What is the audition process for CYSO, DCS, ES, and PSE?
Auditions will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Student applicants should first download the Audition Packet on the Audition Packets page. The Audition Packet provides audition performance requirements and details important information to know prior to filling out the Audition Application Form. Families should then fill out the Audition Application Form. An invoice for the Audition Fee ($25) will be emailed prior to the audition date. Once payment is received, another Audition Time Slot Confirmation will be delivered closer to August 25. This time slot will last about five to eight (5-8) minutes and will be the exact audition time for the student.
Students are expected to arrive early on Audition Day (August 25) to warm up and prepare for the given audition time slot. Students that do not appear for the audition at the time slot given will not be considered for any of the CYSO Orchestras.
Students are expected to arrive early on Audition Day (August 25) to warm up and prepare for the given audition time slot. Students that do not appear for the audition at the time slot given will not be considered for any of the CYSO Orchestras.
Do returning students have to audition again?
Yes, all students (new and returning alike) must audition each year for admission to one of the four CYSO Orchestras. This policy was initiated in 2024 and is meant to foster a stimulating, energetic atmosphere for all student musicians who have worked hard for placement in one of the ensembles. Students who did not participate last season but who participated in the past are strongly encouraged to apply for the 2026-2027 season.
How do I apply specifically for CYSO, DCS, ES, or PSE?
There is just one Audition Application Form, and just one Audition Day: Tuesday, August 25 between 5:00-9:00 p.m. Auditions for admission to the four orchestras take place that evening. Every student is responsible for preparing audition excerpts (see the Audition Packets) that are required (and/or recommended) based on the auditioning student's instrument.
Do I owe anything after submitting the Audition Application Form?
Not immediately, but an invoice for the Audition Fee ($25) will be delivered to the email address used to complete the application. Please check email for this invoice from the Claremont Community School of Music. Payment of the Audition Fee prior to Audition Day (no later than August 20, 2026) is required for an Audition Time Slot Confirmation. If the Audition Fee is not paid on time, the student will not receive an audition time slot and will will not be considered for any of the CYSO Orchestras.
Are scholarships offered for auditioning students?
Yes! Auditioning students may apply through the Claremont Community School of Music to be considered for a need-based scholarship. Partial scholarships are given with the expectation that the student can commit to all concerts, complying with all youth-orchestra policies throughout the season. The need-based scholarship is currently the only type of scholarship offered. To learn more about this opportunity and to submit a scholarship application before Audition Day, please visit the Tuition page.
I filled out the Audition Application Form but have not yet received an audition slot for my student. When can I expect to receive the audition time slot?
Audition time slots are given once the Audition Fee ($25) payment is received, closer to August 25 (Audition Day). Payments are processed through the Claremont Community School of Music (CCSM). Audition time slots will be delivered as soon as possible, following CCSM's receipt of the Audition Fee payment. Please check email for the Audition Time Slot Confirmation. The Audition Application Form allows applicants to indicate a preferred audition time-slot interval (5:00-7:00 p.m. or 7:00-9:00 p.m.), which the CYSO Orchestras will take into consideration when selecting students' audition time slots.
When and where do rehearsals for the CYSO Orchestras take place?
CYSO, DCS, ES, and PSE rehearse in the William J. Huff Recital Hall at the Claremont Community School of Music, 951 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711. PSE rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m. CYSO rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:30 p.m. DCS rehearses on Wednesday evenings this year from 5:30-6:15 p.m. ES rehearses on Wednesday evenings, this year from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
When are concerts being held during the 2026-2027 season?
Auditioning students must be available for all required concerts, dress rehearsals, and regularly scheduled rehearsals listed on the calendar. Students and families should review any potential schedule conflicts (school activities, vacations, etc.) before auditioning. Last-minute absences, vacations or schedule conflicts are not acceptable reasons for missing required performances. Missing one of the required concerts may result in immediate removal from the program to make room for waitlisted students. If you are unable to commit to the scheduled rehearsals and concert dates, we kindly ask that you please do not submit an application.
There are three (3) concerts pre-scheduled for the CYSO Orchestras' 2026-2027 season (below). Please note that the times are intervals during which students are currently required to be available. Updates on exact concert start times will be made available soon:
1. Sunday, December 13, 2026 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Claremont United Church of Christ (CUCC)
2. Saturday, January 23, 2027 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges)
3. Saturday, June 5, 2027 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges)
There are three (3) concerts pre-scheduled for the CYSO Orchestras' 2026-2027 season (below). Please note that the times are intervals during which students are currently required to be available. Updates on exact concert start times will be made available soon:
1. Sunday, December 13, 2026 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Claremont United Church of Christ (CUCC)
2. Saturday, January 23, 2027 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges)
3. Saturday, June 5, 2027 @ 12:00-6:00 PM
Bridges Hall of Music (Little Bridges)
How does CYSO Orchestras tuition work this year?
The tuition schedule is as follows: $89/month for CYSO, $84/month for PSE, $84/month for ES, and $79/month for DCS. Tuition invoices will be auto-emailed by the Claremont Community School of Music (CCSM) on the first day of every month between September 2026 and May 2027 (no payment in June 2027). This year, families will be enrolled in auto-pay for CYSO Orchestras tuition (more information forthcoming).
What does tuition include?
