The application process for the 2023-24 school year is NOW CLOSED

Check back in July 2024 for updates


Scroll down to read more about the program and audition requirements. 


ABOUT

Acadiana Conservatory of Music accepts applications and conducts auditions annually, from young musicians interested in joining one of two youth orchestras: Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra (ages 13+) and Acadiana Symphony Preparatory Orchestra (for ages 8+). All new musicians must audition. 
Both orchestras meet every Monday (excluding holidays) at the Ovey Comeaux Highschool Strings Room in Lafayette, beginning on September 11, 2023. The Preparatory Orchestra rehearses 5:30pm-6:15pm, and the Youth Orchestra 6:20pm-8:00pm. Orientation for both ensembles is August 28.
There are three planned performances each year:

Christmas Concert with ASO - December 14, 2023
ASYO & ASPO Spring Concert - March 27, 2024
Festival International - April 27, 2024
Annual tuition upon acceptance, is as follows:
ASYO - $200 + Fees
ASPO - $100 + Fees

ASYO Audition Information

Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra is open to string players who will be age 13 or older by September 1. This group is ASO's premiere youth orchestra, performing advanced orchestral literature.

WHAT'S REQUIRED

Video Audition
Please include: 

  • A 2-3 minute solo selection of your choice
  • Two scales of your choice
  • The required excerpts for your instrument found below

String Proficiency
Violin/Viola

  • Violists should have knowledge of Treble Clef
  • Facility in advanced positions
  • Established Vibrato

Cello

  • Knowledge of Tenor Clef and Acquaintance with Treble Clef String
  • Established Vibrato

Bass

  • Facility in Half through Thumb Position preferred
  • Knowledge of Tenor Clef

Scales & excerpts for audition





ASPO Audition Information

Acadiana Symphony Preparatory Orchestra emphasizes technique development - incorporating instruction on fundamentals of scales, shifting, and bowing, in addition to formative ensemble skills experience. ASPO is open to string players who will be age 8-13 by September 1.
WHAT'S REQUIRED

Video Audition
Please include: 

  • A 2-3 minute solo selection of your choice
  • Two scales of your choice
  • The required excerpts for your instrument found below

String Proficiency
Violin/Viola

  • RH position established, with finger flexibility. arm drawing the bow straight and using the hand, wrist and forearm together
  • Can produce a clean, clear, centered pitch with an established bow stroke and good left hand finger placement at times
  • Ability to perform basic bow style, legato, staccato, marcato, and spiccato along with accented notes
  • Good LH position, hand/wrist and forearm in alignment, and flexible fingers
  • A basic ability to play in position and beginning third position.
  • Ability to perform a good pizzicato sound

Cello

  • Forward and backward extensions

Bass

  • Half and third positions

Scales & excerpts for audition

youth orchestra lafayette la

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Provided by SOLA Violins for students in need of financial assistance.
Applications due by: August 21
Awarded: August 28

For details and to apply, contact education director, Michael Zeek.
(337) 769-3012

 

youth orchestra lafayette la

ASYO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Youth Orchestra Librarian 
View Job Description
Download Application
Youth Orchestra Personnel Manager 
View Job Description
Download Application

Positions are volunteer, however tuition assistance is provided, as our way of saying THANK YOU. All participating members can apply. Submit your application to education director, Michael Zeek, michael@acadianasymphony.org.