Audition requirements vary by instrument and ensemble. Here's a breakdown to help you prepare:

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Parts of the Audition:

• Orchestral Excerpts: These are the most important part of the audition. Excerpts are taken from repertoire recently performed by the ensemble you're auditioning for.

• Scales: Demonstrate your technical proficiency with scales specific to your instrument and artistic level.

• Solo (required for all orchestras): Choose a solo that showcases your musicality and technical abilities - perform between 2-3 minutes of a solo (can be an excerpt, does not need to be a full solo piece).

 

Preparation Steps:

1. Choose Your Ensemble: Select the Ensemble (Listed from most advanced to least advanced below: Symphony, Concert, Repertory, Bravo String) that best matches your current playing level. Each student should only prepare and submit ONE Audition Video (unless you are auditioning on more than one instrument).

   • Judges may place you in a less advanced ensemble  that what you audition for if they feel it's a better fit and/or based on available seats.  However, you will NOT be placed in a more advanced ensemble than the one you auditioned for.

     • Example: If you audition for Concert Orchestra, you might be placed in Repertory Orchestra or Bravo String Orchestra, but not in Symphony Orchestra.

2. Find Your Instrument: Click on your instrument to find the specific requirements (excerpts, scales, solo) for your instrument in a specific ensemble listed below.

3. Prepare Your Audition: Download and save or print the PDF with specific requirements for your instrument/ensemble and prepare your audition.

4. Record your Audition Video: Read the TIPS and INSTRUCTIONS for recording your audition video. PERCUSSION - you will have in-person screening auditions, please let us know you plan to audition by completing this form and we will be in touch to schedule.

5. Complete the CKYO 79th Season Audition Application: Make sure to copy your Unlisted YouTube Link of your audition video and have it handy when you complete the application. The application with your completed video is due June 1, 2026.

6. CKYO will be in touch via the EMAILS provided on your audition application with results of your audition by July 1, 2026.

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Additional Tips:

• Review the audition information carefully.

• Ensure you understand the specific requirements for your instrument and chosen ensemble.

• Choose a solo that highlights your strengths and complements the required excerpts.

• The title, composer (and arranger if applicable) is listed at the top of each orchestra excerpt in the audition packet. Use this to find recordings of the pieces to get an idea of style as you prepare. Listening is a crucial part of learning orchestral excerpts and understanding how your part fits in the orchestra.

 

For information about Musical and Technical Skills and competencies for each ensemble, click HERE.

 

For the judging and scoring rubric the judges use to assess each audition, click HERE.​​

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (find the ensemble, then your instrument)

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SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, most advanced

Grades typically represented: 9th-12th

Conductor: Marcello Cormio

Rehearses: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30pm at Singletary Center for the Arts

Click HERE for Symphony Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

 

Symphony Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

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FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

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BASS TROMBONE

TUBA

VIOLIN​ 

VIOLA​

CELLO​ 

DOUBLE BASS​

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HARP

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PIANO​ - no opening in 2026-2027

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CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, second most advanced

Grades typically represented: 8th-12th

Conductor: Marcello Cormio

Rehearses: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:15pm at TBA (25-26 location: Frederick Douglass High School)

Click HERE for Concert Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

 

Concert Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

​

FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

​

BASS TROMBONE

TUBA​

VIOLIN​ 

VIOLA​

CELLO​ 

DOUBLE BASS​​

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HARP

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PIANO​ - no opening in 2026-2027

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REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

Full symphonic orchestra, advanced beginner to intermediate, first full orchestra experience

Grades typically represented: 6th-10th

Conductors: Nancy Campbell and Lois Wiggins

Rehearses: Thursdays, 6:30* - 8:30pm at TBA (25-26 location: Frederick Douglass High School)

*During Marching Band Season, winds and brass participating in Marching Band are not required to report until 7pm.

Click HERE for Repertory Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

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Repertory Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

FLUTE​

OBOE

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CLARINET​

BASSOON​

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FRENCH HORN​

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TRUMPET​

TROMBONE​

​

BASS TROMBONE

TUBA​

VIOLIN​

VIOLA​

CELLO​ 

DOUBLE BASS​

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PIANO

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BRAVO STRING ORCHESTRA

String Only ensemble, beginner to advanced beginner

Grades typically represented: 4th - 8th

Conductors: Nancy Campbell and Mary Elizabeth Henton

Rehearses: TUESDAYS, 6:00 - 7:30pm at TBA (25-26 location: Tates Creek High School)

Click HERE for Bravo String Orchestra info and musical/technical skill requirements. 

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Bravo String Orchestra Audition requirements by Instrument (click on your instrument below)

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VIOLIN​

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VIOLA​

CELLO​

DOUBLE BASS

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PERCUSSION

Performs ensemble work and all percussion parts for the symphonic orchestras at concerts

Grades typically represented: 6th-12th

Director: Samantha Vivian

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If offered a placement, percussionists will be assigned to either the Symphony Orchestra or the Concert Orchestra and will rehearse with the ensemble each week.​

• Symphony Orchestra Percussion Rehearses: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30pm at Singletary Center for the Arts/UK College of Fine Arts​

• Concert Orchestra Percussion Rehearses: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:15pm, location TBA (25-26 location: Frederick Douglass High School).

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Percussion will have IN-PERSON screenings. For more information, requirements, and what to bring to your screening, click HERE.

• Screenings will be scheduled in May 2026 (Dates and time TBD) at the UK College of Fine Arts.

• To schedule your in-person screening, complete this form and we will be in contact with you.

• Returning percussionists DO NOT need to complete a spring ensemble screening audition to participate in the same ensemble, instead they should complete the 2026-2027 PARTICIPATION SURVEY. Concert Orchestra Percussion - if you are interested in being considered for Symphony Orchestra Percussion, please complete the form and we will schedule a screening audition.

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ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLES (not auditioning until Fall 2026)​​

• JAZZ ENSEMBLES - CKYO's jazz season runs January thru May of each year as to not conflict with marching band. If you are interested in being notified when Jazz Audition Info is live in October 2026, please complete this form.

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