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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.


Thank you for your interest in the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. Our May auditions for the 2023-2024 season were extremely competitive and we were so pleased to hear so many wonderful musicians! Audition results will be shared by May 31st. If you did not participate in the auditions in May but are still interested in auditioning for DYAO in the 23-24 season, we will have a second round to fill any open positions in our ensembles. These auditions will be due August 1st, through Acceptd. Materials will remain the same, and you are welcome to begin preparing your audition now. In early July, we will update this page to list which instrument positions are still open in our ensembles. If your instrument does not have a listed opening for your desired ensemble, you may still submit an audition, keeping in mind that you may only be considered for a spot on a waiting list.
*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 Acceptd. Don’t wait until right before the deadline to start uploading, as even small files may take time.
 

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.

When are the auditions due, and where do I send my video?

Late auditions for the 2023-2024 DYAO season will be submitted by video, using the Acceptd platform. We will open the platform for submissions later this summer (check back in early July), and the last day to submit an audition video will be August 1, 2023. Click on the logo below to visit the DYAO landing page at Acceptd.

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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