Application Information
ALL STUDENTS MUST APPLY, including both returning and new, although returning students need not audition, regardless of instrument. See links below for applications. Returning students are students that played in the orchestra for any part of the previous academic year. Otherwise, a student is considered "new." New or returning students interested in the Concerto Competition should only fill the Concerto Competition application out and NOT fill out a new or returning student application.
NEW STUDENTS ONLY: https://ensemblemanager.com/WSO/audition/49
RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY: https://ensemblemanager.com/WSO/audition/75
CONCERTO COMPETITION ONLY (new or returning): https://ensemblemanager.com/WSO/audition/71
The due date for submitting all applications is August 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Auditions
WSYO auditions and concerto competition for 2026-2027 will be held on Sunday, August 30th, from 1:30-5:00 p.m. in the Glennis McCrary Music Building on Baylor University campus (110 Baylor Ave, Waco, TX 76706).
Returning students need not audition, regardless of instrument. However, all students must complete an application for the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra through the Ensemble Manager platform (links above). New students will need to complete the application and then audition. Auditions for new students will be able to be scheduled by the student through Ensemble Manager.
At the audition, students should be prepared to play two scales of their choice as well as a 2-3 minute solo that demonstrates their current level of technical and musical proficiency.
Concerto Competition
The Young Artist Concerto Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors who have not previously won the competition. Students wishing to enter the competition must select that option on the application when they fill it out, then sign up for a time slot through the platform. Piano accompaniment is not required for the competition. If a student is competing in the concerto competition, the concerto competition performance will serve in lieu of a general orchestra audition. Applicants should not immediately pay tuition, because the winner will receive a full tuition scholarship.
Scheduling Information
The WSYO meets on Sunday afternoons, including evenings on concert days, for ~7-9 weeks each semester. The season includes two concerts with receptions to follow, one each semester. This year, the fall semester also includes a special performance at Cameron Park Zoo for "Zoo Tunes." Dinner is provided for students on concert days. WSYO's semesters conclude in plenty of time to travel for holidays and breaks.
TO PAY TUITION, CLICK THE DESIRED TUITION LEVEL BELOW.
Please contact Lydia Gravagne with any questions: lydia.gravagne@gmail.com or (254) 340-5815.
