Students will receive their audition time via email no later than one week after they register.

This year, we are using a platform called Snap Audition to film all virtual auditions. On the Snap Audition website, students will be able to record their scales and prepared pieces. No sight-reading will be required at this year’s auditions (for in-person or virtual auditions).

Students and families will receive an email with further instructions and the link to Snap Audition directly after registering for a virtual audition. For a video guide on how to use Snap Audition, click here.

Our youth orchestra ensembles are separated by skill level, not by age or grade, following the order below:

• String Sinfonietta (no audition required)
• Camerata Strings
• Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO): rising 5th grade or higher
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO): rising 7th grade or higher

Percussion Ensemble requires an audition with the director, Dr. Justin Alexander, who will also place students into either YCO or RSYO.

Please note that YCO and RSYO require age minimums, as detailed above.

Each ensemble requires different audition guidelines, which can be found under each ensemble’s page. We recommend that you review these guidelines with their school music teacher or private instructor in order to select the appropriate level.

String Sinfonietta, our entry level ensemble, does not require an audition.

Any additional questions about recommended ensemble levels can be directed to the YOP team at education@richmondsymphony.com.

Students should come ready to perform scales and two prepared selections. Sight-reading will not be required at auditions this year. Refer to each ensemble’s guidelines for specific instructions on what should be prepared.

YOP auditions are not blind. Judges will be able to see the student throughout the audition and may ask questions and review selections during your audition.

We encourage students to dress in whatever way feels comfortable and allows adequate movement so they can play their instrument well.

We do not require Suzuki specific repertoire, but we do recommend students use the following Suzuki book levels as guidelines for their Prepared Selections:

• Camerata Strings: Suzuki Book levels 2–4
• Youth Concert Orchestra: Suzuki book levels 4–5+
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra: Suzuki book levels 6+

For YCO and RSYO auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.

We do not require students to participate in regional auditions outside of the youth orchestra program, but we do recommend students use the following guidelines for their prepared selections:

• YCO: SRO audition etudes
• RSYO: All-Virginia audition etudes

For YCO and RSYO wind and brass auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.

For percussion auditions, please contact Dr. Justin Alexander, Percussion Ensemble director (jlaexander@vcu.edu) for specific repertoire questions.

All students should come ready to perform scales and two prepared pieces. Sight-reading will not be required at this season’s auditions. Refer to each ensemble’s guidelines for more specific instructions for audition preparation.

Students who are auditioning for the Youth Orchestra Program should bring the following:

• Instrument
• A music stand for the warm-up room (A music stand is provided in the audition room.)
• Three copies of your Prepared Selections (if applicable)
• A water bottle and tuner are optional, but always a good idea!

Audition results will be sent on on July 1st, 2026.

Our judges will work to place students in the ensemble that best fits their current skill set. Students who do not get accepted to their chosen ensemble may be offered a spot in another ensemble, and/or be placed on a waiting list.

Students on a waiting list will be notified of any changes before the start of the season if a spot in an ensemble opens up. Students must be enrolled in the ensemble they were placed in order to be eligible for the waiting list.

Students are welcome to submit a virtual audition for the 2026-2027 season. In order to be considered, virtual auditions must be submitted by 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 3. 

A link to YOP registration will be emailed to students and families when audition results are distributed on July 1st.

The Youth Orchestra Program holds additional mid-season auditions in November to fill any holes in our sections (typically woodwinds and brass). These auditions are only for students new to the program. We cannot guarantee your instrument will have an opening during these mid-season auditions, so we encourage students to audition during the June audition cycle. Current YOP students may only audition into a higher ensemble during June auditions.