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.

Auditions are now open to join all our programs. See below for our programs’ audition requirements.

Deadline: Our Seasons run August to May of the following year.

• Auditions and admissions are on a rolling-basis after our early-bird discount date (May 10). See Below for Tuition and Fees.

Instruments

• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass;
• Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon;
• Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba.

entry-Level Orchestra Program

• The CSMA Junior Orchestra by the SYP, offered in partnership with the Community School of Music and Arts.
• Rehearsals: Sundays, 10AM-12PM at the Community School of Music and Arts, Mountain View, CA
• Ages: 8-12 yo
• Tuition and Fees
• Audition fee: $35
• Registration fee: $90
• Tuition: $1,750 if paid in full. Early Bird Discount by May 10: $150 off. ***Tuition is non-refundable.***
• Entry-Level Program – 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

Advanced-Level Orchestra Program

• Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30-7:30PM at the Sunnyvale Community Center, Sunnyvale, CA
• Ages: 12-18 years old
• Audition fee: $35
• Registration fee: $90
• Tuition: $1,850 if paid in full. ***Tuition is non-refundable.***
• Honors Program: Tuition-free program for students who demonstrate high level commitment to the Advanced-Level orchestra
• 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

Chamber Program:

• Rehearsals: Sundays, 10AM-11AM at the Community School of Music and Arts, Mountain View, CA
• Ages: 12-18 years old
• Audition fee: $35
• Registration fee: $90
• Tuition: $1,650 if paid in full. ***Tuition is non-refundable.***
• Chamber Music 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

SYP Honors Ensemble and Signature Repertoire Orchestra:

The Signature Repertoire Orchestra is our premier ensemble, designed for musicians who have achieved a high degree of technical mastery. This program provides a rigorous environment where students tackle the most challenging masterworks of the orchestral canon. It is tailored for the dedicated performer seeking a sophisticated musical experience alongside the most advanced peers in the South Bay.

The SYP Honors Program is a merit-based distinction awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional artistry and a leadership-level commitment to the Signature and Advanced-Level Orchestras. Honors students serve as the cornerstone of our ensemble, receiving tuition-free access in recognition of their exemplary dedication to musical excellence.

Rehearsals

• Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30-7:30PM at the Sunnyvale Community Center, Sunnyvale, CA
• Ages: 14-21 years old
• Audition fee: $35
• Registration fee: $90
• Tuition: $2,000 if paid in full. ***Tuition is non-refundable.***

honors & Signature Seating Audition Requirements

Strings

• Scales: One three-octave scale (key of your choice), ascending and descending. Please be prepared to perform using the following articulations:
  • 4 notes per bow (slurred).
  • Quadruplet spiccato (each note played four times).
• Arpeggios: A two-octave arpeggio sequence including:
  • Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, and Diminished 7th.
• Solo Repertoire: A prepared solo or étude. Please choose two contrasting sections from a standard repertoire movement or two separate pieces that showcase your range and expression.

Woodwinds

• Chromatic Scale: Ascending and descending from your lowest to highest comfortable note.
• Major Scales: All major scales, ascending and descending. The panel will select 2–3 scales to hear during the audition.
• Solo Repertoire: Two works of contrasting styles and tempos (one may be an étude) OR two contrasting sections of a single solo. Please select pieces that best demonstrate your current technical and lyrical proficiency.

Brass

• Scales & Range:
  • Chromatic Scale: Ascending and descending from your lowest to highest comfortable note.
  • Major Scales: Please prepare all major scales. If possible, perform 2 octaves to demonstrate your full range.
• Technical Articulation:
  • Slur two notes, performing staccato on every second note.
  • Triple-tongue every note (triplets).

Solo Repertoire: Contrasting sections from a standard repertoire movement or two sections from contrasting pieces.