Important Dates
Updated for 2026-2027 Season
July 6, 2026 (Mon)
SOE & CSO Audition Music & Audition Registration goes live by 3:00 PM.
July 17, 2026 (Fri)
Audition Registration Deadline
Audition Fee = $50.00
Must be submitted by 11:59 PM HST on this day.
July 24, 2026 (Fri)
LATE Audition Registration Deadline
Late Audition Fee = $65.00
Must be submitted by 11:59 PM HST on this day.
July 31, 2026 (Fri)
Audition emails with audition times and reminders will be sent out to parents at the email provided in the audition registration form.
August 8, 2026 (Sat)
In-Person SOE & CSO Auditions at the Boys & Girls Club of Honolulu.
August 10, 2026 (Mon)
Audition result emails go out by 4:00 pm to the primary parent email on the registration form. If your child makes it into one of the ensembles, registration information will be in the email.
August 15, 2026 (Sat)
SOE & CSO Financial Aid Registration Deadline
August 22, 2026 (Sat)
SOE & CSO Registration Deadline
SOE/CSO Audition Registration is now CLOSED.
Information for next school year (2027-2028) will be available here in June 2027.
SOE & CSO Audition Information for 2026-2027
For ensemble descriptions, rehearsal times, location, and other Academy Program information, please go to the Academy Program webpage.
Students must be at least 8 years old by 8/1/2026 AND going into Grades 3-12 for the 2026-2027 school year to participate in the Academy Program.
2026-2027 SOE & CSO Audition Excerpts
Click on the links below to view, download and/or print out the audition music to start practicing.
For the auditions, students need to bring a PHYSICAL COPY of the music to use.
Electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.) will NOT be allowed into the audition room but are allowed in the warm-up room.
String Orchestra Ensemble Audition Music
| SOE Audition Music - Click below to see music | |
|---|---|
| SOE VIOLIN Audition Music | SOE VIOLA Audition Music |
| SOE CELLO Audition Music | SOE BASS Audition Music |
Concert String Orchestra Audition Music
| CSO Audition Music - Click below to see music | |
|---|---|
| CSO VIOLIN Audition Music | CSO VIOLA Audition Music |
| CSO CELLO Audition Music | CSO BASS Audition Music |
SOE & CSO Audition Registration – CLOSED for 2026-2027
Please make sure you have looked at the audition music and the age requirements for the Academy Program BEFORE YOU REGISTER.
The audition registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Registration Deadline by 11:59 PM HST on Friday, July 17, 2026 ($50.00 audition fee)
LATE Registration Deadline is by 11:59 PM HST on Friday, July 24, 2026 ($65.00 audition fee)
Audition FAQs
What instruments are accepted?
Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass
Can I audition on two instruments?
No. Students may audition on only one instrument.
How do I know the Academy Program is appropriate for my level?
Students auditioning for CSO/SOE are recommended to have a minimum of two to four years of playing experience. However, this is not a requirement. Download the audition music and consult with your private teacher (if one is available for you) to determine if you are ready to audition. If you or your teacher determines that you are not ready to audition for CSO/SOE, you may inquire about Intermediate String Ensemble (ISE) or Beginning String Ensemble (BSE). No audition is required for these groups, but you must be at least eight (8) years old by August 1, 2026, and entering grades 3-12.
What if I don't get into CSO or SOE?
Students auditioning for Concert String Orchestra (CSO) will be considered for String Orchestra Ensemble (SOE) based on their audition. They DO NOT need to do another audition if they don’t get into CSO.
Students auditioning for String Orchestra Ensemble (SOE) who do not make it into SOE will have the option to enroll in our Intermediate String Ensemble (ISE) which does not require an audition. However, please keep in mind that ISE is for students who either just completed a beginning level orchestra class or a book 1 method book or who cannot read music well yet.
When and where are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals are held every Saturday at the Spalding Boys and Girls Club (1704 Waiola St.).
String Orchestra Ensemble (SOE) has class from 8:30-9:45 AM
Concert String Orchestra (CSO) has class from 10:00-11:30 AM
See Academy Program Page for more details.
Do I have to take private lessons?
Private lessons are not required, however, we highly recommend you take private lessons to enhance your HYS experience.
Is the audition application fee refundable?
No, the audition application fee is non-refundable.
How do I register for SOE or CSO if I make it into one of those ensembles?
Everyone who auditions will receive an audition results email that will be sent out on August 10, 2026. If you make it into either SOE or CSO, registration information along with a link to register will be in the audition results email.