How to Apply

After much deliberation, the SYSO leadership and board have made the difficult decision to cancel Marrowstone Music Festival this summer. We have been looking forward to another exciting summer of outstanding music and apologize for this very disappointing news. However, when faced with the many uncertainties stemming from COVID-19, we concluded that the program was not feasible to run this summer. We are still exploring ways to support the year-round musical development of Seattle area students and plan to stay in touch as any opportunities arise. We appreciate your understanding of this unprecedented situation. 

Applications submitted on or before March 15, 2020 – $80

Applications submitted after March 15, 2020 – $100
Late applications considered on a space available basis.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Read the audition requirements below, then upload your video file to the application. Compile and submit performance resume according to instructions below.
3. If you are applying for financial aid or for a work-study position, please complete the online Financial Aid application.

All applicants will need to submit an uncut audition VIDEO no matter the instrument and prior involvement. This is a departure from previous policy.*

*Students currently enrolled in a SYSO program will receive additional audition support. Such as: live auditions, audition prep, etc.

Performance Resume

A Performance Resume is required for all applicants. It should include the following:

Name
Address/Email/Phone
Instrument

School(s) Attended
Name and email of private teacher(s)
Years studied

List of ensembles in which you have performed
List of recent repertoire studied (orchestral, chamber music, solo)

Solo Recitals & Chamber Music Performances (if applicable)
Awards, Honors, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Any questions regarding the application, audition, or performance resume may be directed to marrowstone@syso.org.

Fellowship applicants, in addition to audition recordings, must submit a brief statement (in a PDF or Word document) describing their teaching experience and how they foresee pedagogy playing a role in their future careers.

Instructions for Submitting Video Recordings

ALL APPLICANTS:

All applicants will need to submit an uncut VIDEO recording no matter the instrument and prior involvement.

Videos should not exceed 15 minutes in duration.

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

Your video must be continuous and unedited. There can not be cuts between scales, excerpts, movements, etc.

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)

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:

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

“Last name, First name – Instrument – Division – Marrowstone – 2020” (example: Doe, John – Violin – University – Marrowstone – 2020)

8. In the video description, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order permed on the video
9. Publish video
10. Copy your YouTube video link, and paste it in the Application Video section of the application
11. In the Application Video Notes, detail all pieces with name and composer in the order performed on the video

If using a phone/tablet:

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

“Last name, First name – Instrument – Division – Marrowstone – 2020” (example: Doe, John – Violin – University – Marrowstone – 2020)

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

Division Requirements

University (Ages 18-23) AND Fellowship (Ages 20-25) REQUIREMENTS:

All instruments – Choose a selection of pieces or excerpts that represent you at your very best at this particular moment in your musical journey. These selections should be works that demonstrate:

• Technical mastery
• Lyrical expressiveness
• Contrasting composition styles (ie. Mozart vs. Strauss, classical vs. romantic)
• Contrasting tempo (ie. Slow vs Fast)

Your video must be 10-15 minutes in length, all one recording. There can be no cuts. All University or Fellowship Division applicants must audition regardless of past participation.

Pre-College REQUIREMENTS (Ages 14-19):

Strings – Include one major and one minor scale of three octaves each and excerpts of 2-5 minutes from two contrasting works, one fast and one slow.

Woodwinds & Brass – Include one major and one minor scale of two octaves each, one tongued and one slurred, as well as excerpts of 2-5 minutes from two contrasting works, one fast and one slow.

All Percussion – Include a 3-5 minute solo work or orchestral excerpt(s) on each of the following instruments: mallets (marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone), snare drum, and timpani.

Harp and Piano – Include two pieces of contrasting styles that demonstrate level of proficiency.