Audition

2026–2027 Season

Auditions

In one of Vermont Youth Orchestra Association’s performing ensembles, you’ll play new and exciting music, make real friends, and feel the rush of performing at The Flynn. It’s challenging. It’s exciting. It’s the kind of experience that makes you think, “I can’t believe I just did that.” If you love playing your instrument and want even more chances to grow, connect, and make unforgettable music, sign up for a FREE audition!

Requirements Registration Preparation

Audition Requirements

Midyear auditions take place in the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester on December 16-17, 2026. Your 10-minute audition includes a 2-minute solo of your choice, any scale and arpeggio you’d like, your choice of an orchestral excerpt from a list provided, and a short sight reading passage appropriate for your level. Your audition helps us select which ensemble will help you grow the most, artistically and personally, over the next season. VYOA offers financial aid support each season: nobody is turned away due to economic hardship.

(1) Solo

Solo of your choice (without accompaniment): Prepare a brief solo that best demonstrates your technical and expressive capabilities. 2 minutes of your solo will be heard, so select a starting point that will showcase your best playing. Your piece does not need to be memorized. PERCUSSIONISTS: Choose a solo on ONE instrument- snare drum, timpani, or xylophone/orchestra bells.

(2) Scale & Arpeggio

Prepare one major OR one minor scale of your choice with corresponding arpeggio. The scale and arpeggio should be played at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 80. Prepare the number of octaves that best represents your range of ability. The scale and arpeggio do not need to be memorized. PERCUSSIONISTS: In addition to one scale and arpeggio (xylophone/orchestra bells), you will be asked to demonstrate basic rudiments such as a long roll (snare) and tuning changes (timpani).

(3) Orchestral Excerpt

Choose ONE of the excerpts listed for your instrument below and prepare it to the best of your ability. PERCUSSIONISTS: You must play ONE excerpt on snare drum, ONE excerpt on timpani, and ONE excerpt on xylophone (3 excerpts total).

Download Excerpts

(4) Sight Reading

A short passage appropriate for your level will be selected by the adjudicators and provided in the audition.

Scheduling Your Audition

Midyear auditions take place in the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester on December 16-17, 2026.

All current VYOA and new students must audition annually. Midyear auditions are scheduled if there are openings within the ensembles. For new students, a completed audition registration form must be submitted prior to receiving an audition time. There is no audition fee. Audition questions can be emailed to auditions@vyo.org.

New Students

Complete our audition registration form to receive an audition time. Please have the following information on hand when registering:

Name and email address for your current private instructor (if applicable)
The title and composer of the solo you have prepared for your audition (if known at time of registration)
One or two other solos you have worked on recently

Registration Form

Current Students

An audition is not needed at this time for current students.

Preparing for Your Audition

Choose a solo, scale, and orchestral excerpt that best demonstrates your current ability and range. Choosing to play something that is too hard can send the wrong message to the audition panel. If this is your first time auditioning and you don’t have a private teacher, just do your best in preparing your audition! You can find a private teacher through the VYOA Lesson Program.

Audition Tips

Arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition time so you can be checked in and warm up before your audition.
Dress for success. This is one more way to show the audition panel you look forward to being part of the VYOA.
Pick your scale, solo, and excerpt early so you have the most time to prepare.
Hold a mock audition in front of your family and/or teacher in advance. This will mentally prepare you for how the audition will go.
Realize the judges want you to do well. They hope you play your best.
Smile and have fun! Making music is a joyous experience.

Membership Requirements

Commit to the annual calendar

VYOA orchestras meet from August through early May. Families will receive a full season calendar with their registration.

Agree to adhere to the attendance policy

Orchestra musicians are allowed two excused absences per concert cycle. Musicians who have three or more absences will be asked to play for their conductor.

Vermont Youth Orchestra and Vermont Youth Philharmonia = 3 concert cycles per year

Vermont Youth Strings = 2 concert cycles per year (Fall semester and Spring semester)

School Music Program Participation

The VYOA recognizes the importance of school music programs in our communities and their role in developing young people as musicians. Elementary and middle school musicians are required to participate in their school music program if there is one available. High school students are expected to participate in their school music programs. When scheduling conflicts arise between VYOA and school music events (especially performances), participation in those school music events is given precedence, resulting in an excused absence.

Financial Aid

Our Programs

I love being in the music I’m playing. It’s one thing to sit at home and just hear yourself, but to sit in the middle of a bunch of notes, rhythms, harmonies, and instruments is magical.

–Madeline, cello