Audition Information

Membership in the Oakland Youth Orchestra is open to highly qualified players of orchestral instruments from Bay Area schools through the annual audition process.

Entrance Auditions for the 2026-2027 Season

Entrance application now open! Auditions are open to musicians aged 22 or younger who are prepared to make a serious commitment to challenging repertoire and to our full schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and tours. Generally, students are between the ages of 11 and 22, but exceptional younger students may also be admitted.

Please review the audition requirements prior to applying.

Audition Requirements can be found here.
Video Audition Components & Submission Requirements can be found here.
Concert Dates can be found here.

2025-26 Season – Recruiting Auditions

As OSYO nears the end of its 2025-26 Season, openings remain for viola, bass, and bassoon to complete the season. Please complete the audition application to indicate your interest for consideration. Candidates contacted should prepare for a live audition on Sunday, February 22 and be available between 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

Note: Final OSYO Spring Concert: May 10, 2026 (Mother’s Day)

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON:

March 31: Audition Application Due AND Audition Videos Due (closes at 11:59 PM PDT)
April 18: Audition Results & Registration Instructions sent via EMAIL
May 1: Deadline to Complete the 2026-27 Member Registration
July 15: Deadline to Submit Tuition Assistance Application

To register for an audition, please complete the Audition Application. There is a non-refundable $35 application fee. Candidates auditioning on multiple instruments must complete a new audition application for each instrument and pay the non-refundable fee. Payments are processed through PayPal.

Note: While this application form allows users to save and return to the form within 30 days, entries are not stored in the system until the application is paid.

Financial circumstances should not be a barrier to joining OSYO. We offer need-based aid for all program costs, including audition fee waivers. To request a free application or discuss financial assistance, please contact our office directly.