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Omaha Area
Youth Orchestras
Step-by-Step Guide to Joining OAYO
2024-2025 Season
Click here to read our Audition FAQ!
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
Visit this link to register for your Audition!
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 2024-2025: 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.
How is it possible to submit an audition for more than one ensemble, and what do I prepare?
This happens most often when a student is either new to OAYO and is unsure of which ensemble is the best fit for them, or when a current OAYO student is auditioning to move up to the next ensemble.
Either way, go for it! Let's say you're auditioning for both Youth Concert Strings and Youth Philharmonic (with YP as first choice and YCS as second choice). You would prepare an audition for the most advanced ensemble you are auditioning for! In the example, you would only prepare a YP audition (1 major/1 minor scale, 2 minute solo) even if you would be ok with placement in either ensemble.
Is there a fee to register for an audition?
If you register by April 1, 2024 at 11:59pm, the fee is $30.
If you register between April 2 and May 6 at 11:59pm, the fee is $45.
If you register after May 6, 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 will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will open once regular auditions have ceased.
Some instrument sections may still be accepting musicians after the season has started. However: please keep in mind that many wind and brass sections fill up quickly! It is in your best interest to audition as soon as you are able to.
As always, feel free to email programs@oayo.org if you have questions on if we will be accepting late auditions for your instrument!
Can I audition in person?
ALL AUDITIONS FOR 2024-2025 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 6, 2024 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 mid to late June.
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)
FAQ
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