🎻 2026–27 Season Audition Information – Quick Facts

🎼 Audition Registration Opens April 1 at kjso.org
We encourage registration by May 15, 2025

Audition Dates: Saturday, June 6-Sunday, June 7

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Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra (KJSO)

• Most advanced ensemble

• Average age: 16

• For string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players

• Auditions: Brass/Woodwinds/Percussion: Saturday, June 6. Strings: Sunday, June 7

• Rehearsals: Sundays, 1:30–4:30 p.m. (Sept–May)

• Performances: Three main concerts + optional international tours

• Season begins with Tune-up Camp, an overnight retreat just outside Kalamazoo

Audition Requirements:

• Solo piece or 3–4 standard orchestral excerpts showcasing a range of techniques

• Scales (MSBOA Proficiency Level 1)

• Sight-reading

• Percussionists: prepare exercises/excerpts on timpani, snare, and mallet keyboard

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Prep Strings Orchestras

• Intermediate-level string ensembles

• Average age: 12

• Auditions: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Concert Orchestra

• Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

• Requirements: Solo piece + 2 memorized two-octave scales (Violin, Viola, Cello)

  • Bass: 1 two-octave + 1 one-octave scale

Symphonic Strings

• Rehearsals: Mondays, 7:15–8:45 p.m.

• Requirements: Solo piece + 2 memorized three-octave scales (Violin, Viola, Cello)

  • Bass: 2 memorized two-octave scales

  • Note: Performing three-octave scales does not guarantee placement into Symphonic Strings

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Coming Later This Year

Prep Winds

• Intermediate-level woodwind and brass ensemble

• Average age: 13

• Auditions in November 2025

• Season runs January – May 2026

• Registration opens September 2025

Training Orchestra

• Entry-level string ensemble

• Average age: 9

• No audition required

• 1 year of experience + teacher recommendation

• Season runs November 2025 – May 2026

• Registration opens September 2025

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About the KJSOs Programs

The Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra (KJSO) provides an orchestral experience of the highest quality for young musicians in Southwest Michigan. Open by audition through college age, KJSO members perform advanced repertoire, participate in chamber music groups, and tour internationally every four years.

Younger students gain orchestral experience in Prep Strings and Prep Winds. These ensembles focus on developing instrumental skills, performing exciting repertoire, and preparing for future auditions, all in a welcoming and growth-focused environment.

Tuition-Free Access
All KJSO programs are tuition-free. We rely on generous donors, grants, ticket sales, and fundraisers. Need-based scholarships are available to cover member dues, private lessons, and summer music camps.

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📧 Questions? Email us at info@kjso.org
🔗 Visit kjso.org for complete audition requirements and registration links