About KSYW

Who can join?

The Kent State Youth Winds (KSYW) provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to develop their individual talents and musicianship, learn from professional artists/teachers associated with Kent State University, and perform in an auditioned wind ensemble with other skilled players.

Membership is open to 8-12th grade students (Academic Year 2026-2027).

Information and Audition Form

2026-2027 Auditions

In-Person Auditions:

*If you cannot attend any of these days, please submit a video audition below. In-person and video requirements will be the same. 

Audition Requirements (Please submit an unlisted Youtube link to your audition)

Woodwind and Brass Auditions: 

At the start of the video, state clearly your full name and the instrument you are auditioning on. For each requirement listed below, be sure to state what you are about to play on video before continuing: Select 2 excerpts of your choice that have contrasting styles. Excerpts should demonstrate your technical proficiency as well as your musicianship. Each excerpt should be about 30 seconds – 1 minute in length.

Perform 1 flat major scale and 1 sharp major scale of your choice. Please choose scales that demonstrate your ability level. Scales should be performed at a tempo that demonstrates your technical ability.

Perform a chromatic scale of your choice. Please demonstrate your range on the instrument.

Percussion Auditions: 

Please prepare the following for a video audition submission on a 2 or more percussions instruments (snare drum, mallets, and/or timpani). You should play an excerpt of your choice that is approximately 1 minute in length on each instrument. You should submit a total of one (1) video per instrument you are auditioning on that contains all of the following, performed to the best of your ability. We will have percussion instruments on-site, but please plan to bring your own mallets.

Please review your videos before submitting to ensure that all components can be heard clearly in the video. At the start of the video, state clearly your full name and the instrument you are auditioning on.

Also state the name of the excerpt(s) you will be playing in the video.

Please submit an unlisted Youtube link to your audition. 

Students must participate in their school music programs to be eligible to audition. This requirement is waived for homeschooled students.

 

Rehearsals and Concerts

  • The KSYW will take place during the academic year (September - April).
  • Rehearsals will be held on the Kent State University, Kent Campus on Mondays from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
  • The ensemble will present two concerts per year in Kent State University's Cartwright Hall in November and April.
 

Instruments Accepted

Instruments in the Youth Winds include:

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Bassoon
  • Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, and Baritone) 
  • Trumpet
  • Horn
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • String Bass
  • Percussion
kent state youth wind student playing the flute

 

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