UPDATED: MAY 3, 2026

Auditions are now open..

Audition Materials can be in the 2026-2027 Audition Material Folder

OVERVIEW

The Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CTPYO) is open to student members grades 8- 12.  Membership in the CTPYO is for one full season. The season runs concurrently with the academic school year.  Students are expected to participate for the entire season. Auditions can be quite competitive, and placement results will be based upon many specific technical abilities (such as intonation, tone quality & control, position/posture, manual dexterity, vibrato, etc.). Placement will also be based on instrumental balance within the orchestra so that no one instrument outnumbers another instrument in terms of sound.

We are excited to announce that this upcoming season includes not only 4 concert performances but also a Premier Performance at the 2027 American String Teachers Association Conference on February 24-27 in Chicago, Illinois. Please audition if you are interested in committing to our organization for the year knowing that a performance such as this will reflect notably well on college resumes, admissions and on student transcripts!

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS 

Students will submit 1 video recording that includes the following:

• The CTPYO required excerpt(s) and chosen scales for their instrument and preferred part

  • For example: A student wishing to audition for Violin I should only audition on the Violin I music

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Before playing, state your full name, grade, school, and district you represent.

Immediately move on to the excerpts and scales. No editing, splicing, or added effects.

• A metronome may be used to check tempo prior to playing but must be turned off during the actual audition

• String players must place the camera at an angle that shows bow and left arm and fingers

• Wind/Percussion/ Harpists must place the camera at an angle that shows both their hands and embouchures.

HOW AUDITIONS WORK

Attach the required video recording via the online registration form by 10:00 pm on June 1, 2026

• Results: Students will receive an email informing them of their individual results. When and if offered a position, the student must officially accept the invitation and start organizing their schedules for rehearsals and concerts ensuring that any potential conflicts are addressed with the directors in advance. Dates for rehearsals and performances will go out when students receive their acceptance results.

• Tuition: Students for the CTPYO 2026-2027 season is $300 and will be collected at the first rehearsal via Paypal, check or cash. Additional family members are $250 each. Payment plans can be available on an individual basis as long as the family communicates with the directors in advance.

• Scholarships: CTPYO believes that every talented and committed student deserves the opportunity to join, regardless of their financial situation. Limited partial scholarships are offered. Students who are in need of a partial scholarship must fill out a Scholarship Application Form and submit it with their audition as an attached file.

REHEARSALS & CONCERT CALENDAR INFORMATION

• Georgetown High School is the secured location for all Sunday rehearsals from 2:00-4:00 pm

• The Rodney A & Mary Klett Auditorium is the secured performance venue for all concerts;

  • 2211 N. Austin Ave. Georgetown Tx 78626

• Concert Cycles include about 3-4 Rehearsals prior to each scheduled performance.

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURS & FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Throughout the season, CTPYO will be working towards a showcase performance at the 2027 American String Teachers Association Festival held in Chicago, Illinois. Cost per participant will be approximately $2000 for a 3-night stay that will include transportation, hotel, dinners and daily attractions. The directors will encourage and provide members and families to participate in fundraisers, seek corporate and local grants, and/or schedule a payment plan to ensure participation for this amazing performance opportunity. We will help make the trip a reality for all!