​​CYO auditions 


Auditions for the 2025-26 season are now open. Acceptance into the orchestra is by competitive audition early June each year and is open to students aged 14 to 24. Applicants must fill out the CYO Audition Form and sign-up for an audition date and time using the links below. Auditions will take place between June 2 - June 11, 2025. Please make sure to read all the information carefully and be sure you are aware of the audition requirements. All students, new and returning, are required to audition for CYO. Please fill out the Audition Information Form linked above before selecting an audition time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding auditions, please contact Audition Assistant Shellbie Chayeski at [email protected] for assistance.
CYO Audition Requirements for the 2025-26 Season 
Auditions for the 2025-26 season will take place in-person on June 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, & 11th. Applicants must fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an audition date and time. 
  • CYO is open to students aged 14 to 24
  • Auditions are not held at any other time during the year
  • Playing level for CYO members is a minimum grade 9 level, Royal Conservatory of Music
  • It is strongly recommended that applicants take private lessons
All new and returning students - including​ Academy ​and​ APP students ​- must complete a CYO audition and application.​ For Academy / APP students, this is in addition to their Academy audition. 
Audition requirements for RETURNING APPLICANTS (including Academy and APP students):
  • Two contrasting selections (one slow, one fast)
  • Excerpts from Shostakovich's 12 and Vincent Ho’s Shaman
  • Please bring a copy of your music for the adjudicator
Audition requirements for NEW APPLICANTS (including Academy and APP students):
ALL INSTRUMENTS
  • The music does not need to be played from memory. 
  • Please bring a copy of your music to the audition. 
STRINGS
  • Two contrasting selections (one slow, one fast)
  • 3 octave scale and arpeggio; one bow up, one bow down; spiccato – one note per bow (own key choice)
  • Double Basses: 3 octave scale, 8 notes per bow; 3 octave arpeggio - 6 notes per bow; spiccato (scale and arpeggio) – one note per bow (own key choice)
  • Please bring a copy of your music for the adjudicator
WINDS / BRASS
  • Two contrasting movements or two contrasting studies (one slow, one fast)
  • 2 or 3 (preferred) octave scale and arpeggio: once slurred, once tongued (own key choice)
  • Please bring a copy of your music for the adjudicator
PERCUSSION
*Please sign up for two consecutive slots for the audition. The audition room will be confirmed by the audition assistant via email.*
  • Pieces or studies for the following instruments: timpani, snare drum, xylophone or marimba, cymbals
  • Please bring a copy of your music for the adjudicator
HARP
  • The repertoire for the 2025-2026 season will not include harp.
If you require additional assistance or if you have any questions, concerns regarding auditions, please contact audition assistant Shellbie Chayeski at [email protected]