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Audition Overview
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Online Audition Workshop
Interested in JOINING or MOVING UP to one of our ensembles?
Sunday, December 6, 2026
RSVP is required. PLEASE NOTE THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE ONLINE. RSVP and receive the link to our online meeting on August 9th!
Student musicians will have the opportunity to meet ONLINE with our Conductors/Directors to get tips on preparing for our Auditions. Parents will have the opportunity to meet our Artistic and Administrative Team, learn about our programs.
Workshops by Level/Ensembles:
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Youth Symphony, Bridge & Advanced Chamber: Online, August 9th at 3 PM
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Sinfonia Strings, Woodwinds & Brass: Online, August 9th at 3 PM
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NOTES Level 1 & 2: Time TBD.
Upcoming Auditions
The audition date(s) have been scheduled to fill our Ensemble Rosters for the 2026/2027 Season (August 2026 through May 2027).
We are currently welcoming: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Oboe/English Horn, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion.
Auditions are open to all young musicians, ages 8-20, with at least 2 years of public or private music instruction.
Auditions will last about 10 minutes and will consist of scales, a solo piece of your choice, and sight-reading. Students should prepare scales and a solo piece that demonstrate the level at which they are currently playing.
Please consult with your private teacher or school music teacher for advice on choosing the appropriate scales and solo piece, or feel free to reach out to us HERE with questions.
Based on their audition, students will be placed into the appropriate-level ensemble (NOTES, Sinfonia, Bridge, or Youth Symphony) at the discretion of NVYS music staff.
FUTURE AUDITION DATES
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Sunday, August 16, 2026 (Youth Symphony)
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Sunday, August 23, 2026 (Sinfonia and Bridge)
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Sunday, December 6, 2026
Audition Requirements
With the exception of Notes Level 1 and 2, all levels of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony ensembles require an audition. Auditions are required in order to place students in the appropriate ensemble. Students currently in an ensemble within the Napa Valley Youth Symphony must take an audition if they wish to move up to the next level.
Auditions take approximately 10 minutes and consist of scales, a solo piece, and sight-reading. See below for the specific requirements for each ensemble.
At all levels, audition adjudicators will be evaluating your performance based on the following criteria:
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Rhythmic accuracy
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Rhythmic stability (steady tempo)
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Intonation (playing in-tune with yourself)
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Tone quality
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Dynamic contrast
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Instrument-specific technique
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Musicality, expression, and phrasing
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Appropriateness of repertoire for your technical level
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Ability to recover if you make a mistake
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Careful preparation of all audition music
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS BY ENSEMBLE
Learn more about specific ensemble requirements.