One of the crowning features of the CYSO Orchestras program is its integration with the Claremont Community School of Music (CCSM), whose faculty participate weekly in rehearsals alongside student musicians. The 2026-2027 season will feature three (3) pre-scheduled concerts; 36 rehearsals from September 2026 through the first week of June 2027; student leadership and volunteer opportunities; music technology resources for at-home practice; chamber music opportunities; and other special functions.
Where can I find the orchestra schedule for the 2026-2027 season?
The CYSO Orchestras meet on a weekly basis from September 2026 until the first week of June 2027. The CYSO Orchestras 2026-2027 Schedule is located on the Schedules page and includes rehearsal and concert dates.
What are the differences between CYSO, DCS, ES, and PSE?
Ensembles are not part of a ranking system. Rather, each ensemble offers a unique experience based on the ensemble type (full symphonic versus string orchestra), presenting repertoire of various styles, focuses, and challenges. These factors are part of what drives audition outcomes for each student, as the CYSO Orchestras thoughtfully place students where they will thrive the most for the orchestra season.
Please see the Ensembles pages for CYSO, DCS, ES, and PSE for more information about what students can expect from the musical experience in each ensemble. On these pages, students and their private-lesson instructors will find helpful guidelines as to the expected techniques students should possess for each ensemble.
DCS and ES are string orchestras (with piano). PSE and CYSO are full orchestras (with piano and harp).
Please see the Ensembles pages for CYSO, DCS, ES, and PSE for more information about what students can expect from the musical experience in each ensemble. On these pages, students and their private-lesson instructors will find helpful guidelines as to the expected techniques students should possess for each ensemble.
DCS and ES are string orchestras (with piano). PSE and CYSO are full orchestras (with piano and harp).
What does "solo piece" mean?
For the Application Form: Students should be playing one current solo piece (likely the student's Solo Piece choice for the audition). Students should also be able to list two prior solo pieces, usually repertoire that is part of either an etude book, Suzuki or other method book, or other piece of music that either requires minimal accompaniment (e.g. piano) or none at all. Please note that an accompanist will not be provided at the audition, so students should be prepared to perform the piece on their own.
For the Audition: The solo piece should be a non-orchestral work, preferably something from either a method book or the standard list of repertoire for the student's instrument (this varies by playing level).
For the Audition: The solo piece should be a non-orchestral work, preferably something from either a method book or the standard list of repertoire for the student's instrument (this varies by playing level).
What if my student's audition result was not what was expected?
The CYSO Orchestras take careful consideration into decisions made based on each auditioning applicant's performance. This includes taking into account how students will benefit from the challenges and repertoire of the ensemble into which they are placed.
All placement decisions are made at the discretion of the Music Director and are final. Please note that declining orchestra placement for the season means the student's spot will be given to a student currently on the waitlist.
All placement decisions are made at the discretion of the Music Director and are final. Please note that declining orchestra placement for the season means the student's spot will be given to a student currently on the waitlist.
How can my student best prepare for Audition Day on August 25?
Students should read page two of the Audition Packet, which provides insight into best practices for preparing to audition. We encourage students to work on the audition requirements with a private instructor if currently taking private lessons. Prepared students will have carefully read the first page of the Audition Packet, noting all audition requirements. Audition excerpts can be difficult, but we advise that students spend ample time throughout the summer to work these excerpts up to tempo, performing them with proper intonation and all applicable rhythms, articulations, and dynamics.
My student is interested in promotional lessons to learn and audition on an instrument that the CYSO Orchestras especially need this year. How do I set this up with CCSM?
The CYSO orchestras are currently seeking students who play certain orchestral instruments (please see the Audition Application Form). To help encourage students to explore these high-need instruments, CCSM is offering a limited number of promotional private lessons at no cost this summer. Please see the Audition Application Form for a list of high-need instruments.
To pursue this opportunity, please first fill out the Audition Application Form. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a special referral form link. The Claremont Community School of Music will aim to pair the student with one of CCSM's faculty for private lessons. Once promotional lesson dates and times are coordinated between the student's family and the instructor, the student will meet for in-person lessons. These lessons will help the student to decide whether or not to continue with the new instrument. To continue private lessons after the promotional lessons, please contact the CCSM Office at (909) 264-3012 or fill out the Contact Us form. Audition packets by instrument are available here.
Please note that participating in these lessons does not guarantee admission to an ensemble. However, it is an excellent opportunity to try a new instrument and receive personalized instruction. Students wishing to play multiple instruments in multiple ensembles should consider auditioning on those instruments, while expecting to choose just one instrument and one orchestra (especially if the student is accepted to multiple orchestras on multiple instruments).
To pursue this opportunity, please first fill out the Audition Application Form. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a special referral form link. The Claremont Community School of Music will aim to pair the student with one of CCSM's faculty for private lessons. Once promotional lesson dates and times are coordinated between the student's family and the instructor, the student will meet for in-person lessons. These lessons will help the student to decide whether or not to continue with the new instrument. To continue private lessons after the promotional lessons, please contact the CCSM Office at (909) 264-3012 or fill out the Contact Us form. Audition packets by instrument are available here.
Please note that participating in these lessons does not guarantee admission to an ensemble. However, it is an excellent opportunity to try a new instrument and receive personalized instruction. Students wishing to play multiple instruments in multiple ensembles should consider auditioning on those instruments, while expecting to choose just one instrument and one orchestra (especially if the student is accepted to multiple orchestras on multiple instruments).
Will there be a Concerto Competition this year?
Yes, there will be a CSO-CYSO Concerto Competition held this fall. Please stay tuned for more information.
