Auditions

General Information
Acceptance in the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) is based on musical ability as demonstrated in the auditions (and on the specific needs of each orchestra). Annual open auditions ensure the most qualified young instrumentalists will have the opportunity this orchestral training program provides and also assure that AYPO presents high quality orchestras.

Auditions are held in two rounds (preliminary and final) at two skill levels (preparatory and advanced). Applicants who qualify at the preparatory skill level will be eligible for the preparatory orchestras - American Youth String Ensemble (AYSE) and the American Youth Concert Orchestra (AYCO). Applicants who qualify at the advanced skill level will be eligible for the advanced orchestras - American Youth Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO) and the American Youth Philharmonic (AYP).

Musicians who are not currently members of AYPO must audition in the Preliminary Round. Current members of AYSE or AYCO who would like to move to the advanced orchestras must audition in the Preliminary Round.

Current members of AYSE or AYCO who do not wish to move to an advanced orchestra, skip the Preliminary Round and only audition in the Final Round. Current members of AYSO or AYP skip the Preliminary Round and only audition in the Final Round.

Participation
Upon acceptance to an AYP Orchestras ensemble, the musician and his/her parents/guardians are expected to make a serious and diligent commitment to that orchestra and to the organization.

Musicians are expected to attend weekly rehearsals, practice orchestra parts outside of rehearsal, and attend dress rehearsals and concerts as outlined in the organization’s schedule (published in September and modified as needed during the season). Musicians are expected to participate in their school music programs and study their instruments privately to maintain at least the level of competency demonstrated at the time of their audition and to continue their musical development.

Parents/guardians are expected to attend meetings of AYPO (annually), and are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents and participate in fundraising activities. Many volunteer hours are required to meet the needs of the AYPO program.

Tuition
Tuition for the 2008-2009 season is: AYP $920; AYSO $875; AYCO $740; AYSE $640. Please check this website in 2009 for any updates of the 2009-2010 season tuition rates. A non-refundable deposit of one-half tuition is required upon notification of acceptance to AYPO. This deposit acknowledges acceptance and assures the musician a place in the orchestra. AYPO may withdraw an offer to any musician who does not pay the deposit by the required date. Families also purchase discounted season tickets. Need-based scholarships and payment plans for partial and full tuition are available. Applications will be available upon notification of acceptance.

For additional information please contact Holly Hanneke, General Manager, at (703) 642-8051, ext. 24, or hhanneke@aypo.org.