Audition for the 2026-27 Season!
“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
Register now for a FREE audition this May!
Come meet your people and make memories of a lifetime.
Auditions take place in the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester throughout May, 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.
Why Orchestra?
I enjoy the feeling of family that comes with orchestra, and how we all come from different backgrounds and experiences to create one piece of art.
– David
There’s something special about the process of creating music not alone, but with others. I love the inherently collaborative nature of orchestra – it’s like a giant group project where every person has a distinct role. It’s hard to articulate, but I guess it’s the feeling of being a part of something much bigger and grander than yourself while still knowing that you had a hand in shaping that something.
– Nathan
Friends! The relationships I’ve formed through playing in an orchestra have had such a positive impact on my life. The sound is also incredible- there’s nothing quite like sitting in the middle of an orchestra. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the music.
– Sophie
There are many benefits to being part of an orchestra. In addition to musicians having a “feeling of family,” VYOA musicians seek to be part of something bigger when making music. For many, they build great friendships along the way, too.
VYOA Membership
Our musicians benefit greatly from being a part of the VYOA. Performances by our ensembles are highly valued in our community and have been enjoyed throughout the world. Members of the VYOA have a love of music, are committed to developing their artistry, and build lifelong friendships through the music-making experience.
