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YOUTH AND PREPARATORY ORCHESTRA
Applications for the 2025 / 26 school year
OPEN IN AUGUST!
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 in September 2025. The Preparatory Orchestra rehearses 5:30pm-6:15pm, and the Youth Orchestra 6:20pm-8:00pm. Orientation for both ensembles is in August.
There are three planned performances each year:
Christmas Concert with ASO - Date: TBA
ASYO & ASPO Spring Concert - Date: TBA
Festival International - Date: TBA
Annual tuition upon acceptance, is as follows:
ASYO - $300 + Fees
ASPO - $200 + 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.
A VIDEO AUDITION IS REQUIRED
Please include:
- A 2-3 minute solo selection of your choice
- Two scales of your choice
- The required excerpts for your instrument (listed below)
- Demonstrated string proficiency
(requirements below)
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
Double Bass
- Facility in Half through Thumb Position preferred
- Knowledge of Tenor Clef
Required scales & excerpts for audition
- Violin Scales and Excerpts for ASYO (2 MB)
- Viola Scales and Excerpts for ASYO (1.8 MB)
- Cello Scales and Excerpts for ASYO (1.7 MB)
- Bass Scales and Excerpts for ASYO (1.5 MB)
ASPO Audition Information
Acadiana Symphony Preparatory Orchestra is open to string players who will be age 8-13 by September 1. This group learns technique development, fundamentals of scales, shifting, and bowing, and formative ensemble skills.
A VIDEO AUDITION IS REQUIRED
Please include:
- A 2-3 minute solo selection of your choice
- Two scales of your choice
- Demonstrated String Proficiency (requirements below)
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
Double Bass
- Half and third positions
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Provided by SOLA Violins for students in need of financial assistance.
For details and to apply, contact ASYO Music Director & Conductor, Dragoş Filip,
dragos@acadianasymphony.org.
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 ASYO Music Director & Conductor, Dragoş Filip, dragos@acadianasymphony.org.
