For information about the CSYO Nouveau Chamber Players, please click here.
QUESTIONS??
If you have questions or suggestions about the CSYO, please
feel free to contact our office at 513.744.3333 (leave a message and we will call you back!) or email us
For more information about the CYSO Concert Orchestra (formerly BAYSO), please click here.
Thank you for your interest in the upcoming season of the CSYO and CSYO Concert Orchestra. Below, you will find everything you need to apply and prepare for the audition. All auditions will take place from August 20-25 at Walnut Hills High School.
Important Information
Auditions for the CSYO (grades 9-12) and CSYO Concert Orchestra (grades 7-12) will be held concurrently. Students in grades 7 & 8 should use the CSYO Concert Orchestra Audition Excerpt packet for their audition. Students in grades 9-12 may use either the CSYO or CSYO Concert Orchestra Audition Excerpt packet for their audition. If you choose to use the CSYO Concert Orchestra Audition Excerpt packet, you will be considered for the CSYO Concert Orchestra only. If you choose to use the CSYO Audition Excerpt packet, you will be considered for both orchestras and placed according to your audition result.
Print out the CSYO Audition Application
. Read all the information, fill out the application, and obtain signatures. Even though you may not have the Signatures Form complete, please send in the Application form as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
Under the ensemble you wish to audition for, find your instrument and click on it to download the Audition Excerpt packet. Remember, if you choose the CSYO Concert Orchestra packet, you will be auditioning for that ensemble only. If you choose the CSYO packet you will be auditioning for both ensembles and will be placed according to your audition result. Be sure that you follow all the instructions and don't forget to practice your scales, solo piece, and sight reading.
The Cincinnati Symphony Youth
Orchestra (CSYO), under the direction of CSO Assistant Conductor William C. White, is made up of students in grades 9–12
who represent over 30 high schools in southwestern Ohio,
southeastern Indiana, and northern Kentucky.
Founded in 1964 by former CSO Music Director Max Rudolf
and area music educators, the CSYO is dedicated to the
cultivation of talent and provides outstanding young instrumentalists
the opportunity to perform repertoire not normally available
through their school music programs.
Rehearsals. Students attend weekly rehearsals at the College-Conservatory
of Music, are invited to attend CSO concerts at Music
Hall, study with CSO musicians in sectionals held several
times throughout the season, and give concert performances,
often with peer soloists chosen through the CSYO Concerto
Competition.
Joint Concert with CSO. An annual highlight of the season
is the CSO/CSYO Joint Concert performed at Music Hall.
Awards/Scholarships. A special contribution of the Multicultural
Awareness Council to the CSO is the establishment
of the Norman E. Johns Chair in the Cincinnati
Symphony Youth Orchestra. This award is made to a talented
minority student to cover the cost of participation in
the CSYO. Students must first be accepted into the orchestra
by means of the regular audition process in the fall;
once accepted, students may choose to audition before
a panel of judges for the award.
Additionally, the CSYO presents the Josephine I.
and David J. Joseph, Jr. Scholarship each
year at its Memorial Day Concert. Since 1991, the scholarship
has been awarded to a senior student who has been a winner
of the CSYO Concerto Competition and who plans to pursue
a career in music.