SEMYO invites youth musicians who play a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument to submit an audition for our 2021-2022 season! For the safety of our students and their family members, all auditions will be conducted by submitting a video recording. For current SEMYO students audition video submissions are due on May 23 and for new students auditions are due on June 6. (Students in the SEMYO Concert Orchestra are not required to submit an audition but will be asked to perform a seating audition to determine part assignments prior to the first SEMYO rehearsal in September.)
We are committed and available to help students with the process of recording and uploading auditions and you are encouraged to contact us anytime for help. In the event you do not have suitable equipment or internet access please contact Corey Henke at chenke@semyo.org or call 507-696-2023 to arrange for an alternative.
Please note that students auditioning for Concert Orchestra on percussion will need to audition in person or use her or his school instruments to record the timpani excerpt. Please contact SEMYO to make arrangements for your percussion audition.
To complete your online audition please do the following:
Step 1: (New Students Only): Complete the online application: Click here
Step 2: Download and review the audition requirements for your instrument and determine for which ensemble you are auditioning. Click here
Step 3: Record your audition that must include 2 scales, required excerpt(s) from the audition guidelines, and a 1-2 minute solo of your choice. Students auditioning for Bravura Strings may omit the solo requirement.
Step 4: Upload the video to YouTube and set it as ‘unlisted.’
Step 5: Submit the audition to SEMYO using the ‘Audition Video Submission Form’ at the bottom of this page.
No audition fee is required at this time.
Once you have prepared and practiced your audition to the best of your ability it is time to record your audition. Audition solos must be unaccompanied. Please review the following recommendations and guidelines to create a successful recording.
Your audition may be recorded using a smartphone (recommended), tablet, or digital camera. High-quality recording equipment is not required!
This is the correct video placement for string players. When shooting your video be sure we can see your hands and instrument in the shot.
Once you have made a satisfactory recording you may upload your audition to YouTube. When you upload your video please include your name in the title and the audition component (scales, excerpts, or solo). For example: SEMYO Audition. Excerpts. Corey Henke. Also, be sure to designate the video as ‘unlisted.’
If you are not familiar with You Tube please use the links below for detailed instructions. If you have difficulty please contact Corey Henke at chenke@semyo.org at anytime.
Instructions for creating a YouTube Account: Click here.
Instructions for Uploading Videos from your phone to You Tube: Click Here
Instructions for Uploading Videos from your computer to You Tube: Click Here
1001 14th St. NW, Suite 450
Rochester, MN 55901
Office Hours
Tuesday, 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Wednesday, 9:30AM – 3:30PM