For the 2025-2026 Season, all existing students and new students will. need to submit an audition by August 1st, 2025.

As AYO moves through an exciting period of renewal, we are refining our ensemble placement process to ensure each student is matched with the group where they can thrive musically and personally.

To help clarify the next steps:

New audition opens June 1st - August 1st
The August 1 audition is required for all new and returning students seeking placement in All Orchestras.
May auditions will still be considered for general acceptance into the program.
The August audition materials reflect updated artistic & technical standards aligned with AYO’s renewed direction.
All students will be evaluated on the same material, ensuring a fair and consistent process across the board.
We’ve observed that many students make significant technical and musical progress during the two and a half months of summer, through attending summer camps, festivals and extra practice time. The August audition allows us to fairly recognize that growth.
Under new leadership, we are prioritizing a placement process that is equitable, updated, and centered on student development.

We understand that summer schedules can be full, but many students are navigating similar commitments—and this audition process is designed to be both manageable and meaningful.

For students who submitted a May audition:

A portion of the August material—scales and solo—has already been completed
What remains are a few new orchestral excerpts, which are standard repertoire and provide essential insight into ensemble readiness

For students auditioning for Symphony:

The Philharmonic excerpts should be attainable and used as a warm-up for the more advanced material
The student’s main focus should be on preparing the Symphony excerpts, which are new to AYO repertoire selection- these are standard professional level orchestral excerpts not included in the May audition
These excerpts allow the panel to assess the student’s readiness to succeed in an orchestral context, not just as a soloist

A crucial note about preparation:

As a standard practice, audition materials should not take more than 4–5 weeks to prepare if the level selected truly reflects the student's current ability
The audition level chosen should feel technically comfortable, with the main focus placed on musical expression and artistry, not technical survival

AYO is a place where musical growth is celebrated, and auditions are meant to reflect and support that journey—not to add undue stress, but to help each student find the right path forward.

We’re grateful for your understanding and partnership as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant future for the program.

If you have any further questions, we’re here to help.

What’s New This Season?

● The move to Sunday rehearsals allows for Full Orchestra Experiences for all Symphony and Philharmonic students, including winds, brass, and percussion all year long

● Extended rehearsal time for upper-level ensembles

● A new AYO Concerto Competition

● Guest artists, enrichment programming, and expanded learning opportunities

● A new artistic vision rooted in excellence, challenge, and community

This will help us insure that each student is to If you would like to audition for the Austin Youth Orchestra 2025-2026 season, please click on the Register button to complete the form and pay $15 until May 31st. The fee will go up to $35 June 1st. Summer Auditions will be due August 1st. You will received a receipt after your payment that will be include the google form where your need to upload your recordings.

If you have question contact the audition committee at auditions@austinyouthorchestra.org

Please note that the GiveButter Tip is not required. Simply choose "Other" fro the drop down menu of percentages on the payment page and leave the dollar amount at $0.

2025-26 Audition Registration