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

Strings, Flutes, Oboes, and Clarinets who are not currently members of AYPO must audition in the Preliminary Round. All other instruments audition in the Final Round only. 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 AYPO 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 2010-2011 season: AYP $945; AYSO $915; AYCO $775; AYSE $655. Any updates for the 2011-2012 season tuition rates will be made in spring 2011. 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, included with the tuition. 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.

Available in February 2011