How to Audition

While auditions can be stressful, they are also a fact of life in musical performance. The OSYO aims to make the experience as positive and stress-free as possible.

Applicants may choose the ensemble they wish to audition for, but will ultimately be placed in the ensemble and position that best suits their skill level, based on audition results.

Audition Fees are non- refundable, and Membership Fees are non-refundable after the second rehearsal.

Steps:

For New Members:

1. Musician/Parent must:
             a.  Create a User Account
             b.  Complete the Registration Form
                                                                                                                                                                                                
    Note:  If you are < 18 yrs old, you must enter your Parent/Guardian information.  If you are > 18 yrs old, you may enter your own name under Parent/Guardian and you must also enter your information again under the Musician registration. 
2. When your registration is processed, an invoice will be issued for the Audition Fee of $30.  Invoices are paid through Interac e-transfer to payments@osyo.ca PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR INVOICE # AND MEMBER NAME IN THE MEMO OF THE E-TRANSFER.  If your Financial Institution requires a password please use OSYO2024. 
3. You will receive a confirmation email of the audition date and time.
4. Musician prepares and practices the Audition Requirements. 
5. On the day of your audition, relax and have fun!  Your audition is approximately a 5-7 minute duration.
6. You will receive your results towards the end of June, following your audition.
7. If accepted, you will receive an invoice with instructions to submit the appropriate registration fee via an e-transfer to payments@osyo.ca (please ensure you include the INVOICE # AND MEMBER NAME). 
8. Welcome to the OSYO!! In your account, you will find useful information i.e. policies and musician handbook which will provide an overview of expectations and requirements.

For Existing Members:

Musician/Parent must:

1. LOGIN TO YOUR User Account
2. Navigate to the Dashboard
3. Fill out the Registration Form - Note:  If you are < 18 yrs old, you must enter your Parent/Guardian information. If you are > 18 yrs old, you may enter your own name under Parent/Guardian.
4. When your registration is processed, an invoice will be issued for the Audition Fee of $30.  Invoices are paid through Interac e-transfer to payments@osyo.ca PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR INVOICE # AND MEMBER NAME IN THE MEMO OF THE E-TRANSFER.  If your Financial Institution requires a password please use OSYO2024. 
5. You will receive a confirmation email of the audition date and time.  Confirmation will not be sent until Registration has been updated and audition invoice paid.
6. Musician prepares and practices the Audition Requirements.
7. On the day of your audition, relax and have fun!  Your audition is approximately a 5-7 minute duration.
8. You will receive your results towards the end of June, following your audition.
9. If accepted, you will receive an invoice with instructions to submit the appropriate registration fee via an e-transfer to payments@osyo.ca (please ensure you include the INVOICE # AND MEMBER NAME).
10. Welcome to the OSYO!! In your account, you will find useful information i.e. policies and musician handbook which will provide an overview of expectations and requirements.

Audition Requirements

Symphony Orchestra

Open to all high school and post-secondary instrumentalists.

Auditions include:

• One solo piece of musician’s choice (not to exceed 1 minute).
• Please prepare one major or minor scale, minimum three sharps or three flats. Scales should be memorized.
• Download and prepare two of the orchestral excerpts for your instrument (see below) - Excerpts are linked below.

Philharmonia

Open to Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Percussion. Musicians should be at minimum Suzuki book 4 or RCM Grade 5/6 playing level, or higher. 

Auditions include:

• One 3-octave minor scale of musician’s choice with slurred or separate bowing.
• Two contrasting pieces or one piece which demonstrates lyrical and technical ability, not to exceed 2 minutes. N.B. Please note that the adjudicators may not hear the entire piece.
• Sight reading will be required.
• There is no excerpt required

Sinfonia

Open to Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. Musicians should be at Suzuki Book 2-4 or RCM Grade 2-4 playing level.

Auditions include:

• One 2-octave major or minor scale of musician’s choice.
• One polished piece demonstrating top level performance (minimum book 2 level).
• Sight reading will be required.
• There is no excerpt required.

Youth Band

Open to Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion. Musicians should have at least 1 full year experience with their chosen instrument.

Auditions include:

• One octave major or minor scale of musician’s choice.
• 1 polished piece demonstrating top level performance.
• There is no excerpt required.

Registration Fee Schedule

For the 2022/2023 season, all fees are due by the second week of rehearsals.  Payment is to be made by email money transfer to: payments@osyo.ca.  If a password is required please use OSYO2021. Failure to pay fees by the due date could result in removal from the orchestra.

Bursaries:

OSYO is pleased to offer a limited number of Bursaries.  To apply for a partial bursary, please fill out the form here.  Once completed, please email to office@osyo.ca. We will inform you of our decision upon evaluation by our committee.