Youth Orchestra Audition Form

The San José Youth Chamber Orchestra (SJYCO) program is comprised of three string chamber orchestra ensembles (Senior Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Preparatory Orchestra) under the umbrella of the San José Chamber Orchestra (SJCO), an innovative professional chamber orchestra located in Silicon Valley. The program offers regular sectional coachings led by professional SJCO musicians, multiple performance opportunities, “give back to the community” free concerts, a chamber music program, and side-by-side concerts performed in partnership with the San José Chamber Orchestra.

Youth Orchestra Application Form

SJYCO is different from other youth orchestras as one of its primary missions is to program new music by living composers. Not only do the groups perform the standard classical repertoire, but each orchestra also performs a world premiere work annually that is written just for them. Students have the chance to interact with and learn from the composers at rehearsals. In addition, SJYCO makes a point to play music by diverse composers who represent the communities in which its members live.

Comprised fully of small ensembles, the SJYCO orchestras provide the intimacy and interaction of a chamber ensemble. With a strings-only focus, attention and detail to string techniques is a primary educational priority.

SJYCO is led by Matthew Oshida, Director of Youth Orchestras, and the ensembles are conducted by leaders in the music field including Grammy award winner Evan Price (Preparatory Orchestra), in demand violinist and educator Kiri Murakami-Loehmann (Intermediate Orchestra), and esteemed Music Director Tony Quartuccio (Senior Orchestra).

Entrance into SJYCO is by audition only. Students will be placed into orchestras based on their appropriate technical level, sight reading ability, musicality, and social maturity. The program is designed so that young players can join the Preparatory Orchestra and remain in the program throughout their high school years in the Senior Orchestra. Joining SJYCO requires a significant commitment in time and energy and attendance at rehearsals, coachings, and concerts are mandatory. All musicians must be taking private lessons in order to join.

Rehearsals are held on Mondays at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Saratoga, CA.

Tuition Costs: Preparatory $800, Intermediate $900, Senior $1000, Scholarships available as needed.

AUDITION DATES; Rolling auditions will be held throughout the year based on availability and orchestra needs. Auditions for the 2023-24 season will be held in person on March 13 and 20, 2023 or by appointment on Zoom.

Audition Requirements

Senior Orchestra

Solo: Two contrasting selections of music: one fast selection and one slow selection. The music can be either two solo pieces of contrasting styles or one solo that includes both fast and slow sections.
Scales: Candidate will be asked to play a 3-octave scale – 2 octaves for Bass players
Sight-reading: There will be a short piece to sight- read to demonstrate recognition of key and time signatures, rhythm, and accidentals.

Intermediate Orchestra/ SC Chamber Strings

Solo: Two contrasting selections of music: one fast selection and one slow selection. The music can be either two solo pieces of contrasting styles or one solo that includes both fast and slow sections.
Scales: Candidate will be asked to play a 2-octave scale and demonstrate proficiency in keys with up to four flats and four sharps.
Sight-reading: There will be a short piece to sight- read to demonstrate recognition of key and time signatures and rhythm.

Violin/Viola: Ability to play in third position and use vibrato.
Cello: Ability to play in first through fourth position and use vibrato.

Bass: One octave scales acceptable, One solo piece may be an etude.

Preparatory Orchestra / SC Chamber Strings

Solo: Two contrasting selections of music: one fast selection and one slow selection. The music can be either two solo pieces of contrasting styles or one solo that includes both fast and slow sections.
Scales: Candidate will be asked to play a 2-octave scale and demonstrate proficiency in keys with 2 flats and 2 sharps.
Sight-reading: There will be a short piece to sight- read to show recognition of key and time signatures and rhythm.

Violin/Viola: Ability to play in first and third position.
Cello: Ability to play in first position.

Bass: One octave scales acceptable, One solo piece may be an etude.

SJCO Youth Audition Form

Contact Information

Student Name(Required)

First Last

Parent/Guardian(Required)

First Last

Parent/Guardian

First Last

Street Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Phone Number of Parent/Guardian(Required)

Cell phone Number of Student (if applicable)

Email Address of Parent/Guardian(Required)

Email Address of Student (if applicable)

Student Information

Instrument(Required)

Number of years played(Required)

Age(Required)

Birthday

Name of Current School(Required)

Current Grade Level(Required)

Private Teacher(Required)

First Last

Private Teacher Email(Required)

Private Music Teacher Phone number

How did you hear about SJYCO?(Required)

Upon receipt of application form and fee, you will be contacted to arrange an audition appointment. Auditions will begin in March.

I understand that if I am accepted to SJYCO, I will be required to pay a yearly tuition. If I am unable to pay the tuition, I may apply for one of a limited number of scholarships available.

Signature(Required)

Date(Required)

Application fee is $20. Please pay via PayPal

Application Fee(Required)

20.00

amount due

Payment Method(Required)

CAPTCHA