AUSTIN YOUTH ORCHESTRA

WHAT IS THE AUSTIN YOUTH ORCHESTRA?

The Austin Youth Orchestra program was established in 1993 to enhance orchestral music education in the metropolitan Austin and central Texas area. 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)

Membership in the Austin Youth Orchestra program is an enriching, rewarding, and enjoyable experience in that students receive comprehensive and intensive orchestral instruction, including regular performances at various venues of the highest quality of literature in addition to opportunities to observe master classes by Austin Symphony Orchestra guest artists.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP?

Membership in AYO is open to all interested orchestra students in grades kindergarten through twelve who qualify through the audition process. String students from schools with orchestra programs must be a member in good standing in their school orchestra. Wind and percussion students must be members in good standing in their school band programs. Membership in the AYO program is contingent upon return of the membership acceptance form with the school orchestra/band director's signature verifying that the student is a member in good standing in the school orchestra/band program.

WHICH YOUTH ORCHESTRA SHOULD I JOIN?

Concertante Youth Orchestra: Kindergarten-Grade 6, String Orchestra (Spring Semester only)
The Concertante Orchestra is a string orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp) that is designed for beginning string students with limited reading experience. Students at the Suzuki Book Level I or a comparable level who have mastered proper position for their instrument are eligible for this orchestra.  

Intermezzo Youth Orchestra: Kindergarten-Grade 7, String Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
The Intermezzo Orchestra is a string orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp) that is designed for students who have had limited orchestral experience and who are working on mastering their reading ability. Students at the Suzuki Book Level II or a comparable level, who have mastered proper position, and who play with accurate intonation are eligible for this orchestra. 

Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra: Grades 4-8, String Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
The Sinfonietta Orchestra is a string orchestra (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp) that is designed for intermediate string players who are learning to master bow control, vibrato, and shifting into higher positions. Students at the Suzuki Book Level III-IV or a comparable level, who have mastered proper position, and play with accurate intonation and resonant tone are eligible for this orchestra. 

Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Grades 6-10, String/Full Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
The Philharmonic Orchestra is a string orchestra in the first half of the fall semester and a full orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion) during the second half of the fall semester and throughout the spring semester. The Philharmonic is designed for advanced string, wind, and percussion players who wish to further their instrumental musical education with challenging orchestral repertoire. String players who have mastered proper position, play with accurate intonation and resonant tone, shift accurately into all positions, and play with refined bow control and vibrato are eligible for this orchestra. Wind and percussion players who have qualified for Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Orchestra/Band or perform at a comparable level are eligible for this orchestra.

Symphony Youth Orchestra: Grades 8-12, String/Full Orchestra (Fall and Spring Semesters)
The Symphony Orchestra is a string orchestra during the first half of the fall semester and a full orchestra (strings, winds, and percussion) during the second half of the fall semester and throughout the spring semester. The Symphony is designed for highly advanced string, wind, and percussion players who wish to further their instrumental musical education with high-level orchestral repertoire. String players who have mastered proper position, play with accurate intonation and resonant tone, shift accurately into all positions, and play with refined bow control and vibrato are eligible for this orchestra. Wind and percussion players who have qualified for Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Orchestra/Band or perform at a comparable level are eligible for this orchestra. 

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