Auditions
Auditions
Join the Carolina Youth Symphony
CYS had its beginnings in 1955 when Greenville music-lover Miss Rita May Baker founded what she called, “The Little Symphony.” This was the start of a group of young musicians supported by the Crescent Music Club and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. The group expanded each year both in numbers and performances. In 1976, the Crescent Youth Symphony became Carolina Youth Symphony, an independent, non-profit regional youth orchestra.
As one of the premiere youth orchestras in the southeast and one of the oldest, consisting of over 240 gifted musicians from two states (10 counties, 36 cities, and 59 schools) and four orchestras of varying levels of difficulty, we can meet the musical needs of talented youth from the Upstate and Western North Carolina. Our Symphony Orchestra returned to Carnegie Hall for an unprecedented 9th performance on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
For more than 20 seasons, the CYS has opened its year with a weekend at summer camp. The weekend at camp has become a vital part of the CYS experience, offering the students a chance to become acquainted and develop friendships.
2026-2027 SEASON
General Information (New & Returning Members)
The CYS features four orchestras: Symphony, Concert, Repertory, and Preparatory String (SO, CO, RO, and PSO).
Please see below for information on how to audition for one of our four orchestras, including application forms (new members only), dates/location, audition excerpts, and audition guidelines.
Audition Application (New Members Only)
If you are interested in auditioning to become part of the SO, CO, or RO, please fill out the audition application below. Once CYS has your completed application, you will be sent directions on completing your audition.
The PSO audition application for new members is coming soon.
The new member fee to audition for the Carolina Youth Symphony is $35.
There is no fee for returning members auditioning to change orchestras.
Audition Dates, Excerpts, and Guidelines
Auditions for SO, CO, and RO will be held on May 10 and May 17, 2026 in the Daniel Music Building on the Furman University Campus.
Below are the 2026-2027 Audition Excerpts for SO, CO, and RO. Please select the button for your audition group and then locate your instrument in the packet. Please also review the audition guidelines below for additional information.
After June 1st, applications will only be accepted with prior approval and only for positions that are still available in the orchestra. If you are interested in auditioning after June 1, please contact us first. We will let you know if there is still space available for your instrument.
SO, CO, and RO
Symphony Orchestra
Concert Orchestra
Repertory Orchestra
Auditions for PSO will take place on November 22, 2026 in the Daniel Music Building at Furman University.
New Members should complete an Audition Application (coming soon). Once CYS has your completed application, you will be sent directions on completing your audition.
Below are the 2026-2027 Audition Excerpts for the PSO.
Preparatory String Orchestra
Audition Guidelines
(COMING SOON)
Preparatory String Orchestra
