How to
Audition

Who can audition?

Any rising 6th through 12th grader with a special talent and a passion for music is welcome to audition for a seat in one of our Youth Orchestras.

How do I audition?

You’re 3 steps away from an awesome SPYO audition.

STEP 1: Download & Practice your Audition Music

• Select the audition excerpt below based on your grade and instrument, download, and practice!

• Your audition will have 3 parts. Download your audition excerpts (further down this page) to see the specific requirements for your instrument and ensemble.

Step 2: Sign Up for an In-Person Audition Time

• At the bottom of this page, register for a time slot for your instrument that is most convenient for you.

• Fill out the online registration form by Monday, April 28, 2025.

• Pay the $25 registration fee. [Required]

STEP 3: Audition In-Person

• Auditions will be held in Blackman Music Building on the Converse University campus (see below). This is the same building as the SPYO’s regular, weekly rehearsals.

  • Symphony Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025

  • Prelude Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

• The judges will invite you into the room and ask you to play (in this order): Your scale(s) (two octaves, up and down), your chosen étude or solo demonstrating technical and lyrical ability, and the appropriate excerpt for your instrument/orchestra (see links below). For percussion students, play, in this order, the Multi-Percussion Etude, then EITHER the Mallet Etude OR the Timpani Etude.

Audition Tips:

• Show up early and warm up in the Mayfarth Rehearsal Hall in the music building.

• Each audition will take between 5 to 10 minutes in length. Please choose a solo/etude that fits within this timeframe when played with the scale(s) and excerpt(s).

• Music does not have to be memorized, and the use of sheet music is acceptable.

When are auditions held?

• Auditions for both ensembles, Symphony and Prelude, will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

• Don’t forget to register by Monday, April 28th for your preferred time!

Where do I audition?

Auditions will be held in Blackman Music Building on the Converse University campus: 405 Blackman Music Cir, Spartanburg, SC 29302 (see map below).

Parking: Parking is available in the lot on the corner of Fairview and Drayton Avenues. DO NOT park in the circle in front of the music building. This area is for loading/unloading and drop off ONLY.