Fall semester rehearsals for the AYO 2008-09 season will begin on Monday, September 15. Rehearsal times and locations are as follows:
Symphony Orchestra - Austin High School Orchestra Hall, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Philharmonic Orchestra - Austin High School Band Hall, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sinfonietta Orchestra - O. Henry Middle School Band Hall, 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Intermezzo Orchestra - O. Henry Middle School Band Hall, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Concertante Orchestra - (spring semester only)
Stephen F. Austin High School
1715 West Cesar Chavez
(Orchestra and band halls are located near front entrance of school. Park in main parking lot.)
O. Henry Middle School
2610 West 10th Street
(Band Hall is located in rear of school. Park in front or rear of school - do not park on Exposition Boulevard.)
Attendance policies, rehearsal and performance schedules, and other organizational details will be outlined in the AYO handbooks, which will be distributed to all members and discussed at the first rehearsals on September 15. Parents of AYO members are welcome and encouraged to attend the first rehearsals (as well as all other rehearsals) for the organizational presentations. The organizational presentations for the Intermezzo and Sinfonietta Orchestras will occur at the beginning of the first rehearsals (6:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., respectively). The organizational presentations for the Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras will be combined and begin at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Students must provide their own instruments, accessories, a black one inch three-ring binder for music, and a pencil for all rehearsals. Music will be issued by AYO at the first rehearsal, and music stands will be furnished by Austin High School and O. Henry Middle School.
There is a $100.00 per-semester tuition membership fee for each participating member. If not already paid in advance, payment in cash or check/money order (payable to “AISD”) is due and will be collected at the first rehearsal.
AYO decals will be available for purchase at all rehearsals, including the first rehearsals. Cost is $5.00 per decal.
String auditions for the 2008-2009 Austin Youth Orchestra (AYO) program have been scheduled as follows:
Monday,
September 8, 2008
Stephen F. Austin High School
1715 West Cesar Chavez
6:00 P.M: Registration 6:30 P.M: Auditions
AYO membership is open to all interested string students and will be determined by the audition process. Students from schools with orchestra programs must be a member in good standing in their school orchestra.
Audition material is a solo piece or etude of the student’s choice that demonstrates a maximum level of ability. Scales and sightreading may also be required.
If accepted into the AYO program, there is a $100.00 per semester tuition fee for each participating member. In return for this nominal fee, members will receive comprehensive and intensive orchestral instruction, including regular performances at various venues of the highest quality of literature.
The various orchestras accommodate different levels of experience, playing ability, and age groupings:
Symphony Orchestra (Grades 8-12), String/Full Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Philharmonic Orchestra (Grades 6-10), String/Full Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Sinfonietta Orchestra (Grades 4-8), String Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Intermezzo Orchestra (Kindergarten-Grade 7), String Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Concertante Orchestra (Kindergarten-Grade 6), String Orchestra (Spring Semester only)
There are no AYO auditions for wind and percussion players. Winds/percussion for the Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra are selected/invited for AYO membership based upon the results of the annual Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region Orchestra/Band auditions.
The AYO program was established in 1993 to enhance orchestral music education in the metropolitan Austin and central Texas area. Orchestra students of all ages are encouraged to audition for the Austin Youth Orchestras as membership in these musical organizations will be an enriching, rewarding, and enjoyable experience. For additional information, contact:
Thomas H. Waggoner, Coordinator
512-463-9595
Email
Ana Maria Solis, Organizer
512-414-1251
Email
Fidencio Solis, Organizer
512-841-4534
Email
Orchestra Handbooks are available for download here:
For additional information, contact the AYO program administrative staff:
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