Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to re-audition if I am a current member?
  Yes, all current members are required to re-audition each year if they wish to continue participating in TCSYO. Please note that current orchestra assignment level is not guaranteed.

• How do I know which orchestra to audition for?
  Recommended VBODA/Suzuki levels are listed below each orchestra’s title and the audition packets will also list the minimum expected skills. We recommended consulting with your private teacher to determine which ensemble to audition for that will best suit your current skill level.

• What if I don’t make it into the orchestra I audition for?
  Musicians are ranked by their audition score. If they do not place in the orchestra they auditioned for, musicians may be offered a position in a less advanced orchestra. For example, if you audition for Symphonic Orchestra, you could be offered a position in Philharmonic Orchestra.

• Do I need to memorize my music?
  Memorization is not required unless specified in the audition requirements.

• Do I need an accompanist for the audition video?
  No, piano accompaniment is not permitted for the audition video.

• I want to be considered for piccolo/English horn/bass clarinet - will I have to register twice? How many videos do I need to record/upload?
  If you play flute, oboe, or clarinet, you only need to register once if you wish to be considered for piccolo, English horn, or bass clarinet, respectively. The audition packets will indicate that you will need to prepare audition requirements for both sets of instruments. For the video audition, please record two videos - one for the primary instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet) and one for the secondary instrument (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet).

• How is my audition scored? What are the judges looking for in an audition?
  Auditions are made up of two components: scales and excerpts. They are weighted as follows:
  Scales – 40%  •  Excerpts – 60%
  When reviewing the auditions, the audition judge will focus on the following areas of your playing:
  Musicality  •  Rhythmic accuracy  •  Intonation  •  Tone production  •  Technique

• When do we find out about audition results?
  We aim to notify everyone of their audition results by June 30. We know waiting for results is difficult, we ask for your patience while the auditions are being reviewed (thank you!).

• How do I make a tuition payment?
  Each orchestra’s tuition rate for the 2026-27 season is listed above. Upon a successful audition, the $45 registration fee is credited towards the tuition rate. The remaining tuition balance is then divided into two payments; an initial payment of 50% of the remaining balance is due within two weeks of the notification of your audition result to confirm your participation. The second payment/remaining balance is due by August 15, 2026.
  (Example:  You were accepted into Philharmonic Orchestra - congratulations! Tuition is $1145; after applying the registration fee credit, the remaining balance is $1100. The first payment due will be in the amount of $550, and the remaining $550 will be due by August 15, 2026.)

• Does TCSYO offer financial assistance?
  Yes! TCSYO offers financial assistance to student musicians in need via our Tuition Assistance program (which is funded via donations) as well as drawing from our Artistic Director scholarship program. When filling out the registration form, there is an option to request financial aid. After you successfully audition into TCSYO, we will reach out privately to discuss the application and review process for Tuition Assistance. 

  Please contact us if you have further questions.