2026-2027 SEMYO Audition for a Violin auditioning for Chamber Strings

About Chamber Strings

Chamber Strings offers an intermediate string orchestra experience for developing musicians who play the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will further develop their ensemble playing techniques, preparing them for participation in the advanced SEMYO orchestras. Participants may also have limited opportunities to perform alongside SEMYO woodwind, brass, and percussion students. Typically, participants possess 2-3 years of playing experience or are at Suzuki grade level 3 or higher. Learn more.

Chamber Strings meets Saturday mornings from 10 AM-Noon at Dakota Middle School in Rochester.

Click to submit your audition video

General Audition Information

SEMYO will begin accepting auditions on April 1, 2026.
Audition videos must be submitted online by Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Auditions will include a solo, scales, and excerpts. Specific scales and excerpts are provided and notated on this page. The solo is optional for students auditioning for Bravura Strings and Prelude Winds.
Audition results will be sent by June 15, 2026. The artistic staff will place students in the ensemble that best fits that individual’s skill level as demonstrated on the audition.

Audition Procedure

Students should start by practicing all audition materials with the help of a music teacher.
Once the student has made sufficient progress, they will record the audition using a smartphone, tablet, or any device that captures both audition and video.
- Audition components (solo, scales, and excerpts) may be recorded separately or in the same video.
- Students are encouraged to record the materials 2-3 times and keep the best version, however, recording the video repeatedly for perfection is discouraged (diligent practice before making the recording is more important to making a successful audition video).
- Completed audition video (s) should be uploaded to YouTube and set to “unlisted.” Video Tutorial for Uploading Videos to YouTube.
- Please do not use google drive or other services to share your video.
Submit the audition online by completing the audition submission form and pasting the URL(s) for your video (s).
- Students may submit one video with all the audition components or separate videos for each component.

Video Guidelines and Requirements

No verbal introduction necessary: video should feature only audition music.
Solo must be unaccompanied (no piano).
Do not use a metronome during recording.
Headphones or earbuds are not permitted in the video.
Recordings with piano, metronome, headphones, or earbuds must be redone.
Student and instrument (including hands) must be fully visible.
Record in a quiet setting with minimal distractions.
Auditions missing required elements are not accepted (SEMYO will contact you).
Begin recording at least a week before the deadline to allow for retakes or technical issues.

For questions about the audition materials or procedure please feel free to contact Corey Henke at chenke@semyo.org or 507-218-2160.