When are the auditions held?
All auditions for new students are held on various dates throughout the month of April. Audition dates are announced in mid-January each year. Students may register for an audition through our website at that time. The earlier you register, the more likely you are to receive your requested audition time.

Where are the auditions held?
All auditions are held in the CYSO rehearsal facilities in the Fine Arts Building on the 8th floor. Our address is 410 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 833, Chicago, IL 60605.
 
Are there warm-up rooms once I arrive at the audition site?
Yes. There is one communal warm-up room.
 
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your audition time.  Make sure you allow yourself extra travel time and look out for any possible traffic or weather delays.
 
Should I memorize the music?
If you would like to memorize your solos, you are more than welcome to do so, however, memorization is not required.  

How long is the audition?
An average audition is 5-8 minutes, though younger players may audition for a shorter time at the discretion of the audition panel. During your audition, you may be stopped by the panel and asked to go to another solo or excerpt. This is common and does not reflect upon your performance.
 
What should I wear?
Wear nice clothes which are comfortable to perform in. This is the first impression you will make on those who will evaluate you. It is also a good idea to practice in the clothes you are planning to wear for your audition at least one time.
 
When will I find out if I have been accepted?
All audition results will be sent via mail before the end of May. All auditioning students will receive correspondence, regardless of outcome.
 
Is parking available?
There are several parking garages near the Fine Arts Building. CYSO’s preferred parking lot is Interpark located on the Southwest corner of Wabash and Adams. Cost is $10 after 4:00pm on weekdays and all day weekends. Please ask a CYSO staff member for a voucher.
 
The Fine Arts Building’s downtown loop location makes it very convenient to arrive via public transportation.
 
Via Metra: Closest stations include the Van Buren Station, LaSalle Street Station, Union Station, and Ogilvie Transportation Center.  Please check www.metrarail.com for more information.

Via CTA: Easily accessible via any ‘L’ train line exiting at the Jackson stop, Library/State/Van Buren stop, or the Adams/Wabash stop.  There are also many buses that service the Fine Arts Building.  Please check www.transitchicago.com for more information.

When and where are rehearsals held?
All orchestra rehearsals are held in CYSO rehearsal spaces 833 & Curtiss Hall at 410 S. Michigan Avenue. Regular rehearsals take place on Saturdays and Sundays depending on the orchestra.  Please contact Brian Baxter, Operations Manager, at 312-939-2207 x24 for more information on specific rehearsal times.