Consisting of 95-100 young musicians from the age of 12 to 22, the prestigious St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (SLSYO) is one of the best orchestras in the state, and naturally, it’s not easy to get in. It represents about three-dozen schools around the St. Louis region, and some from Illinois. This year, 11 CHS musicians are members of the 43rd season. And to have 11 of our students represent the orchestra is quite an honor.

The audition process is rigorous, particularly for the string players, since they have to pass the preliminary auditions if they were not in the youth orchestra the previous year. Once they pass that round, musicians move to the final audition.

Sophomore Leah Peipert practiced her flute for an hour everyday in preparation for the audition.

“As the auditions got closer, I began practicing more, probably because of nerves,” she said. “Right before the auditions, I probably practiced about three or four hours during the day.”

Though it may seem like a lot, the level of commitment was worth it to these musicians, especially if they have a strong reason for wanting to get in. For instance, junior Adam Garrett devoted his time to practice in hopes of getting a different feel in orchestra.

“I wanted to audition because I have played in lower level orchestras before and wanted to get the prestigious orchestra experience,” he said.

Peipert auditioned because her siblings before had also auditioned. The schedule of the youth orchestra rehearsals also did not conflict with school sports.

The audition is even more stressful than practicing though. The auditions are blind and take place in the famous Powell Hall where the musician performs a scale, a solo, and the given excerpts.

“Going into the auditions, I was extremely nervous, especially when I saw the huge number empty seats in Powell Hall,” Peipert said. “But after I started, I began to enjoy playing and being able to hear myself in the Hall.”

Junior Ethan Leong, who was principal oboe last year in the orchestra, also liked the way his oboe audition went.

“I felt better about this audition I can choose my solo, they always pick easy scales, and the excerpts are short,” he said.

However, the hard work does not stop even after the auditions and getting in. Musicians recently had to pick up their music for the first concert, and they will have to prepare it before the first rehearsal. On top of that, the youth orchestra is known for their four-hour rehearsals every Saturday.

“The music we are playing is very challenging and fun,” Garrett said. “I am sure I will be devoting all of my other time to my studies and practicing. I want to be up to par for the practices.”
Peipert and Leong are also excited for the music, but not necessarily for the four-hour rehearsals.

“These four-hour rehearsals will definitely give me a time crunch, so I will probably need to manage time a little bit better,” Leong said. “I am looking forward to another year of digging into some new music, I am not a big believer in the four hour rehearsals.”

Peipert also agrees, and she knows that she will have to start on homework much earlier in the weekend.

In becoming a member of this orchestra, musicians know it is demanding but they also hope to get something out of this experience.

“I like playing music, so I auditioned,” Leong said. “I am hoping to just have fun and learn how to be a better musician, and to meet new people.”

The first concert is Nov. 24 at 3:00 pm. The SLSYO will be performing Benjamin Britten’s Young People’s Guide to the Orchestra, Dvorak Symphony No. 8, Chavez/Buxtehude’s Chaconne, and Cantus in Memoriam of Benjamin Britten.