2021-2022 In-Person Audition Dates
September 11, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
All Instruments
October 16, 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Cello, French Horn, and Trumpet
UPDATE September 16, 2021: PYO will continue to hold auditions by appointment, and currently has specific openings for Cello, French Horn, and Trumpet. Please complete the registration form to schedule your audition! Any questions can be directed to Mr. Oatts at eoatts@pyomusic.org or 215-545-0502.
Auditions are open to string, wind, brass, percussion, piano, and harp players. The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) accepts students ages 15 through 21.
Audition Requirements
String performers should play 1) required scales, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestral excerpts.
Woodwind performers should play 1) required scales, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestral excerpts:
Brass performers should play 1) required scales, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestral excerpts:
Percussionists should play 1) required scales & rudiments, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestra excerpts:
NOTE: Please contact the PYOMI office if you do not have access to the required percussion instruments.
Harpists should play 1) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestra excerpts:
Pianists should play 1) required scales, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestra excerpts.
In addition:
- Flutes should be able to play or be willing to learn to play piccolo. If the student does play piccolo, please be prepared to play the provided excerpt as a part of the audition.
- Oboes should play or be willing to learn to play English horn. If the student does play English horn,please be prepared to play the provided excerpt as a part of the audition.
- Clarinets must own B-flat and A clarinets and be able to play or be willing to learn to play bass clarinet.
- Bassoons should play or be willing to learn to play contrabassoon.
- Horns must be able to transpose.
- Trumpets must own B-flat and C trumpets and be able to transpose.
- Trombones should be able to read bass clef and tenor clef, and be willing to learn to read alto clef.
- Percussionists must play timpani, snare drums, cymbals and should play xylophone.
Annual PYO tuition for the 2021-2022 season is $1995. A non-refundable deposit of $550 is due at the time an accepted student registers for the PYO Music Institute. Tuition balance is due by the first rehearsal of the concert season.
Financial Aid is available for those accepted students who demonstrate financial need. Applications are available upon request. Please contact the PYO office at eoatts@pyomusic.org or 215.545.0502 for more information.