63RD SEASON AUDITIONs
Musicians from across northeastern Oklahoma are annually selected by audition to join one of the Tulsa Youth Symphony’s three orchestras: Preparatory String Orchestra (PO), Concert Orchestra (CO), Symphony Orchestra (SO).
AUDITIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR WILL TAKE PLACE MAY 18-21, 2026 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Please read this page carefully and click “REGISTER HERE” at the bottom of the page to apply. Please note, there is a $25 application fee.
SCHOOL PROGRAM POLICY:
TYS and schools share a common goal of educating future musicians. TYS recognizes the importance of school music programs and requires its members to be active participants in those programs.
Members whose school does not provide an orchestra or band program must be enrolled and active in weekly private lessons on the instrument they play in TYS. Exceptions to this policy must be submitted as a written request and approved by the school Music Director.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
A prepared selection of your choice: Students may prepare a single piece or etude displaying technical and lyrical ability. Choose a piece that best represents your current abilities that you feel confident performing.
A prepared excerpt selected by the conductor: The instrument & orchestra specific excerpt will be posted on our website on Monday, April 27. Students may select the excerpt level they feel most comfortable with to perform in their audition.
Please note, there is no sight reading on this audition, nor does the material need to be performed from memory or with an accompanist. We recommend dressing for success for these auditions, but it is not mandatory to dress in formal attire.
In the event you are not accepted to the orchestra for which you have auditioned, you will automatically be considered for the next orchestra level without an additional audition.
TYS COMMITMENT EXPECTATIONS:
TYS rehearses weekly on Sunday afternoons between 2-5pm (exact times may vary) at the University of Tulsa starting late August through early May.
Our season includes 3 Sunday afternoon stage performances and opportunities to perform in chamber music ensembles and a community performance.
Member commitment to both the rehearsal and performance schedule is necessary and expected. Allowance is given for 2 excused absences per semester (with reasonable flexibility with high school marching band schedules).
TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS:
Tuition for the entire year is $700 which includes approximatley 20 rehearsals and 3 large scale performances. Partial and full scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Families will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship once accepted to a TYS ensemble.
**Audition excerpts will be available beginning Monday, April 27. Please check back for those materials.
Questions regarding the 63rd Season including scheduling an early audition time may be directed to music@tulsayouthsymphony.org.