2025–2026 auditions: Symphony Orchestra – Send us your video by August 31, 2025. String Orchestra – Auditions will held be on August 31, 2025.
The West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra (WIYSO) enables young musicians to perfect their musical skills within an orchestral ensemble under the direction of professional conductors. WIYSO encompasses two ensembles: a Symphony Orchestra and a String Orchestra.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (14 TO 25 YEARS):
The active season is from September to June
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Pointe-Claire
There is a $25 audition fee
We're now holding a 2nd round of video auditions! Submit your video containing the items below by clicking the Symphony Orchestra Audition Form button before August 31, 2025.
Registration fees can be paid by cheque, cash, or e-transfer to finances@osjwi.qc.ca. The fees to be paid are as follows:
Returning Musicians
Fees: 275 $
New Musicians
Fees : 350 $
What Your Fees Cover
Your registration fees include the full regular concert season and our fall rehearsal camp at CAMMAC. This year we will also be participating in the AOJQ festival, which will have additional fees. More information on this will be provided once the season begins.
Financial Assistance
At WIYSO, we believe every young musician deserves the chance to participate. To help make this possible, we offer interest-free payment plans and financial aid for families who need support. If you’d like to apply for financial assistance, please reach out to us at info@osjwi.qc.ca.
Please prepare your audition with the following:
1. A major or minor scale of your choice.
2. One of the following choices:
a. The orchestral excerpts provided below
b. A short piece or study of approximately 3-5 minutes
c. A collection of excerpts from your most recent concert totaling approximately 3-5 minutes
Please note that only orchestral instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion) are accepted into the orchestra.
STRING ORCHESTRA (9 TO 16 YEARS) :
The active season is from September through June
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Pointe-Claire
There is a $25 audition fee
The second round of auditions for the 2025–2026 season will take place on August 31, 2025. Click on the button below to reserve your audition.
New Musicians
Please prepare your in-person audition with the following:
Violin
1) One solo piece or one movement of a concerto.
2) Choose 2 out of 3 excerpts.
3) Sight-reading test.
Cello
1) One solo piece or one movement of a concerto.
2) Cello excerpt.
3) Sight-reading test.
It is advisable to choose to play repertoire and scales that accurately demonstrate your level. (i.e. do not choose to play one octave scales if you are able to play 3-octave scales)
Outside of the regular audition period, we invite you to contact us by email to inquire about any availabilities we may have for the season. For more information, email us at auditions@osjwi.qc.ca.