Symphony Orchestra

Want to play with us? We’d love to have you! New and returning musicians, please begin by completing our 2025–26 Audition/Application Form. Auditions for new string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) typically take place in May. Auditions for all students (new, returning, all instruments except percussion) will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the LDS Church, 220 Elk Street, Santa Cruz 95065. Audition times will be sent to participants in early August. For those who miss the August auditions, we can arrange another time to hear you play.

New musicians may join us in September (fall set), January (winter set) or March (spring set). Contact info@sccys.org to inquire about joining mid-season.

Scroll down to see what you will be asked to play at your audition.

Questions? Email us at info@sccys.org and someone will get back to you shortly.

Chamber Music Academy

The SCCYS Chamber Music Academy runs from mid-October to mid-April each season. Visit the Chamber Music Academy’s page to learn more and apply.

Santa Cruz Chamber Strings

Our program for younger string players has 2 sessions per season: September through November, and March through May. Visit the Chamber Strings’ page to learn more and apply.

Eligibility

Strong musical skills and a good attitude are the primary requirements for admission to the Youth Symphony; these factors are more important than an applicant’s age or how long they have played an instrument.
Applicants must be 20 years old or younger, and must be prepared to make a sincere commitment to full rehearsal and concert participation.
Private lessons are strongly encouraged but not mandatory. We understand that some applicants may receive instruction through their school music programs. Mueller Scholarships are available through the Santa Cruz Symphony for young musicians who need financial assistance for private lessons.

Audition Music

Musicians auditioning for the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony should be prepared to perform the following:

Major scales of three octaves for strings* and two octaves for winds.**
A prepared piece or etude of approximately three minutes in length. You do not need to memorize your piece. Please bring a copy of it so our music director can follow along.
Excerpts from the fall repertoire will be provided for students to practice and play at their auditions. We will email you a link to the 2025 excerpts in early August.

* Strings may choose their 3-octave scale from the following major keys:

Violins: G, A-flat, A, B-flat, C or D
Violas: C, D-flat, D, E-flat, F or G
Cellos: C, D-flat, D, E-flat, F or G
In addition: a one-octave scale in any key (up and down) in spiccato triplets – 3 bounces per note with beat at 108.

** Scales for winds will be selected from keys up to two sharps and flats and will be selected by instrument to be in appropriate and idiomatic ranges for student players.

Audition/Application Form

To schedule an audition, please complete our Audition/Application Form.