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Auditions

Auditions are held each May for membership the following season. We welcome dedicated student musicians from across West Michigan! There is one audition for placement consideration in both ensembles designed to assess readiness and ensemble fit. 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!

Audition Process

Auditions for the 2026-2027 season are now open! Please carefully review the information below as well as the information in your instrument PDF packet.

1) Download and prepare your instrument AUDITION PACKET

2) Complete the AUDITION APPLICATION and pay $30 application fee.

*Application deadline is May 23, 2026, 11:59 PM.

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&CO 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.

  • Auditioned Full Orchestra Instruments Include: Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet (no Bass Clarinet), Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba (no Euphonium), Percussion, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.

After Your Audition

  • Our adjudication team will place students according to the quality of their recorded audition.

  • Applicants will receive an email notifying them of their audition results by mid-June. String players may be placed in either the Youth Symphony or the Classical Orchestra.

  • Applicants accepted into the Youth Symphony or the Classical Orchestra must complete the Member Registration Form by July 10 and pay the season tuition fee by August 1. The 2026-2027 tuition fee is $400, and tuition assistance is available for qualifying families.

Questions about spring auditions, the registration process, or specific mid-year inquiries, please contact the GRYS&CO Manager at mroesler@grsymphony.org.

The 2026-2027 season calendar will be shared soon.