Musicians should prepare two full pieces in contrasting styles that best demonstrate their musicality and technical skills. An excerpt will also be provided for a sight-reading test at the audition. Only classical pieces are acceptable; orchestral excerpts or music from other genres are not allowed.

No, auditions are held throughout the year.

It’s not uncommon for parents and children to be unsure about which orchestra level to apply for. Please refer to the orchestra placement guidelines on our Program page to find the orchestra level that best matches your current grade and playing level.

Audition locations and times are scheduled based on the rehearsal times of the orchestra the musician is applying for: Symphony Orchestra (SO)  |  ABRSM Grade 8 or above or equivalent• Hong Kong Cultural Centre• Friday 7:00 - 9:30 PMIntermezzo Orchestra (IO)  |  ABRSM Grade 6-8 or equivalent• Hong Kong Cultural Centre• Friday 5:00 - 7:00 PMRepertory Orchestra (RO)  |  ABRSM Grade 5-6 or equivalent• Hong Kong Cultural Centre & East Kowloon Cultural Centre• Saturday 4:00 - 6:00 PM / Sunday 9:00 - 11:00 AMOrchestra-Lite (OL)  |  ABRSM Grade 3-4 or equivalent• Hong Kong Cultural Centre  & East Kowloon Cultural Centre• Saturday 2:00 - 4:00 PM / Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PMBeginners Program (BP)  |  ABRSM Grade 3 or below• HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity & Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School• Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM / Saturday 4:00-6:00 PM

Memorizing the music is not required for the audition.

A typical audition lasts around 10 minutes. During the audition, you may be stopped and asked to proceed to your next piece. This is a common practice and does not reflect on your performance.

Please wear appropriate casual clothing in which you feel comfortable playing your instrument. Keep in mind that your attire creates the first impression for those evaluating you. We do not encourage clothing with offensive graphics or text, inappropriate language or images, or excessively revealing attire.

Audition results will be announced right after the audition or communicated by our staff within one week after the audition.

Yes, you need to bring your instrument unless you fall under the following exceptions:• Double Bass: A double bass will be provided, so bringing your own is not required. You are welcome to use your own if you prefer.• Percussion: Your audition will require one piece with a pitched instrument and one with a non-pitched instrument. While the instruments will be provided, you must bring sufficient mallets as necessary for your performance.• Harp: A harp will be provided, so bringing your own is not required. You are welcome to use your own if you prefer.

Musicians applying for OL or BP will be assisted by our coaches in tuning prior to their audition. Advanced-level players, however, are expected to tune their own instruments, as this is a fundamental procedure required before every orchestral rehearsal.

• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass• Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon• Brass: Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium• PercussionWe also welcome applications and auditions for instruments not listed above, but acceptance will depend on the repertoire requirements.