Frequently Asked Questions
Who can audition for the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies?
Students entering Grades 7–12 for the 2026–2027 school year are invited to audition. We welcome string, wind, brass, and percussion students with at least two years of playing experience.
What ensembles are offered?
The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies currently include:
Beginner String Ensemble
Advanced String Ensemble
Wind Ensemble
Chamber Music Opportunities
Ensemble placement is determined through the audition process.
Where are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals take place on Saturdays at the Southborough History & Arts Center, conveniently located just off Route 9 in Southborough, Massachusetts.
Tentative schedule:
Wind ensemble: 10 - 11:45 a.m.
Orchestra: 12:15 - 2 p.m.
Where are auditions held?
Auditions are held at Memorial Hall in Milford, Massachusetts.
What are the audition dates?
Auditions for the Fall 2026 season will take place on:
Saturday, May 30
Saturday, June 6
Audition appointments are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
What should students prepare for auditions?
For Wind, Brass, and String Players:
Three scales:
One major scale of the student’s choice
One major scale selected by the adjudicator
Chromatic scale
A highlighted excerpt from the 2026 CDMMEA Junior District audition materials
A prepared solo or selection approximately 1–2 minutes in length
For Percussionists:
Students may perform one or more excerpts on snare drum, mallets, or timpani from the highlighted CDMMEA audition materials
A prepared solo or selection approximately 1–2 minutes in length
Audition materials and scale sheets are available on the audition information page.
Is there an audition fee?
Yes. There is a $10 audition registration fee.
What happens after the audition?
Students and families will receive placement and enrollment information after auditions are completed.
Within a week, accepted students and their families will receive an invitation to join The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies
Tuition for the entire year will be collected at the first rehearsal in September.
A variety of payment plans are available.
What if my child is nervous about auditions?
That is completely normal. Our auditions are intended to place students in the ensemble where they will be most successful and supported. We want students to feel welcomed, encouraged, and excited about music-making.
Does my child need private lessons to participate?
Private lessons are encouraged but not required.
CHYS is designed to complement a student’s school music program and private study by providing additional ensemble experience, advanced repertoire, mentorship, and musical community.
Is CHYS a replacement for school band or orchestra?
No. We strongly believe in supporting local school music programs.
Many CHYS students participate in both their school ensembles and CHYS. Our goal is to supplement and enrich students’ musical experiences.
What towns do students come from?
Students come from throughout MetroWest, Greater Milford, Framingham, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Can homeschool students participate?
Absolutely. CHYS welcomes students from public schools, private schools, charter schools, vocational schools, and homeschool communities.
What is the rehearsal schedule?
Rehearsals take place on Saturday mornings during the academic year.
The rehearsal calendar is designed with families in mind and generally follows the local public school calendars regarding holidays and school vacations.
How many concerts are performed each year?
Students will participate in winter and spring performances.
There is also plans to have a Side-by-Side concert with the professional musicians of The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.
Dates to be determined.
Are there opportunities beyond full ensemble rehearsals?
Yes. Students may have opportunities to:
Participate in chamber music
Work with professional musicians
Perform alongside members of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra
Mentor younger students
Develop leadership and collaborative skills
Why is this relaunch special?
The relaunch of CHYS is being led by alumni who grew up in the program and are now professional music educators themselves.
Directors Anna Damigella and Zachary Surapine, along with logistics and communications coordinator Augustine Marzoratti, are committed to creating the same meaningful musical experiences that shaped their own lives as students.
What makes CHYS different?
CHYS combines:
High-level musical expectations
A welcoming and supportive environment
Community-centered music education
Mentorship from professionals and alumni
Opportunities for musical and personal growth
Our alumni consistently describe CHYS as one of the most meaningful experiences of their youth.
How do I sign up for an audition?
Families can visit our audition registration page to:
Submit student contact information
Select an audition day and time
Pay the audition registration fee
urlClaflin Hill Youth Symphonies Auditionshttps://www.claflinhill.org/youthsymphonies
Is there a bonus for audition families?
Yes.
Families who register for auditions will receive FREE tickets to the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra’s November Season Opening concert. Families simply need to let us know how many tickets they would like.