Junior String Orchestra 

The Junior String Orchestra (BYJST) is a beginning ensemble for young string players who demonstrate a good foundation in playing technique and note-reading. Rehearsals emphasize establishing rhythm and sight reading skills, as well as rehearsal etiquette and performance skills. Junior Strings is comprised of students through Grade 8. This ensemble rehearses on Monday evenings from 5:45-6:45pm (October thru May) at Old Dominion University, Diehn Center for the Performing Arts.

*BYOV policy requires participation in your school music program.

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UPCOMING AUDITION OPPORTUNITIES

• Audition materials are now available!
• We currently have openings for all instruments in this ensemble: VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS
• The submission deadline is August 25, 2026.
• We offer two audition options for this ensemble; in-person (select dates) and online submission

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1. AUDITION IN-PERSON

• Schedule your in-person BYJST audition.

2. SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION ONLINE

• Record a video of your audition materials in a single take and upload it to YouTube. Our friends at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra have created a helpful tutorial on how to upload your audition video to YouTube.
• Complete the 2026-2027 Audition Application Form online and pay the $20 audition fee by August 25. You do NOT need to complete this form if you choose to audition in person.
• Upload your video with the application and pay the $20 application fee by August 25, 2026.
• Submit your sight reading assignment online by August 5, 2026.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR SIGHTREADING ASSIGNMENT

There is an online sight-reading portion of this audition that you must complete using Sight Reading Factor (SRF). You do NOT need to complete sightreading online if you choose to audition in person. This element of the audition will be completed at your audition.

• Create an account with Sight Reading Factory here: https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/student
• Use the student code mf895s to create your complimentary account.

• Sight Reading Expectations: In G Major at 4/4 time. Quarter note = 70 bpm. Includes quarter notes, half notes, dotted half notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests. There are maximum leaps of a third. The range stays in 1^st position.

• Review instructions for new or returning users to create your complimentary SRF Account.
• Here is a helpful webinar video on using SRF!
• We suggest you spend some time practicing using this platform to get familiar. Ask your private teacher for help!
• Once you feel comfortable using the SRF program, you can start the sight-reading portion of your audition by clicking on the “Assignment” tab in the menu bar. You will have ten attempts to try out the assignment before you must make your submission.

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BYOV is a tuition-based organization. Financial aid is available and audition fees will be waived for those who qualify. Complete the audition application for more information.  For inquiries or questions please contact our Executive Director at [email protected].