OCYS (Orange County Youth Symphony) is our full orchestra program that includes strings, winds, brass, and percussion. It is our more advanced program and has a high standard for music ability and leadership, and as such are called to multiple community engagement opportunities throughout the year. The group is designed for high school and early college (9th-13th grade.)

OCYSE (Orange County Youth String Ensemble) only includes strings, and allows for slightly lower level ability and a more relaxed schedule than its OCYS counterpart. The group historically is younger than OCYS, consisting of middle school and high school age students (6th-9th grade.)

We do consider grade level in the audition process, but we encourage applicants to audition for whichever group they feel most interested in. While the majority of the group each year are within the list age group, we occasionally admit younger or older candidates based off of ability and need.

When auditioning as a string player, you have three choices:

• Audition for OCYSE specifically, with according excerpts and scales that are slightly lower level than OCYS materials.
• Audition for OCYS, with according excerpts and scales that are higher difficulty than OCYSE. In the application process, if you indicate that you would additionally like to be considered for OCYSE, you will be considered for the ensemble in the case you do not make the cut for OCYS.
• Audition for OCYS, with according excerpts and scales that are higher difficulty than OCYSE. In the application process, if you indicate that you are only interested in OCYS, then you will not be contacted if there is availability in OCYSE.

The goal of the OCYS/E groups is to provide a continual experience to students across multiple years when possible, and so many OCYSE members end up moving up in seating to eventually be admitted to OCYS. Commitment to the orchestra over multiple terms is also taken into account during auditions.

Both OCYS and OCYSE members receive:

• Dedicated and rigorous instruction from our leadership staff, as well as our team of experienced sectional coaches on a regular basis.
• Multiple performance opportunities throughout the year at prestigious halls such as the Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Soka Performing Arts Center.
• Volunteer and community service opportunities as both members of OCYS/E and supporters of Philharmonic Society of Orange County, which can include performances for children, masterclasses, and OCYS outreach. 
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to most Philharmonic Society concerts.
• Exclusive engagements and masterclasses with presented, professional artists from around the world.
• Engaging social events to bond with their fellow orchestra members throughout the season.

OCYS members also participate in:

• A weekend-long mountain social retreat and rehearsal intensive in the fall.
• A chance to compete against their fellow orchestra members in a concerto competition, cumultating in their piece being featured in our finale concert.

For both OCYS and OCYSE, the 2026-27 season takes place late August 2026 - mid-May 2027. Rehearsals occur on Sunday afternoons between 1-3:30 PM in the Irvine Valley College Music & Dance Building. Both groups have three major concerts throughout the year.

In addition to the above, OCYS has additional community concerts that occur throughout the winter. 

The 26-27 season calendar is still being finalized. If you have any specific questions about timing, please feel free to reach out to ocys@philharmonicsociety.org and we can offer further insight if needed!

All OCYS and OCYSE members are expected to take an active part in their school music programs. The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Orange County Youth Symphony strongly support participation in school music programs and view them as essential to a young musician’s development. OCYS/E staff will contact all members' music teachers at the school listed on their application at the start of the fall and spring semesters to verify enrollment in their school orchestra, band, choral class, or your school’s equivalent ensemble.

"Participation" means taking an active and regular part in supporting the school music program. That does not necessarily mean playing the same instrument you play in OCYS/E; it can also mean participating in another music ensemble.

If an applicant is unable to participate in their school's program, any seat offer they receive for the 2026-2027 season will be contingent upon approval from OCYS/E staff. Musicians with extraordinary circumstances that prevent participation in their school music program, when one is available, must provide an explanation via their initial application. During the acceptance process, staff will follow-up with the applicant, their guardians, and their school's music director where necessary to ensure a mutually fair decision for all. This process is in place to ensure that we, as well as the student, are making best efforts to support school programs wherever possible.

OCYS: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, French Horn, Trumpet, Tenor and Bass Trombone, Euphonium (as needed), Tuba, Harp (as needed), Percussion, Piano (as needed). 

OCYSE: Strings Only; Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.

String players should audition with the excerpt(s) and/or scales(s) for the respective ensemble they are planning to audition for.

*Please note that all repertoire is tentative and subject to change!

OCYS 2026-27 Season Repertoire

Concert Cycle 1 - OCYS/E Fall Concert

• Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite, Op. 55
• Dvorak: Symphony No. 9

Concert Cycle 2 - OCYS/E Winter Concert

• Beethoven: Allegro con brio (I.) from Symphony No. 5 in C minor
• Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, op. 45
• Concerto Competition winner(s) pieces TBD

*Concerts for Fifth Grade & Family Concerts take place during Concert Cycle 2, and consist of a combination of cycle 1 and 2 music, with one contemperary piece TBD.

Concert Cycle 3 - OCYS/E Finale Concert

• Saint-Saens: Danse Bacchanale
• Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, III movement
• Smetana: The Moldau
• Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, op. 34

OCYSE 2026-27 Season Repertoire

Concert Cycle 1 - OCYS/E Fall Concert

• Two Brazilian Tangos-arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle
• Holberg Suite, Op. 40-Edvard Grieg
• Incantations-Richard Meyer

Concert Cycle 2 - OCYS/E Winter Concert

• Flight of the Ice Dragon-Kirt Mosier
• Hebrides Overture, arr Jason Librande
• Divertimento in F Major, K. 13-Mozart

Concert Cycle 3 - OCYS/E Finale Concert

• Radiant Joy- Brian Balmages
• La Follia Variations for String Orchestra-Michi Wiancko
• The Iliad (String Orchestra)-Soon Hee Newbold

Excerpt Preparation: Listen to a recording of the required excerpts. This will assist you to understand the excerpt, tempos, style, and emotional intent. 

What Judges Listen For: Musical maturity, note and rhythmic accuracy, articulation dynamics, and expression. 

Attire: Dress in professional but comfortable playing attire.  

Video Setting: Check the lighting and surroundings in your room. A blank wall with limited distractions is best. Check the placement of your camera, and aim lighting from behind the camera and a full view of you in playing position.  

Record a Test Run: Review footage before you send for good sound, lighting, and positioning of your full playing position. 

Yes, a non-refundable $40 audition fee (per musician) will be collected online.

Results will be emailed to the address you list on this application by the end of June. Please set your email client and/or spam filter to accept any email from the e-domain @philharmonicsociety.org; otherwise, you might miss crucial information.

In-person audition callbacks for may be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Currently OCYS callbacks are planned for Saturday, June 6, and OCYSE callbacks are planned for late August. Any callbacks will be held in-person in the Irvine area.

Final seating/adjustments will be revealed at the first rehearsal.

Email OCYS/E Staff at ocys@philharmonicsociety.org