How to Join AYS

Auditions for the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Youth Symphony Chamber Group are held twice a year, in September and January for new members. All returning members are required to re-audition in August. All auditions are held in the Ringhausen Building on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College (5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, IL, 62035).

If your student is interested in auditioning for the Alton Youth Symphony, please fill out the Audtition/Registration form. All Chamber Group auditions can be done at the same time your child auditions for the Alton Youth Symphony.

Auditions are NOT required for the Alton Junior Youth Symphony. Guidelines for the Alton Junior Youth Symphony can be found on the Member Info page. If your child is interested in joining that group, please fill out the Alton Junior Youth Symphony Registration Form.

Alton Youth Symphony Audition Requirements

Scales, Strings: *Violin, Viola, Cello C, D, & G Major (2 Octaves) *Bass C, D, & G Major (1 Octave)
Scales, Woodwinds/Brass: All Instruments – C,G,D, & F Major (1 Octave)
Scales, Percussion: Played on a mallet keyboard instrument – G, D, & F Major (1 Octave)
All Instruments: Solo/Etude that demonstrates strength and abilities.
All Instruments: Sight reading that will be given at the audition

Chamber Group Audition Requirements (Strings ONLY)

Scales: *Violin: C, D & G (2 octave) G Major (3 octave) * Viola/Cello: G &D (2 octave) C Major (3 octave) * Bass: C, G, & D (1 Octave)
Solo or Etude: *Piece should demonstrate strengths and abilities
Sight Reading: *Given at audition
*Student must be an active AYS member in good standing with consistent or perfect attendance, positive attitude, hard worker, responsible, prepared and able to follow directions.