PURSUE YOUR PASSION. JOIN MYSO.
Develop your musical abilities and make new friends who share your deep passion for music.
One of The Largest After-School Youth Orchestra Programs in the U.S.
Find joy, passion and inspiration at MYSO, one of the largest and most respected after school youth orchestra in the country. Connect with like-minded highly motivated young musicians and make new friends. Train in the custom acoustically-designed Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, the only facility of its kind in the U.S. Stand out in the college application process with your achievements in MYSO. Participate in any one of 40 ensembles and supplemental training programs ranging from full symphony and string orchestras, percussion, jazz and steel pan ensembles to music theory and composition classes and international tours.
We employ some of the most accomplished music educators in the region, who blend creativity and pedagogical expertise with great breadth of musical knowledge. And our Master Classes provide exposure to the talents of Milwaukee area and visiting professional musicians.
fall 2021 auditions
October 14-16, 2021
We are currently seeking musicians to fill the following openings beginning in late October:
- string players grades 4-9
- flutists grades 6-9
- low brass players–trombones, euphoniums, and tubas–grades 7-9
- percussionists grades 7-9
- bassoonists
- French hornists
- string bass players
- harpists
In-person auditions will be held October 14-16. Complete the registration form below as soon as possible, but no later than October 6, and you will be contacted about an appointment.
What to Prepare
- Scales: perform two scales of your choice. Present each in any format you wish, and play both as many octaves (up and down) as you are comfortable.
- Solo: present a prepared solo or etude, no more than 3-4 minutes in length, preferably with contrasting tempos and/or styles (no piano accompaniment). Two short contrasting movements are acceptable.
- An excerpt (optional): choose and perform a 30-45 second excerpt (part) from your school band or orchestra music or any band or orchestra part.
- Sight Reading: musicians may be asked to sight read a short exercise from the judge’s material.
Contact Artistic Administrator Dan Duffy at danduffy@myso.org or 414-267-2946 to learn more.
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For more information about our programs, click here.
Find Your Place at MYSO
Share powerful musical experiences with like-minded peers. Dare to challenge yourself musically, intellectually, and personally. Find sanctuary at MYSO and a safe place for creative self-expression, exploration, and personal discovery. Enter an environment that takes you away from the ordinary and the everyday to an uplifting, thought-provoking, and entertaining place. Participate in the cultural vibrancy of Milwaukee with our diverse student body.
Interact with instructors dedicated to developing confidence and essential life skills necessary to reach your full potential. They are comprised of the region’s most sought-after musicians, music educators, and teaching artists, including members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Your MYSO audition is the first step you’ll take toward making music with many other wonderful musicians just like you. You’ll be inspired and challenged, and receive expert guidance from those who care about you and your musical development.
IN-PERSON rehearsals
MYSO has been successful in safely providing in-person rehearsals and performances in the COVID era. Students rehearse at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center which has a state-of-the-art ventilation system, high ceilings, large spaces, and additional safety measures in place.
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for MYSO!
Audition Registration Form
Most MYSO ensembles rehearse once a week during the school year. The season begins in September and continues through May. MYSO musicians are expected to enroll in their school music programs on the same instrument they play in MYSO.
Additional opportunities for members of MYSO include the Davidson Chamber Ensemble Program, concerto competitions, music theory classes, John Downey Creation Project for young composers, our Community Concert Series, “side-by-side” rehearsal and coaching opportunities with professional musicians and much more. Learn more about our enrichment programs.
Placement Auditions
All members are required to audition (some ensemble exceptions exist) in order to participate during the following season. Auditions are held in the spring for the following school year. Details are usually communicated in January.
Seating Auditions
In addition, each musician will audition for his or her conductor in order to determine section/chair placement and to make part assignments. These auditions typically occur in mid-to-late August. Requirements vary and are usually announced in July.