top of page
Omaha Area
Youth Orchestras
Step-by-Step Guide to Joining OAYO
2023-2024 Season
October 2023 Update: We are still accepting auditions for all instruments in all orchestras EXCEPT: Youth Philharmonic (YP) and Youth Symphony (YS) oboe and trombone, YS flute, YS trumpet, and YP clarinet.
We would LOVE to have more auditions for:
YP flute, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, percussion, and all strings!
YS clarinet, bassoon, french horn, percussion, and all strings!
Step 1 - Consider the Ensemble
OAYO offers a range of ensembles and chamber music programs. This chart includes ensemble descriptions.
Please use the chart to guide your ensemble selection or visit our Ensembles page,
Step 2 - Read the Audition Brochure
Click here to learn about ensemble auditions and requirements.
Percussionists: please scroll down to the red highlighted portion under "Step 4" for your audition requirements
Note: Auditions are required for placement into Youth Concert Strings, Youth Philharmonic and Youth Symphony.
Step 3 - Register for an Audition
September 2023 update: Yes, we are accepting late auditions! Please register below.
To register for your audition, please click here.
-- After you register, programs@oayo.org will send you further instructions on how to submit your audition!
Registrations and audition fee payments are only accepted online.
Contact programs@oayo.org if you need assistance.
Step 4 - Review & Prepare
Click to review the audition requirements.(percussionists, see below in red)
Read the preparation document here.
To review the auditions rubric, click here.
Percussionists:
1.prepare two short solo pieces (1-2) min each on two different percussion instruments of your choice
2. prepare one major and one minor scale on a mallet instrument of your choice.
3. play an A on the instrument and then sing the same pitch. The singing doesn’t have to sound nice, it just should be the same pitch.
Please make every effort to record your audition in a space with percussion instruments available.
For 2023-2024: musicians do not need to prepare an excerpt for any ensemble.
Wind and brass players may be asked to prepare a short excerpt following their initial audition. You will be contacted directly if this applies to you.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
The artistic staff is happy to answer any questions and offer suggestions.
Do I have to submit my recording when I click the link above?
Nope! You must complete registration in order to receive a link to submit your recording.
Is there a fee to register for an audition?
If you register by April 3, 2023 the fee is $30.
If you register between April 4 and April 24, the fee is $45.
If you register after April 24 the fee is $50.
If the registration fee is a financial barrier, please contact us!
When is the latest I can register for an audition?
Late registrations are now open!
You may register at any time before October 1, 2023. However, some instrument sections may reach capacity over the summer, so the sooner you register and audition, the better! We ask that you prepare and submit your audition recording within two weeks of registering.
Can I audition in person?
ALL AUDITIONS FOR 2023-2024 WILL BE SUBMITTED ONLINE. In person auditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How do I submit my audition recording?
You must be registered in order to receive submission information. We will send you an email with instructions once you register!
What is the deadline to submit my audition recording?
All audition recordings must be submitted by May 3, 2023 at 11:59PM if registered by the first audition deadline. Late auditions must be submitted within two weeks of registering.
When will I know my audition results?
If accepted, you will be notified of your ensemble placement by June 11, 2023.
For late auditions, you will be notified as soon as a decision has been made!
For any questions regarding registration, please contact our Director of Programs and Operations at programs@oayo.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
bottom of page