
SSC Youth Orchestra has musical offerings for students in elementary school through early college. The purpose of the audition is to ensure students are placed in an appropriate ensemble that will both challenge and support them, while maximizing their individual development.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING Video Audition Submissions and Registration for FALL 2026
Audition Requirements:
Every NEW student must audition in person.
*A video audition can be arranged for extenuating circumstances.
Every current student must submit a placement audition video.
Current students wishing to advance to the next orchestra must audition in-person as well as submit a video.
Any student requiring an in-person audition will be contacted shortly after completing the registration form.
Audition Schedule
- Video submissions are due by Sept 17, 2026 (New & Current Students)
- In- person new student and advancement auditions are Wednesday, September 10 at SSC Hingham campus, and September 17 at SSC Duxbury campus, 2026.
- Video submissions are due by January 6, 2027 (New & Current Students)
- In- person new student and advancement auditions are Wednesday Evenings throughout December, 2026. Also, available on a rolling basis.
- Video submissions are due by March 3, 2027 (New & Current Students)
- In- person new student and advancement auditions are March 3rd 2027. Also, available on a rolling basis.
- We encourage our orchestra students to join us during the summer months for Summer Music Festival Orchestra and flute symphony. Click here to learn more.
- Enrollment & placement auditions for Summer Music Festival ensembles are due by June 15, 2026
Preparing for your audition
- Auditions are approximately 10 minutes in length and consist of scales and a prepared solo. Students should always consult their music teacher and/or private lesson teacher for ability and age-appropriate repertoire. Further tips and guidance are provided below per orchestra.
- Sample Audition Video
- A solo piece that best demonstrates the student's level
- Sight reading (In-person audition only)
- Perform two major scales of your choice
- A solo comparable in difficulty to junior SEMMEA/SEMSBA audition repertoire, junior Districts, or Suzuki book ¾
- Sight reading (In-person audition only)
- Perform 2 major scales of your choice (two octave)
- Perform 2 minor scales of your choice
- A chromatic scale through the range of the instrument, ascending and descending (winds only)
- A solo comparable in difficulty to senior SEMMEA, Districts, All-State audition repertoire, or book 5+ Suzuki
- Sight reading (In-person audition only)
- When selecting repertoire for your audition, always consult your school music or private lesson teacher. Students who are auditioning for Jr/Sr Districts, Jr/Sr SEMSBA, or All-State should focus on that solo as their audition choice piece. If you would like additional guidance, or need assistance with the audition process, please contact us.
What factors go into a student’s ensemble placement?
- Many factors are considered when determining a student’s ensemble placement. The most important is ensuring the individual student has a positive experience. Other factors include the needs of the student, their technical ability, musical and social maturity, the needs of the repertoire, and the needs of the ensemble.
- Placement: Ensemble placements are based on score range from the adjudication form.
Helpful Links for New and Current Students
- New Student Video Auditions: New students may be able to request a video audition if there are extenuating circumstances. Please e-mail orchestra@sscmusic.org for more information.
- Current members must submit or schedule an audition for placement purposes. For more information visit the SSCYO main page or email Elijah Langille.
- Audition Resources Folder
- Sign up for text alerts
- Instagram: @sscyouthorchestras
- Carpool Survey
- Sample Audition Video
- Tuition Assistance