The application process for the 2022-23 school year is NOW CLOSED

CHECK BACK AGAIN IN JULY 2023 FOR FUTURE POSTING DETAILS.

The 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 12, 2022. The Preparatory Orchestra rehearses 5:30pm-6:15pm, and the Youth Orchestra 6:20pm-8:00pm. Orientation for both ensembles is August 29.

There are three planned performances each year:
Christmas Concert with ASO - December 13, 2022
ASYO & ASPO Spring Concert - March 20, 2023
Festival International - April 29, 2023

Annual tuition upon acceptance, is as follows:
ASYO - $200 + Fees
ASPO - $100 + Fees

Sola Violins is offering scholarships to ASYO & ASPO for students in need of financial assistance. Contact education manager, Michael Zeek before August 20th to inquire, (337) 769-3012. Scholarships will be awarded on August 29th.

ASYO description

Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra is open to string, woodwind, brass and percussion students who will be age 13 or older by September 1. This group is ASO's premiere youth orchestra, performing advanced orchestral literature. Applicants should have several years of band or orchestra experience and perform individually at a pre-college or college level.

String Proficiency


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

Cello
  • Facility in 1st through 4th positions (Thumb Position is encouraged)
  • 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 description

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.

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