AUDITIONS
2023-2024 Season
Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra Auditions
We are excited that you want to audition for the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra! This year we did auditions in person on May 13, 2023 at Union University. We are now accepting virtual auditions for positions we haven't filled. Please read the requirements for auditioning closely, and email ksmith@thejacksonsymphony.org with any questions you might have!
Instructions:
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Please go fill out a registration form linked at the top of this page
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Practice the linked excerpts for your instrument and please note the following requirements.
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To submit a virtual audition,
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Record yourself perform the requested scales, excerpt and solo. They can be separate videos if needed in order to email the videos.
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Send video(s) to ksmith@thejacksonsymphony.org with your name and instrument and virtual audition in the subject line For example: (John Smith-violin virtual audition)
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Please allow time to hear back from your audition. Our conductor is currently on maternity leave.
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Brass, Woodwinds, Harp and String requirements:
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Perform concert A and Bb scales on your instrument.
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Have a two minute solo or etude prepared that you feel demonstrates your current ability and level of playing.
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Perform the entire excerpt for your instrument. Excerpts found at top of page.
Percussion requirements:
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Perform a two minute solo on the marimba or snare.
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You will be required to perform the excerpt on timpani. Excerpt found at top of page.
Our Conductor
Grace Jones has always had a passion for music and music education and has been playing the violin since she was six years old. She holds a degree in music from Union University where she served as the concertmaster of the Union orchestra. A violin and viola instructor, Grace currently works at the Jackson Symphony office, and the Medina Music Academy teaching students and adults who want to succeed in the fine arts. Her students have performed and competed all over West Tennessee She also conducts Sinfonia, a youth string ensemble of the Jackson Symphony.
In addition to teaching, Grace plays violin and viola throughout the east coast. Currently she plays in the first violin section with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. She also plays with the symphony by playing in the local hospital and cancer center to give comfort through music as part of The Jackson Symphony’s Integrative Medicine Program. Grace also occasionally performs with The Paducah Symphony and Murray State University in the first violin section. Grace also enjoys playing with the group Psallos, touring with them for their northeast Hebrews tour, and recording the Hebrews album.
About
The Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra (JSYO) is an exciting opportunity for students of Madison County and surrounding areas. The Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra challenges students to develop their musical skills to their fullest potential, and play exciting literature. Grace Jones has been the director and conductor of this group for the past 4 years.
Beginning in the fall we will start the 2023-2024 season. The orchestra will present not only two of their own concerts during their season, but we are also thrilled that the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra will be playing on one side-by-side performance with The Jackson Symphony this year. This special integration of the youth with the professional players gives a priceless opportunity to see what it would be like to be a professional level group. Another way JSYO will be able to benefit from The Jackson Symphony, is through its captivating conductor Peter Shannon. Not only will he direct the side by side concerts, but also occasionally appear as a guest conductor at the JSYO rehearsals to both inspire and motivate our next generation of musicians. The Youth Program will also provide chances to play in smaller ensembles around Jackson, bringing music to those who need cheering up.
The Symphony is excited to host a competitions this year. A concerto competition will be held in the spring for members of JSYO who would like the chance to perform a movement of a concerto with the rest of the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra. This will be a public competition, where soloists will play before an audience and judging panel in order to see who will get the chance to perform.
We are proud to offer two scholarships to graduating seniors from the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra this season. These scholarships will be granted based on decided criteria and decided upon by a panel.
Entry into The Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra is by audition. Serious young musicians who play any string instrument, standard orchestral brass and woodwinds, or percussion are invited to audition. Rehearsals are held at Union University on Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm. Tuition is $300 for the whole season.