THIS PAGE IS FOR PYO and PYAO AUDITIONS ONLY.
- Auditions are open to student string, wind, brass, percussion and harp players ranging in age from 10 through 21 years.
- The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) accepts students ages 14 through 21 (exceptions have been made for exceptional students).
- The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO) accepts students ages 10 through 18.
- Students are placed by the artistic staff in one of the two orchestras according to musical ability, maturity and experience.
Annual tuition for the 2007-2008 season is $940.00. A non-refundable $175.00 deposit is due at the time an accepted student registers for the PYO program. Tuition balance is due by the first rehearsal of the concert season.
Tuition remission is available for those accepted students who demonstrate financial need. Applications are available upon request. Please contact the PYO office at info@pyos.org or 215.545.0502 for more information.
2007-2008 Season Audition Dates
Saturday, September 8, 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Strings, and Harp
Faculty Adjudicators
Louis Scaglione
Gloria dePasquale
William dePasquale
Sunday, September 9, 2007, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion
Faculty Adjudicators
Louis Scaglione
TBA
Location
Saint Patrick Hall
240 S. 20th Street (20th and Locust Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Directions
To schedule an audition:
Step 1: Please complete the online registration form. Contact the office only if you are unable to register online due to technical reasons at info@pyos.org or 215.545.0502.
Step 2: Everyone who auditions is required to print a PYO/PYAO Audition Form, complete it, and bring it to the audition. Click here to download the form (PDF File).
Auditions are by appointment only. If you have any questions, please contact the PYO office at info@pyos.org or 215-545-0502.
Audition Requirements by Instrument
- String performers should play 1) their own selection from the solo repertoire, 2) scales in three-octaves, détaché, at various tempi and in various keys, and 3) two contrasting orchestral excerpts.
- All wind, brass, percussion and harp performers should play 1) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 2) two contrasting orchestral excerpts. In addition:
- Flutes should be able to play or be willing to learn to play piccolo. If the student does play piccolo, please bring the instrument to the audition, and be prepared to play at least one orchestral excerpt.
- Oboes should play or be willing to learn to play English horn. If the student does play English horn, please bring the instrument to the audition, and be prepared to play at least one orchestral excerpt.
- Clarinets should own B-flat and A clarinets and be able to play or be willing to learn to play bass clarinet.
- Bassoons should play or be willing to learn to play contrabassoon.
- Horns should be able to transpose.
- Trumpets should own B-flat and C trumpets and be able to transpose.
- Trombones should be able to read bass clef and tenor clef, and be willing to learn to read alto clef.
- Percussionists should play timpani, snare drums, cymbals and xylophone.
- Pianists should contact the PYO office, 215.545.0502 or info@pyos.org, before registering for an audition and to request more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
PYO or PYAO?
The audition committee considers all eligible candidates for both orchestras. Placement of students is at the discretion of the faculty, whose decision is final.
Will I receive a confirmation of my audition appointment?
After registering online, the audition coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment time via telephone or email. Please make a record of this notification, as it will be your only one. If you are unable to keep your appointment, promptly notify the PYO office.
Will I need an accompanist?
No. The repertoire that you select will be performed without accompaniment.
How long will the audition be?
Auditions vary in length from 5-10 minutes. The length of your audition bears no reflection on whether you may be accepted into the orchestras.
What should I wear?
Dress as you would for a professional audition or job interview.
When will I hear if I have been accepted?
Students are notified of their acceptance within 1-2 weeks of auditions and receive a registration package in the mail. Students who are not accepted receive a notice in the mail. If you have not heard from the PYO office after two weeks, please call the office.