YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

SUBMIT APPLICATION

2026 KAMSA Youth Symphony Orchestra Auditions

Applications will be accepted from March 22 through April 5. Deadline April 11:00 PM

Each year, KAMSA organizes a Youth Symphony Orchestra composed of talented young musicians (grade 6-12) from the Bay Area. The orchestra offers students a collaborative and supportive environment where they can connect with fellow musicians while rehearsing and performing a program of challenging orchestral repertoire. Annual auditions are held to select talented musicians to join the Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Concert Information

  • Concert Date and Time: August 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Location: San Mateo Performing Arts Center

  • Sectionals: August 6, 7, and 8 | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM (Seating auditions will be held during sectional rehearsals.)

  • Full Orchestra Rehearsals: August 9-14 | 6:30 PM-9:30 PM

*Please note: Sectional and seating audition dates are subject to change.

Audition Requirements

All applicants must submit a recorded audition that includes scales and a solo piece.

Strings, Woodwinds and Brass

  • One major scale and one minor scale of your choice.

  • Prepared solo piece that best demonstrates your current ability level recorded within the last 6 months.

  • The prepared solo piece should be at least 5 minutes for strings and woodwinds, and at least 2 minutes for brass instruments.

  • Accompaniment is not mandatory.

Percussion

  • One major scale and one minor scale of your choice.

  • A standard orchestral excerpt of your choice on each of the following instruments: Timpani, Snare, Xylophone, and Tambourine. Alternatively, you may select other percussion instruments.

How to upload

Applicants should upload their audition video to YouTube and submit the video link through the online application. Please ensure the video is set to “Unlisted” and “Public” – do not select “Private.”

Both audition requirements should be included in a single link.

*Late application will not be accepted.

Online Application & Fee Payment

To apply, please provide the following:

  • Audition Fee: $40

  • The fee is non‑refundable and must be paid at the time of online application submission.

Submit Application

Contact

For more information, send an e-mail to: info@kamsa.org