AYO 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. 

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.

2026-2027 AYO AUDITIONS

Questions? Email us at education@austinyouthorchestra.org