Audition for the 2024-2025 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.
Auditions for the 2024-2025 DYAO season are closed.
We do still have the following openings in our ensembles:
- String Ensemble: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Allegro Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
- Conservatory Orchestra: Viola, Double Bass, Oboe, Horn, Percussion
- Young Artists Orchestra: Viola, Percussion, Harp* (*may not be called for every concert)
If you play one of the instruments listed above and are interested in joining DYAO, please reach out to Rachael DeLange (rachael.delange@dyao.org) for more information about submitting an audition.
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@dyao.org) with questions before signing up for an audition.
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 at the audition?
Audition packets for the 2024-2025 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.