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Expectations for ALL MYS Musicians

Additional groups-specific expectations listed below.

2026-2027 MYS Handbook

  • You MUST be a member of your public school orchestra/band, if there is one available. 

  • You MUST commit to the fall or spring season, dates specific to your ensemble. 

  • You MUST attend ALL rehearsals and concerts, unless otherwise excused in advance.

  • Absences

    1. Total excused absences, including illness, should be limited to one or fewer. Missing more than this is grounds for removal from the orchestra at MYS staff discretion.

    2. Complete the Absence Request Form for excused absences such as important family trips and weddings, at least two weeks prior with a parent/guardian statement of the reason(s) for the absence. 

    3. Complete the Absence Practice Reflection Form and submit up to one week after the absence date. 

    • Consult your orchestra’s Rehearsal Plan on the MYS website for the date of the absence. 

    • Set aside time (at least half the length of the rehearsal missed) to practice the excerpts outlined in the Rehearsal Plan.

    • Complete this form simultaneously while practicing.

    • You are expected to complete a focus/strategy/reflection cycle for at least 3 specific excerpts. 

    • The form must be digitally signed before submitting it, by both the parent/guardian and the student musician.

    4. Students should be aware that absences, for any reason, may affect chair seating. 

    5. Absences to “sleep in” or take a day off are not excused. The intent of the policy is to provide some accommodation for families and students with valid schedule conflicts.

  • You are required to bring your MYS music folder, pencil, and instrument to each rehearsal.

  • No cell phone use during the rehearsal time, wearing of hats, or gum chewing during rehearsals.

  • You are responsible for being punctual to all orchestra rehearsals, concerts, and other activities. It is recommended that you arrive no later than 15 minutes before each rehearsal and allot time for warming up on your instrument. 

  • You are expected to practice and learn all pieces during individual practice time. Rehearsals are to be spent on ensemble-related preparation, not mastering individuals’ parts.

Returning Musician Information

ALL Returning Silver Orchestra and Gold Symphony Musicians must complete the Fall 2026 Manhattan Youth Symphony Returning Musician Commitment Form by Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This helps the conductors confirm your participation and/or audition choices in addition to those that are auditioning as a new participant or into another ensemble. 

Audition Information

NEW & Returning String Musicians seeking ensemble advancement. 

NEW & Returning Wind, Brass, and Percussion Musicians (Gold Symphony ONLY)

​Silver Orchestra Audition Requirements

  • Scales: 2-octave scales - prepare one major and one minor scale of your choice from the options below. Please perform separate quarter notes at a minimum 92 bpm.

    • Violin - C, G, D, A major; G, D melodic minor

    • Viola/Cello - F, C, G, D major; C, E, G melodic minor

    • Bass - E, G, F major; E, G melodic minor

  • Prepared Solo: Should demonstrate the player's most advanced ability. SO should be at least late Suzuki Book 2 or equivalent difficulty. This should be a composition written for a solo instrument, and not an orchestral part from school.

  • Sight Reading: A short excerpt will be provided at the audition.

A symphony, orchestra, and ensemble (much like a sports team, marching band, choir, etc) excels only when the collective membership works towards a common goal. If any one member is unable to play their part, the collective result is less than satisfactory. By its very nature, an orchestra relies on the unity of each section to create the masterpiece that was initially envisioned by each composer. This may be accomplished ONLY by commitment and hard work. The end result is rewarding and always magnificent.

Silver Orchestra

String Orchestra Experience