Audition
Audition Information for the 2026-2027 Season
Have you dreamed of playing in DYAO?
Make that dream a reality by auditioning for one of our award-winning programs!
DYAO provides young musicians ages 7 to 23 with the tools they need to grow and thrive. Students learn from fabulous conductors, educators, and professional musicians and collaborate with young people who share their passion for music. Need-based financial assistance is available for all programs. For qualifying families, scholarships of up to 90% of tuition costs may be provided based on level of need. Tuition assistance applications are made available to students who are offered a position in a DYAO ensemble after the conclusion of the audition process. Reach out to Michael Williams with questions regarding financial assistance.
DYAO has limited openings for specific instruments in each of our four ensembles (see below). Though we have concluded our in-person audition days, we may be able to accept individual auditions on a rolling basis. Contact Rachael DeLange if your are interested in one of the following positions:
- String Ensemble: Viola, Double Bass
- Allegro Strings: Double Bass
- Conservatory Orchestra: Viola, Cello (limited), Double Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, Horn
- Young Artists Orchestra: Clarinet, Bass Trombone, Percussion
If you participated in late auditions on August 15, results were sent on August 15 to the email address used to register in Snap Audition. If you did not receive an email, please check your junk or spam folder.
Which orchestra should I audition for?
To answer this question and to read our Instrument Proficiency Standards, check out our Orchestras page. If you aren’t sure, you may want to take these standards to your private teacher for guidance. You can also be considered for more than one orchestra. If you are considering auditioning for two orchestras, for example, the Young Artists Orchestra and the Conservatory Orchestra, be sure to prepare the repertoire for the higher level orchestra and only audition one time. (You will only be placed in one ensemble.) You can contact Program & Orchestra Manager Rachael DeLange (rachael.delange@dyao.org) with questions.
Each group rehearses once a week throughout the season (August – May) with dress rehearsals and sound checks leading up to performances. It is expected that young artists in our program attend all of these rehearsals, sound checks, and performances. For more information on when each group rehearses, check out our Orchestras page.
What do I play for the audition?
Audition packets for the 2026-2027 season are ready for download. To learn more about the audition process and ensemble expectations, check out the information below. Click on the link for your instrument and read through all of the audition requirements, which may include scales, a short solo, and orchestral excerpts. Requirements vary depending on your instrument and the ensemble for which you will audition.
Please note: if you are interested in auditioning for the 2027-2028 season, new audition materials will be available by the end of March 2027. The audition packets below can be used as a general reference but will not be used for 2027-2028 auditions.