The Halton Youth Symphony (HYS) will hold auditions for its 2008-09 season Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The symphony consists of 94 musicians in two orchestras -- the Halton Youth Chamber Orchestra, for youths aged nine to 14, and the Halton Youth Symphony Orchestra, for high school-aged musicians.

The HYS attracts instrumentalists from Milton and the other Halton municipalities as well as neighbouring communities.

Musicians interested in auditioning for the HYS should send an e-mail to manager@haltonyouthsymphony.com for more information and to book an audition time.

This call for auditions comes on the heels of the Halton Youth Symphony Orchestra's European tour.

The July trip saw 36 musicians aged 13 to 20, plus their conductor and chaperones embark on a performance and cultural tour of the Czech Republic and Austria.

The orchestra performed for audiences throughout the tour, and at the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna.

This was Halton Youth Symphony's first international trip in its 32-year history.

Miltonian Rebecca Selmayer, 17, was one of the musicians who made the trip.

The Bishop Reding student plays clarinet and said the most memorable part of the trip for her was participating in the Vienna music festival -- but it was also rather nerve-wracking.

"It was so intimidating because Vienna is the city of music," she said.

No need to worry, though. Selmayer said they played very well and were well received by audiences and the other orchestras, which came from near and far.

"It was a lot of fun," she added.

For more information HYS, call (905) 616-2760 or visit www.haltonyouthsymphony.com.