2020-2021 Audition Video Submission Deadlines
May 29, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
September 11, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Final Date to Submit an Audition for 2020-2021
Auditions are open to student string, wind, brass, percussion, piano, and harp players. The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO) accepts students ages 15 through 21. Submit your audition materials here.
Audition Requirements
UPDATE May 5, 2020: Video Submission Guidelines for PYO, PYAO, and YMDO have been amended, including an extension for the total time limit for video submissions. Please review the updated document.
String performers should play 1) required scales, 2) their own selection from the solo repertoire, and 3) the following required orchestral excerpts.
Wind and 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 or etudes, and 3) the following required orchestra excerpts:
Percussion excerpts + Timpani excerpts
NOTE: During the COVID-19 crisis, percussionists may not have access to mallet instruments or timpani. Percussionists are to adapt the audition requirements to the best of their ability with the instruments with which they have access.
Harpists should play 1) required scales, 2) 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 bring the instrument to the audition, and be prepared to play the provided excerpt.
- Oboes should play or be willing to learn to play English horn. If the student does play English horn, please bring the instrument to the audition, and be prepared to play the provided excerpt.
- 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 2020-2021 season is $1995. A non-refundable deposit of $550 is due at the time an accepted student registers for the PYO organization. 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.