2025-26 Season: Auditions are Still Open
The SYP offers young musicians a fresh approach to music ensemble education in the heart of the South Bay Area, California. We provide passion-driven and accessible programs focused on growth and potential.
Eligibility
Auditions are open to join all our programs. See below for our programs’ audition requirements.
- The CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP: 8-12 years old;
- The Sunnyvale Youth Philharmonic (The SYP): 12-18 years old;
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass;
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon;
- Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba.
Deadline:
- Auditions and admissions are on a rolling-basis after our early-bird discount date (May 15). See Below for Tuition and Fees.
Audition For the CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP (Entry-level Orchestra)
- This is our Entry-Level Program, offered in partnership with the Community School of Music and Arts.
- Ages: 8-12
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
- Rehearsals: Sundays, 10AM-12PM at the Community School of Music and Arts, Mountain View, CA
CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP Audition Requirements
- Prepare a piece that demonstrates your technical skills and musical expressiveness.
- Be prepared to play 2 “one octave scales” of your choice. Be prepared to perform any of the following articulations:
- 2 notes slur articulation
- Détaché
- Sight-reading: You’ll be given a short musical passage to play on the spot.
To join the CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP, we suggest applicants to:
- Have at least 1 to 1.5 years of musical experience (private lessons, band, orchestra, or equivalent)
- Continue private instruction and school music ensemble participation after they join our orchestras
Audition for The Sunnyvale Youth Philharmonic (Advanced-Level Orchestra)
- Ages: 12-18
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
- Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30-7:30PM at the Sunnyvale Community Center, Sunnyvale, CA
The SYP Audition Requirements
- Prepare a piece that demonstrates your technical skills and musical expressiveness.
- Be prepared to play a few scales of your choice. Be prepared to perform any of the following articulations:
- 2 notes slur articulation
- 4 slur notes articulation
- Staccato
- Détaché
- Sight-reading: You’ll be given a short musical passage to play on the spot.
To join the SYP, we suggest applicants to:
- Have at least 2 years of musical experience (private lessons, band, orchestra, or equivalent)
- Continue private instruction and school music ensemble participation after they join our orchestras
Tuition and Fees
- Audition fee: $35
- Registration fee: $75
- Advanced Level Program (12-18yo) Tuition: $1,750 if paid in full.
- Entry-level Program (8-12 yo) Tuition: $1,650 if paid in full.
- Chamber Program (8-18yo) Tuition: $1,100 paid in full.
- Payment plan option is available.
- ***Tuition is non-refundable.***
- Merit-based scholarships and sliding scale tuition are available. We encourage your family to reach out to us.
- Scholarships are available for Violas, Double Bass, Bassoon, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba
Can’t commit to In-person Audition dates?
Our Orchestra Programs are for you if:
- You are passionate about playing an instrument
- You want to grow as a musician, improve your technique and performance skills, and get to know like-minded peers
- You love to be challenged, but also value the joy and creative outlet that music provides
- You want to perform to an audience and get exposed to the classical music world
- You want to be part of a supportive community that is family-oriented and passion-driven
