Join us for the upcoming 2026-2027 Season!

East Bay Youth Orchestras

There is no audition fee for any of the EBYO groups.

If you are accepted as a EBYO musician there is a tuition fee per student per group for the 2026-27 season:

  • Prelude Orchestra $450.

  • Concert Orchestra $450.

  • Symphony Orchestra $650. 

    A limited number of scholarships based on financial needs are available.

  • While EBYO membership is generally for the complete school year, students who participate in school marching band or color guard or who just wish to join at a later date will still be able to audition or interview to join our programs in January or March.

    EBYO students are required to participate in their school music program if one exists.

STEP 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

  • We’d love to have you join us for our 26-27 Season!

    • BEGINNERS: New Prelude String Orchestra members will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a music teacher addressing the students readiness for playing in an orchestra setting. Optionally, student can submit a video audition playing whatever piece they are currently working on. String player should be able to play Suzuki Book 1 or 2 level (first position).

    • INTERMEDIATE: New Concert Orchestra members will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a music teacher addressing the students readiness for playing in an orchestra setting. Optionally, student can submit a video audition (sheet music links below). String players in Concert should be able to play at least Suzuki Book 2 or 3 (first and some third position).

    • ADVANCED: New Symphony Orchestra members will be asked to submit a video audition.  Be sure to download the appropriate music piece for your instrument.  String players should be able to play Suzuki Book 4 or higher (comfortably play in 3rd and some 5th position).

  • Thanks for being part of EBYO! We’d love to have you re-join us for our next season. Typically at the end of every season we have “returner zoom interviews” to get a sense of your future plans.

    If you were happy with where you were seated, regardless of the orchestra you were in, you do not need to audition.

    If you were in Concert Orchestra and would like to move into Symphony, you will be required to submit an audition video. The music is below. Please send a link to your video audition to manager@ebyo.org by our August 10 deadline.

    If you were in Symphony and would like to move up in seating, you will be required to submit an audition video. The music is below. Please send a link to your video audition to manager@ebyo.org by our August 10 deadline.

STEP 2: SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

  • EBYO PRELUDE STRINGS is an inclusive beginning string orchestra.  Applicants for only need their music teacher's recommendation in order to join the orchestra. 

    Prelude Strings Orchestra expectations

    • Violins, Violas, Cellos: Ability to play major scales in G, D, A in one octave;

    • Solid knowledge of first position

    To begin, fill out the Online Application

  • The EBYO Concert Orchestra is an inclusive orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.  Applicants the Concert Orchestra only need their music teacher's recommendation.

    If a student prefers, a video recording from the list below is also acceptable, in lieu of a teacher recommendation.

    Concert Orchestra String expectations

    • Violins, Violas, Cellos: Ability to play major scales in G, D, A in two octaves;

    • Solid knowledge of first position with a beginning understanding of third position;

    • Beginning vibrato is welcomed but not required;

    • Bassists are expected to play one octave in the keys of F Major and D Major.

    Concert Orchestra Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion expectations

    • Ability to play a scale and if desired record the audition music for Concert (intermediate level) below.

    To begin, fill out the Online Application

  • The EBYO Symphony Orchestra is an advanced orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. 

    First time applicants for the Symphony Orchestra are required to play the audition music chosen by the conductor (see below).  Symphony Orchestra students do not need to perform scales in their audition video. 

    To begin, fill out the Online Application

AUDITION SHEET MUSIC

If you have questions, please email manager@ebyo.org