Youth Orchestra Auditions

Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras rehearse on Thursday evenings. Preparatory Strings Orchestra rehearsals are from 5:00-6:15 p.m., Philharmonia rehearsals are from 7:00-8:30 p.m., and Youth Symphony rehearsals are 7:00-9:00pm, from September through December and January through April. Excellent attendance is expected.

There is a $150.00 annual tuition fee for all new and returning members of the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras. This fee will be due upon acceptance; there is NO COST to audition for the Youth Symphony or Philharmonia.

Current members of the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras do not need to re-audition each season. However, move-up auditions into the Philharmonia and Youth Symphony can be scheduled with the Education Coordinator with the recommendation of the PSO conductor.

Auditions for the Youth Symphony and Philharmonia 2024-25 Season are now closed.

Applications for Preparatory Strings Orchestra are still being accepted. 

• Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to audition and play in the Youth Symphony.

• Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to audition and play in the Philharmonia.

• Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to play in the Preparatory Strings Orchestra. No audition necessary.

• All levels are encouraged to audition/apply.

• Our programs are meant to complement and enhance the music education students are receiving in their schools. Students are expected to be regular members of their school orchestra, band, or choir class. 

• Be prepared to play the following scales (2 octaves required; 3 octaves expected for those auditioning for the Youth Orchestra):

  • VIOLINS:

    • G Major scale legato, choose to slur 4, 6 or 8 notes per bow (3 octave scale for Youth Orchestra auditions; 2 octave for Preparatory String Orchestra auditions)

    • A MELODIC minor spiccato 4 16ths per pitch (3 octave scale for Youth Orchestra auditions; 2 octave for Preparatory String Orchestra auditions)

  • VIOLAS & CELLOS

    • C Major scale legato, choose to slur 4, 6 or 8 notes per bow (3 octave scale for Youth Orchestra auditions; 2 octave for Preparatory String Orchestra auditions)

    • D MELODIC minor spiccato 4 16ths per pitch (3 octave scale for Youth Orchestra auditions; 2 octave for Preparatory String Orchestra auditions)

  • BASS

    • G Major and D Major scale, choose to slur 4, 6 or 8 notes per bow (3 octave scale for Youth Orchestra auditions; 2 octave for Preparatory String Orchestra auditions)

  One scale should be slurred, 2, 4, 6, or 8 notes per bow. The other should be played spiccato, 4 bow repetitions per pitch (16th notes) at your own comfortable speed. Scales must be played from memory.

• An excerpt from two contrasting movements (one fast, one slow, etc.) from a piece that best shows your ability.

• NEW: Short Sight Reading example for your Instrument. NOTE: Orchestra excerpts will be saved for seating auditions during the semester.

• Be prepared to play the following scales:

  • F major scale (at least two octaves preferred)

  • D major scale (at least two octaves preferred)

• Be prepared to play a chromatic scale (brass - one octave, woodwinds - two or three). You may choose your starting pitch. This must be played from memory.

• An excerpt from two contrasting movements (one fast, one slow, etc.) from a piece that best shows your ability.

• NEW: Short Sight Reading example for your Instrument. NOTE: Orchestra excerpts will be saved for seating auditions during the semester.