Auditions for the 2015-2016 Season
General Info • Process/Requirements • Excerpts • Schedule • Results • Frequently Asked Questions • School Music Policy

General Information:
Applicants: AYPO accepts musicians up to age 21 on strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, and piano. Applicant should have at least two years of experience on the instrument and be currently enrolled in private lessons, and be a participating member of his/her school music program. AYPO accepts applicants based on their musical ability without regard to gender, race, religion, disability, or income (full and partial financial aid available). Prior membership in AYPO does not guarantee continued membership; all musicians are required to audition each season.

How To Apply: Complete the online application and submit with a non-refundable $45 fee by April 1, 2015. Applicants will be notified by email 10 days prior to the audition date (April 25, 2015) as to the specific time for his/her audition, as well as the location and directions.

Questions: Browse through the Auditions pages (including the Frequently Asked Questions section) or contact the AYPO office: auditions@aypo.org.

About AYPO:
Recognized as one of the leading orchestral training programs in the nation, the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) provides world-class training and performance opportunities for young musicians up to 21 years of age. With a nationally recognized artistic staff and a dedicated professional staff, AYPO annually trains over 400 of the most talented young musicians. Since 1964, AYPO has delivered programs of the highest caliber to young musicians and audiences throughout the Washington metropolitan region, earning an unrivaled reputation for excellence and distinction.

The organization administers five youth orchestras that rehearse weekly on Monday evenings, September through May, and presents a season of ten concerts annually.

• American Youth Philharmonic (AYP): Led by Artistic Director Christopher Zimmerman, AYP is composed of the organization's most accomplished young musicians. As AYPO's flagship orchestra, AYP is known to collaborate with world-renowned soloists and musicians.
Repertoire: advanced symphonic literature including 20th and 21st century compositions and commissioned works by contemporary composers.

• American Youth Symphonic Orchestras (AYSO): Led by Conductor Carl J. Bianchi, AYSO is composed of advanced musicians who perform challenging repertoire of the highest caliber.
Repertoire: standard symphonic literature.

• American Youth Concert Orchestra (AYCO): Led by Conductor Glenn Quader, AYCO is a full symphonic training orchestra composed of experienced young musicians. Emphasis in AYCO is placed on developing the art of orchestral playing through the reinforcement of individual technique and ensemble skills fundamental to performing in an orchestra. Winds, Brass, and Strings will be given dedicated coachings and will perform both separately (winds/brass and strings) and as a full orchestra.
Repertoire: symphonic arrangements and original works targeted to musicians developing advanced ensemble skills.

• American Youth String Ensemble (AYSE): Led by Conductor Laura Cahn, AYSE provides young string musicians the opportunity to enhance their skills in ensemble playing, with a focus on the relationship between the various string parts, tone color, and musical expression.
Repertoire: original string orchestra works and arrangements of standard symphonic literature.

• American Youth Debut Orchestra (AYDO): Led by Conductor Laura Cahn, AYDO offers young string musicians an introduction to the fundamentals of orchestral performance. Debut Orchestra musicians are taught basic ensemble playing skills, fundamental orchestra procedures, and vital rhythmic and tempo techniques.
Repertoire: string orchestra works at VBODA (Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association) grade levels two and three. Before joining, musicians should have at least two years of private lesson instruction.

Other Offerings:
• American Youth Percussion Ensemble Led by Director Doug Wallace, this ensemble is comprised of musicians from AYP, AYSO, and AYCO. The Percussion Ensemble performs pieces for the aforementioned orchestras throughout the season and presents a special Percussion Concert in the spring.
• Chamber Ensemble Program In partnership with AYPO's acclaimed ensemble in-residence, Ensemble da Camera of Washington, this program is for talented musicians who participate in AYSO and AYP. Ensembles are formed and provided repertoire that includes a mix of strings, woodwinds, brass, harp, and piano. Musicians participate in public master classes and receive ensemble coaching sessions, weekly rehearsal space, performance at the spring recital, and performance opportunities in the community. The Ensemble, consisting of clarinetist Claire Eichhorn, pianist Anna Balakerskaia, and violinist/violist Ricardo Cyncynates, coaches each ensemble and leads public master classes throughout the season. Students may notate their interest in being considered for the Chamber Ensemble Program as part of their online application for AYPO.
• Music Buddies Mentorship Program Led by Director Laura Cahn, this program is a peer-to-peer musical training opportunity that provides private music instruction to financially disadvantaged students. Mentors are musicians from AYCO, AYSO, or AYP (8th grade or older). Mentors give weekly lessons covering basic music skills, exercises, and school orchestra/band music. Students demonstrate the skills they learned from their mentors at an annual recital in front of an audience, either as a solo musician or with a small group.