Hawaii Youth Symphony

string program audition faq (CSO/SOE)

What is a “string orchestra”?
What instruments are accepted?
Am I eligible to audition?
How do I apply to audition?
How much does the audition cost?
Can I audition for two instruments?
What group do I audition for?
What music do I play?
When are the auditions?
How will I know when my audition is?
Where are the auditions held?
Can I audition late?
What if I can’t audition on the scheduled day?
If I am accepted, how much does it cost?
Is financial aid available?
If I am accepted, what is expected of me?
When are rehearsals?
Do I have to take private lessons?
What if I played in CSO or SOE last year?

What is a “string orchestra”?
“String Orchestra” refers to an ensemble that includes only string instruments (violin, viola, cello & bass). HYS has two string orchestras that require auditions: Concert String Orchestra (CSO) and String Orchestra Ensemble (SOE).

What instruments are accepted?
HYS holds auditions for violin, viola, cello and bass for its String Program.

Am I eligible to audition?
Audition applicants must have turned 8 years old before August 1. HYS accepts students through grade 12 only. In order to ensure fairness, we do not make exceptions to age eligibility.

Most CSO/SOE students have a minimum of two years of experience. However, this is NOT a requirement. Consult with your private teacher to determine if you are ready to audition.

How do I apply to audition?
An audition application will be made availiable for download online in mid June.

How much does the audition cost?
The audition fee is $10. If your application is received after the first scheduled due date the audition fee increases to $20. If you previously auditioned for the Symphony Orchestra Program your fee will be waived.

Can I audition for two instruments?
You may audition for more than one instrument, but you must send in separate applications and fees for each instrument.

What group do I audition for?
You do not have to choose which group to audition for as the String Program has only one audition. Based on your audition score you will be placed in either CSO or SOE.

What music do I play?
At the CSO/SOE auditions you will play only one set of audition music. The music will be avaiable on the website. Based on your audition score you will be placed in either CSO or SOE.

When are the auditions?
Auditions are usually held the last weekend in August.

How will I know when my audition is?
The audition application will specify the date of auditions. After your application is received you will be sent a specific time to show up on the scheduled audition day.

Can I audition late?
No. Late auditions are not allowed.

What if I can’t audition on the scheduled day?
If you know that you can’t make the scheduled audition day, you will need to call the office to arrange a taped audition before the audition date. A taped audition will require an additional $10 fee.

If I am accepted, how much does it cost?
Cost to HYS per student = Approximately $1200
Cost to you per season = Approximately $295

Is financial aid available?
Need-based financial aid is available for registration fees, private lessons or instrument rental. You may request a financial aid application upon registration or download the application from our website. All financial aid is on a reimbursement basis.

If I am accepted, what is expected of me?
Joining HYS means that you are making a year-long commitment. You must 1) attend all rehearsals and concerts, 2) practice and prepare your music, and 3) abide by all rules of conduct and HYS policies.

When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held every Saturday afternoon from September through May at the Boy's & Girl's Club of Hawaii, Spalding Clubhouse. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts.

Do I have to take private lessons?
Yes, private lessons are required.

What if I played in CSO or SOE last year?
You must re-audition for your seat in the orchestra. Acceptance into CSO/SOE will be based on your level of playing, not proir membership in the orchestra.