How to Apply

Applications and Audition Submission open May 15, 2021
Applications and Audition Submissions close June 6, 2021
Application Fee – $45

Late applications considered on a space available basis.

Click Here To Apply!

Email info@syso.org with any questions about the application

*UPDATED* Application Timeline and Instructions

May 15   Marrowstone application and auditions opens
                 Financial aid application opens

*UPDATE* JUNE 6   Marrowstone application and auditions closes (due by end of day)

June 7    Rolling festival admissions notice begins

June 9   Financial aid awards sent

June 16  Festival invitation acceptance and deposit due

July 21   Remaining festival tuition due

July 26   Festival begins


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Fill out the online application.
  2. All students will receive and invitation to audition regardless of whether or not you need to submit one. Please double check the below requirements to find out if you need to submit a video. If you are still unsure do not hesitate to reach out.
  3. Read the audition requirements below, then upload your video file to the application (if applicable).
  4. If you are applying for financial aid, please complete the online Financial Aid application.

Not all applicants will need to submit an audition video

*Students currently enrolled in a SYSO program have a high chance of being placed in the 2021 Marrowstone Festival


Audition Instructions

If you fall under the following categories you will NOT need to submit a video audition to be considered for the 2021 festival:

  • If you were placed in the Junior Symphony or Youth Symphony Orchestras for the 2020-2021 season.
  • If you participated in SYSO’s Advanced Virtual Orchestra (AVO) for the 2020-2021 season.
  • If you participated in the Junior or Youth Symphony Orchestras for the 2019-2020 season.

If you do not fall under the above categories you will be required to submit an audition video to be considered for the 2021 Marrowstone Festival.

* If your video audition is waived you are NOT guaranteed a spot in the 2021 Marrowstone Music festival.

**We are currently NOT accepting applications at this time from the following instruments:

Trombone
Tuba
Harp
Piano


Audition Requirements

If the above categories do not apply, you are required to submit an audition video as part of you Marrowstone 2021 application. You will need to prepare the following:

  • 2 scales one major, and one minor. 3-4 octaves for strings, 3 octaves for winds/brass, and 2 octaves for percussion.
  • Two contrasting selections from solo repertoire or orchestral/chamber music repertoire. One selection should be lyrical to showcase musicality, and one selection should showcase rhythm and technical ability.
  • Consult your private teacher to determine the ideal repertoire for our audition.
  • Additional advice and tips for maximizing video and audio quality to create the best audition video possible will be provided no later than May 15.

We encourage advanced-level SYSO Debut Symphony Orchestra to apply.

Students who do not currently participate in any SYSO programs are also encouraged to apply.

If you need help finding out if the festival is right for you contact Summer Program Admission Counselor Pamela Liu at admissions@syso.org


Instructions for Submitting Video Recordings

If you are required to submit a video audition as part of your application those instructions can be found below:

Videos should be unaccompanied if possible. Recordings must be sent as YouTube URL links.

When uploading your video be sure to indicate the Composer and Title for each selection in the notes section of the video. (Ex. 1. D Major Scale, two octaves 2. Dvorak – Violin Concerto, First Movement, etc)


Video Instructions and Recording Tips:

Required Video Components

  1. Video framing: Place the video recording device so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. Make sure your music stand does not cover your face, instrument, arms/hands and range of motion. The faculty must be able to see your instrument to be able to observe your technique.
  2. Picture must remain stationary: no panning, zooming, multiple cameras, fading in/out.
  3. Tune your instrument to A=440
  4. Video timing: The timing of the video should be only as long as needed to complete the componants of your audition.
  5. At the beginning of the video, please state your full name. Before each component please also announce what you will be playing next. (For example, before you begin playing your solo piece, please announce the composition title, the name of composer, and what movement you will be playing, if applicable.)
  6. You may not edit, cut, splice, or otherwise alter the individual componants of your audition.

*Your audition does not need to be memorized.

Video Quality

  1. Record when you can have quiet and no interruptions.
  2. Film in a well-lit space. Make sure there is more light in front of you rather than behind you so that you are not back-lit.
  3. If using a mobile device, your device needs to be in landscape orientation.
  4. Place the video recording device on a flat surface with microphone area unobstructed.
  5. Check sound levels beforehand to make sure sound is not distorted in loud passages and inaudible in soft passages.
  6. Frame yourself adequately. The video should show you and your entire instrument, as well as the range of motion associated with playing your instrument.
  7. Ensure your music stand is not in blocking you.
  8. Memorization is not required and will not factor into your scoring.

Audio Quality

  1. Find a quiet spot at home.
  2. Be mindful of your instrument’s loudest volume, the size of the room, and test your room’s acoustics.
  3. Woodwind and brass musicians should not point your bell directly at the mic but slightly off-center.
  4. String instruments: make sure the face of your instrument is directed towards the video recording device so we can see both your left-hand and your bow arm technique.

Other Tips

  1. Planning your audition video is essential.
  2. Time out all components of the audition video before you record. Pre-determine what section or sections of your solo piece you are going to play.
  3. Having another person in the room is helpful if you need to adjust something.
  4. Be mindful that your voice will be at a lower volume than your instrument when speaking. Speak a little slower, loudly and confidently.
  5. Dress comfortably and nicely, as you would for a job interview.
  6. Record multiple takes of your audition, only submit the recording which best represents your playing.

Placement criteria

Your audition will be judged on the following criteria:

⦁ Intonation
⦁ Tone Quality
⦁ Rhythm Technique
⦁ Musicality
⦁ Style
⦁ Overall performance and preparation
⦁ Instrumentation capacity for each ensemble

The video and audio quality of your device will not be a factor for adjudicators to determine your orchestra placement.

YouTube Audition Video Submission

(YouTube videos will not be public. Only people with the link will be able to access the video)

Create a YouTube/Gmail account
  1. Record a video meeting the audition criteria
  2. Go to youtube.com and sign in
  3. Log in using your Gmail credentials. If you do not have a gmail account, follow the steps in More Options to create an account

If using a computer to upload the video:

  1. Click the upload button
  2. Change the settings to Unlisted (Unlisted means only those with the link can access your video. It will not be public or searchable)
  3. Select and upload (or drag and drop) the video file from your document
  4. Title the video using the following format:

“Last name, First name – Instrument – Marrowstone – 2021” (example: Doe, John – Violin – Marrowstone – 2021)

  1. In the video description, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order permed on the video
  2. Publish video
  3. Copy your YouTube video link, and paste it in the Application Video section of the application
  4. In the Application Video Notes, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order performed on the video

If using a phone/tablet:

  1. Download the YouTube app
  2. When the video on your phone is selected, select the share icon
  3. Share to the YouTube app
  4. Log in using your Gmail credentials
  5. Title the video using the following format:

“Last name, First name – Instrument – Marrowstone – 2021” (example: Doe, John – Violin – Marrowstone 2021)

  1. Change the settings to Unlisted (Unlisted means only those with the link can access your video. It will not be public or searchable)
  2. In the video description, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order permed on the video
  3. Publish video
  4. Copy your YouTube video link, and paste it in the Application Video section of the application
  5. In the Application Video Notes, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order performed on the video