TSYO Auditions & Registration
Applications for the TSYO's 50th season will start on June 19 2023. Deadline to apply is July 31 2023. Late applications will be until August 14 2023. Applications after August 14 will not be considered. All audition packages will be sent within five business days upon paying the application fee.
2023/24 TSYO Season Update (as of May, 2023)
The excitement before going on stage, the bright lights, the hum of the audience, the first concert A, and the butterflies in anticipation of the first down beat. This upcoming season is the TSYO’s Golden Jubilee season (yes–50 years of your TSYO in 2023/24!) and is not to be missed!
Leading up to the 50th season, our 2022/23 season was a jammed packed one. We had the return of our famous camp weekend, we had a record breaking number of applicants in our Concerto Competition and we played four side-by-side concerts. We also got to participate in runout concerts in MusicFest at Niagara Falls and Junior Fest at HarbourFront Center. Finally, we continue to be committed to DEI and are very excited to share with you our DEI video message. We had a lot of firsts in our previous season and we are excited for what’s to come.
Now looking forward to next season, our Golden Jubilee year will be filled with celebratory events. We will be going on a youth exchange with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra, our side-by-side piece with the TSO will be Tchaikovsky’s 4th symphony and TSYO alumni from far and wide are invited to join us to celebrate TSYO’s history. In addition to that, for the first time ever, TSYO is in subscription booklets for concerts next season! Moreover, to aid us in telling our narrative, we are no longer calling our concerts Fall, Winter and Spring, but rather we are looking forward to our Fate, Britannia and Titan Concert. We are for the youth, by the youth and we hope you join us in the coming season.
If you have any questions, please email us at TSYO@TSO.CA.
TSYO Auditions FAQ
Why audition for the TSYO?
As a member of the TSYO, you will have the opportunity, either in person or online, to:
- Be coached by TSO musicians
- Perform orchestral masterworks in Toronto’s finest concert venues
- Meet with other young musicians
- Work with renowned conductors
- Be eligible to participate in the annual TSYO Concerto Competition
- Attend masterclasses led by TSO guest artists
- Perform side by side with the TSO
- Attend our TSYO Camp Weekend training intensive
Who can audition?
- Anyone 22 years of age or younger, or over the age of 12, as of December 31, 2023
- Instruments: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Percussion, Harp, Piano
- Due to the instrumentation of orchestral repertoire, we do not audition saxophone or other auxiliary instruments.
- Former TSYO members must re-audition each season.
What is the minimum age/skill level/RCM grade level required for the TSYO?
There is no minimum age or grade level required to audition or participate in the TSYO. Applicants are accepted into the orchestra based on their performance in their audition. Excerpt packets may include repertoire excerpts from the upcoming season’s planned repertoire as well as pieces that may not be performed in the upcoming season.
Regarding preparation and getting a sense for the required skill level, our coaches recommend that you:
- Look up videos, recordings, and scores of the orchestral repertoire from the excerpts in your audition packet
- Watch and listen to these pieces to gain an understanding of the level of skill required to play these pieces
- Pay attention to the tempi and how your part fits into the entire piece
To get a sense of the level of playing in TSYO please see an example audition package here. Please note this is only an example of an audition package. To receive a audition package please apply for an audition and pay the audition fee.
How much does it cost to be a member of the TSYO?
The TSYO is tuition-free. The audition fee in 2022/23 is $65.00. Audition fees are non-refundable after the application deadline (July 31, 2022). If your application is received after the application deadline, a $35.00 late fee will be applied.
What does a TSYO audition entail?
Auditions are approximately 8 minutes long. After your application is processed and the audition payment is received, you will receive your audition-preparation details and repertoire excerpts as a PDF via email within 5 business days. This packet will outline the specific audition requirements for your instrument and contain the repertoire excerpts you will be expected to prepare. Each instrument may have slightly different audition requirements. In general, you can expect to be asked to play a two-minute solo of your choice (no accompaniment) and perform the repertoire excerpts in your audition packet.
Auditions will take place in person at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto St.George Campus. Your time and date for your audition slot will be sent by the end of August.
Your audition will be reviewed by a panel of two or three people (TSYO coaches, other TSO musicians, and/or the TSYO conductor).
What is the time commitment for the TSYO?
There are weekly rehearsals from 2:30pm to 5:30pm on Saturday afternoons between mid-September and the last week of April. The 2-3 weeks leading up to the concert will have extra rehearsals on the Saturday morning. The TSYO is expected to begin the season in rehearsing in full symphony orchestra and have sectionals with TSO musicians and TSYO coaches.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, there is a Camp Weekend, three term concerts, our annual side-by-side concert with the TSO and various masterclasses and extra rehearsals with guest conductors, subject to scheduling needs. There may be extra concerts or run-outs (overnight trips to perform concerts in nearby cities) in addition to chamber music opportunities.
TSYO members are required to check weekly emails throughout the season and note all schedule updates. All TSYO members are expected to continue their school music programs since the TSYO is meant to supplement such programs, not replace them. Attendance at all TSYO activities is mandatory. Members will not be excused for paid gigs.
All TSYO activities will adhere to public health guidelines and restrictions.
If you require further information, please email Matthew Robertson, TSYO Manager & Community Assistant, at TSYO@TSO.CA.
Important Dates for 2023/24
**TSYO members need to available for all dates below:
TSYO ACTIVITIES TSYO Auditions:
September 8 -10, 2023
Camp Weekend:
November 3 - 5, 2023
Concerto Competition:
Monday, December 4, 2023
TSYO CONCERT DATES
Fate Concert: Saturday, November 25, 2023
Britannia Concert: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Titan Concert: Saturday, April 27, 2024
SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERTS Friday May 10, 2024 Saturday May 11, 2024
CLEVELAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA EXCHANGE Saturday May 25 - 17, 2024 Friday May 31 - June 2, 2024
