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2026-2027 Audition Materials OUT NOW!
AUDITION PROCESS: Application and Excerpts
AYO applications for the 2026-27 season will open on May 15th. The application deadline is Saturday, June 20th at 11:59pm.
To help place each student in the ensemble that best matches their current level of development, string audition excerpts are divided into three levels: List A, List B, and List C.
Each list increases in difficulty, with List C designed for developing and intermediate string players and List A featuring the most advanced excerpts.
The excerpt lists are designed with a small amount of overlap between levels.
This means that the final excerpt in one list may also appear as the first excerpt in the next, more advanced list.
This structure is intentional. It allows students to prepare music that includes both material that feels comfortable and music that provides an appropriate challenge. Preparing excerpts across this range helps our conductors better understand each student’s current level and readiness for the next stage of musical growth.
Students should work with their teacher to choose the list that best reflects their overall level of playing.
Students who wish to be considered for Symphony must perform excerpts from List A.
Note that woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano and harp only have one set of excerpts.
Students are encouraged to consult with their private teacher and/or band or orchestra director to determine which list of excerpts best aligns with their current skill level. Choosing the right list will help you showcase your abilities most effectively during the audition.
Any student may be placed into any ensemble, regardless of which excerpt list they choose. The audition is designed to assess each student’s musicality, technical skills, and potential for growth. Age is also considered so that students are placed in an ensemble that is socially and pedagogically appropriate.
Carefully review the AYO Audition Information available on our website, and if you are a string player, be sure you have selected the appropriate excerpt list for your level of playing.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your audition music with your private or school teacher, and allow time to record and submit your video through the AYO application form.
A complete audition includes:
Scales
A solo piece of your choice (no more than 3 minutes)
One set of required excerpts
To complete your audition, you must:
Provide a YouTube link to your recording in the audition form
Submit the $35 audition fee
Need-based scholarship applications will open on May 15.
Audition placement notifications will be sent by mid-July via email.
AUDITION GUIDELINES
Download the Audition Guidelines document below for your instrument.
Please review the requirements carefully so you understand exactly what to prepare. Each audition includes: scales, a solo and required excerpts.
Practice the required excerpts with your private teacher or music director.
Review the video submission guidelines and recording tips.
Follow the instructions for sharing your audition video. Upload your audition video to YouTube and submit the link in your application.
Submit your completed application between May 15th and June 20th.
2026 AYO AUDITION EXCERPTS
Click on the Link Below to download the guide for your instrument. Excerpts are posted and linked on the last page of the guide.
STRING AUDITION GUIDE - viola excerpt #4 fixed 4/15. Please note that LIST A Excerpts 3 & 4 are unbowed and require bowings and fingerings guided by your private teacher.
Preparing Your Excerpts
In addition to practicing the notes and rhythms, we strongly encourage students to listen to recordings of the full pieces from which the audition excerpts are taken. Understanding the musical style, tempo, and character of the music will help you perform with greater confidence and musicality.
We recommend that students:
Listen to professional recordings of each excerpt
Follow along with the music while listening
Notice tempo, articulation, phrasing, and overall style
Work with a teacher to understand how the excerpt fits into the full piece
For Symphony excerpts, bowings and fingerings are not prescribed. As the excerpts are provided without bowings, students are expected to prepare their parts with appropriate bowings and fingerings, guided by their private teacher and consistent with professional orchestral practice.
Whenever possible, we will provide links to recordings of the audition repertoire. Students may also search for recordings on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, or other streaming services.
Taking time to become familiar with the music—not just the notes—will make your preparation more effective and your performance more successful.
How Many Excerpts Should I Prepare?
String audition packets include multiple excerpts that span several orchestra levels. Students are encouraged to prepare as many excerpts as they can play comfortably and confidently.
You do not need to play every excerpt in the packet.
Instead, focus on preparing excerpts that reflect your current level of playing. It is better to perform fewer excerpts well than to attempt too many that are not yet secure.
This approach helps our conductors:
Understand each student’s true level of development
Place students in the ensemble where they will be most successful
Provide appropriate musical challenges and opportunities for growth
Students should work with their private teacher or school director to decide how many excerpts to prepare and which ones best showcase their strengths.
Our goal is not to test how much music you can learn quickly, but to understand how you play at your best.
Important Guidance for Students and Families
Any student may be placed into any ensemble, regardless of which excerpt list they choose. The audition is designed to assess each student’s musicality, technical skills, and potential for growth. Age is also considered so that students are placed in an ensemble that is socially and pedagogically appropriate.
Please choose your solo and excerpts carefully, with input from your private teacher, so they reflect your current abilities. The goal is to showcase your strongest performance, and selecting appropriate music is an important part of that process.
While we provide general descriptions of each AYO ensemble, placement decisions are based on the audition as a whole. Students should choose the excerpt list that best matches their comfort level and experience.
Our goal is to place every student in an ensemble where they can grow, feel confident, and be successful.
All students—including current AYO members—must audition each year.
For students auditioning for Philharmonic or Symphony, we strongly encourage receiving approval from your private teacher or director before submitting your final audition video. This step helps ensure that students present their best work and avoid submitting a recording that does not reflect their full potential.
As an educational organization, we want every student to feel supported, confident, and set up for success. Thoughtful preparation—and guidance from a trusted teacher—can make a meaningful difference in both placement and personal growth.
Questions? Please reach out education@austinyouthorchestra.org
Ensembles for All Levels | Rehearsals on Sundays at Austin High School
Ensembles for All Levels | Rehearsals on Sundays at Austin High School
The Austin Youth Orchestra offers a dynamic range of ensembles designed to support developing musicians from beginner to advanced levels. All rehearsals are held on Sundays at Austin High School, providing a consistent and collaborative learning environment.
Symphony Orchestra
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Premier full orchestra for advanced high school musicians
Tuition: $650/year
Philharmonic Orchestra
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Comprehensive orchestral experience for intermediate to advanced players
Tuition: $650/year
Sinfonietta
Time: 5:00–6:30 PM
Designed for developing middle school musicians
Tuition: $500/year
Canzonetta & Serenata
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Entry-level string ensembles for younger and beginner players
Tuition: $400/year
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