitlist status.
What if I found out about CSYO after the registration deadline?
Send us an email at csyo@charlottesymphony.org and we'll discuss your options.
What if I have a scheduling conflict during the season — marching band, sports, etc.?
Reach out to us. We support our students' varied interests, and as long as the conflict isn't extensive, we'll work with you to find a solution.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available to any family that needs it, and we're committed to making sure cost is never a barrier to participation.
Contact Us
For more information about the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, please contact us at csyo@charlottesymphony.org or 704.714.5131.