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Audition for the 2023-2024 Season

Have you dreamed of playing in DYAO?
Make that dream a reality by auditioning for one of our award-winning programs!

DYAO provides young musicians ages 7 to 23 with the tools they need to grow and thrive. Students learn from fabulous conductors, educators, and professional musicians and collaborate with young people who share their passion for music. Need-based financial assistance is available for all programs.


Auditions for Denver Young Artists Orchestra are now closed. We have a few remining positions in our ensembles, listed below:

String Ensemble: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Conservatory Orchestra: Viola, Double Bass, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trombone, Percussion
Young Artists Orchestra: Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Percussion, Piano

 If your instrument is listed above and you are interested in submitting an audition, please:
–Record a video audition using the instructions in found in the audition packet (except the final step, do not upload to Acceptd).
–Upload your video to YouTube, using the "Unlisted" option.
–Email your YouTube link and the answers to the following questions to rachael@dyao.org: Student name; Student Age (as of August 2023); Instrument; Desired Ensemble; Parent/Guardian Name & Email address (if different from email being used to submit audition)
After we receive your audition materials, you will be emailed an invoice for the audition fee of $35.
 
*Note: If you have already auditioned for DYAO this year, we thank you for your audition and we encourage you to apply again next year.

Which orchestra should I audition for?

To answer this question and to read our Instrument Proficiency Standards, check out our Orchestras page. If you aren’t sure, you may want to take these standards to your private teacher for guidance. You can also be considered for more than one orchestra. If you are considering auditioning for two orchestras, for example, the Young Artists Orchestra and the Conservatory Orchestra, be sure to prepare the repertoire for the higher level orchestra and only audition one time. (You will only be placed in one ensemble.) You can contact Program & Orchestra Manager Rachael DeLange (rachael@dyao.org) with questions before signing up for an audition.

Each group rehearses once a week throughout the season (August - May) with dress rehearsals and sound checks leading up to performances. It is expected that young artists in our program attend all of these rehearsals, sound checks, and performances. For more information on when each group rehearses, check out our Orchestras page

How do I record and submit my audition?

1 .Record all required audition elements in one video (unedited and unenhanced in a single take, as if it were a live audition). Your video may have slight pauses between the scales/solo/excerpts but must not be spliced together with multiple takes or videos. See audition packet for requirements based on the orchestra for which you are auditioning. **Percussionist Exception: your video may be multiple videos spliced together to allow for changing instruments (timpani, snare, cymbals, etc.)**

2. Introduce yourself at the beginning of the video and say the name of the solo/etude (excerpt) you will be playing. Record all elements of the audition in the order listed in the audition packet. You must be visible in the video. String players’ hands must be visible to the greatest extent possible (right side profile for violins and violas).

3. Upload your video to YouTube using the "Unlisted" option. See above instructions for where to send your link.
 

What do I play at the audition?

Audition packets for the 2023-2024 season are ready for download. To learn more about the audition process and ensemble expectations, check out the information below. Click on the link for your instrument and read through all of the audition requirements, which may include scales, a short solo, and orchestral excerpts. Requirements vary depending on your instrument and the ensemble for which you will audition.

Our Impact This Year

  • Scholarships Awarded

    $37049

  • Volunteer Hours

    750

  • Dollars Raised

    $46000

  • Program Participants

    250

© 2023 Denver Young Artists Orchestra

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