Prep String Audition Form
Prep Strings Audition Form
Join the Prep Strings Orchestras!
Prep Strings Audition Requirements
- Play a solo piece of your choice
- Play scales
- CONCERT ORCHESTRA (YOUNGER): Violin, Viola, and Cello students must play two memorized two-octave scales (one-octave scales are not accepted). Bass students must play one two-octave scale and another one-octave scale of their choice.
- SYMPHONIC STRINGS (ADVANCED): Violin, Viola, and Cello students must play two memorized three-octave scales. Please note that playing a three-octave scale does not guarantee placement into the Prep String Symphonic Strings. Bass students must play two memorized two-octave scales.
- Sightread
Schedule and Commitment
- Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at the following times:
- Concert Orchestra – 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
- Symphonic Strings Orchestra – 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Additional Information
- Audition Dates/Times: Tuesday, September 8 and Friday, September 11
- Audition Location: Crescendo Academy of Music, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall #12, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
- Questions?: Email mhealy@kjso.org
Who should audition for the Preparatory String Orchestras (PSO)?
The PSO is intended for (but not limited to) middle school students with at least two years of lesson or school orchestra experience. Audition requirements are listed above.
Students with at least one year of experience are encouraged to join our Training Orchestra—no audition required. Registration for the Training Orchestra opens October 2025.
Why Join the PSO?
The PSO is the ideal training ground for young musicians to sharpen their skills and gain ensemble experience under the direction of renowned pedagogue Audrey Lipsey, whose accomplishments include principal posts with symphony orchestras, decades of teaching experience, and awards from prestigious organizations. Learn more about her here: https://www.crescendoacademy.com/crescendo-artists/audrey-lipsey.
The 2025–26 PSO season will begin with a full day of rehearsals and activities on September 13, followed by weekly rehearsals throughout the school year. Students perform once before winter break and again in the spring. This season, PSO members will also have the opportunity to perform side-by-side with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra (KJSO) at Chenery Auditorium: https://chenery.kalamazoopublicschools.com/about-us.
Where Can the PSO Experience Lead?
For students aiming to reach the highest level of youth orchestral music-making in West Michigan, the PSO offers a carefully designed three-level program that builds the skills needed for entry into the KJSO—one of the nation’s longest-running youth orchestras, with alumni in major orchestras across the country.
As members of the KJSO, students can look forward to performing professional-level repertoire, touring internationally, training with award-winning teaching artists from Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University, and frequently performing alongside artists from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Stulberg International String Competition, the Gilmore Piano Festival, and acclaimed composers and soloists from around the world.
What Do These Experiences Cost?
Zero Tuition
Unlike many youth orchestras, the KJSO does not charge a per-contact-hour tuition fee. Instead, operating costs are supported through grants, fundraising, donations, scholarship funds, and member dues (currently $220 per year for PSO, equal to about 10% of the actual cost of participation). This allows students from all backgrounds to participate without the burden of high tuition costs.
Scholarships
We are committed to keeping our programs accessible. Need-based scholarships are available to cover up to 100% of member dues. Matching scholarships are also offered to support outside music enrichment opportunities, such as private lessons, summer music camps, and competition registration fees—helping students grow in every facet of their musical journey. Apply for a scholarship here: https://sites.google.com/kalamazoojuniorsymphony.com/membernotes/scholarship-information.