Audition for BNYS

2025-2026 SEASON AUDITIONS - August 20, 2025 5-8pm at Illinois Wesleyan University

To get registered for an audition, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/No7sUDna4LxQ7pJk6

2025-2026 New Student Auditions - January 7, 2026 6-8pm at Illinois Wesleyan University

To get registered for an audition, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/9YUr8pyAw4gEGF9DA

We welcome musicians who play the following instruments:

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone (Alto; must be able to transpose)

Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

*opportunities for piano and harp sometimes occur. If interested in being on our list for these spots, please email musicdirector@bnyouthsymphony.org

You are eligible to audition for the BNYS if:

  • you are under the age of 20 and you play a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument

  • you are an active participant in your school music program

For your audition, please prepare the following:

Scales: major key signatures containing up to 5 sharps and 5 flats

Solos: 2 contrasting solos/ orchestral excerpts up to 45 seconds each

Sight-reading


For any questions regarding the audition process or audition requirements, please email musicdirector@bnyouthsymphony.org

Chair Placements for Spring 2026

Each semester, all participants go through a chair placement process to demonstrate their musical progress. This blind audition process is judged by area musicians and educators who rank and assist in placing students within their respective sections. This helps ensure the most success for each student based on their present skill level.

Fall Chair Placements will take place on , February 2nd, 2026 from 5:00-9:00 pm in Presser Hall on campus at Illinois Wesleyan University.