Auditions
LDYE is open to all elementary and high school aged string instrument players. All musicians, both new and returning, are required to audition once per year. Auditions are conducted in the spring and the fall, but students wishing to join the ensemble mid-season can request an individual audition.
A Chamber Orchestra for young string players from Delaware, Otsego, Chenango and Broome Counties
AUDITIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON
Fall auditions available
Please send an email for information about scheduling an audition: littledelawareyouthensemble@yahoo.com
Students ages 6 to 18 years are welcome to join our growing community. We support both a Main orchestra and a Preparatory orchestra to nurture the developing skills of younger musicians. Most of our members take lessons with a private instructor and then rehearse with LDYE one evening a week to prepare for the free, family-friendly public concerts we offer annually. We also host two community recitals each season for students to develop confidence and skills in public performance.
Prep Ensemble:
Violins:
Ages 9 and Up Recommended
Minimum required fluency in the keys and one-octave scales of A, and D Major, as well as fluency in the key and two-octave scale of G-Major.
Fluency in repertoire illustrated by the last few pieces in Suzuki Book 1 or their equivalent, up to early Suzuki Book 4.
Able to fluently read all notes on all the strings (in the keys/scales described above) and know their letter names in First Position.
Able to read all basic rhythms including Quarter Notes, Half Notes, Dotted Half Notes, Whole Notes, Eighth Notes, and Sixteenth Notes and Rests.
Ability to play at least two-note slurs, and hook bows.
Violas and Cellos:
Ages 9 and Up Recommended
Minimum fluency in the keys and one-octave scales of D, and G Major, as well as fluency in the key and two-octave scale of C-Major.
Fluency in repertoire illustrated by the last few pieces in Suzuki Book 1 or their equivalent, up to early Suzuki Book 4.
Able to fluently read all notes on all the strings (in the keys/scales described above) and know their letter names in First Position.
Able to read all basic rhythms including Quarter Notes, Half Notes, Dotted Half Notes, Whole Notes, Eighth Notes, and Sixteenth Notes and Rests.
Ability to play at least two-note slurs, and hook bows.
Main Ensemble:
Violins and Violas:
Fluency in keys and scales of at least three sharps to three flats.
Fluency in First and Third Position.
Fluency in repertoire best illustrated by pieces in mid-level Suzuki Book 4 and above
Cellos:
Fluency in keys and scales of at least three sharps to three flats.
Fluency in First, Second, Fourth and Third positions
Accuracy with extensions in various positions
Fluency in repertoire best illustrated by pieces in mid-level Suzuki Book 4 and above