This full symphonic ensemble is open by audition to interested young string, wind, brass, and percussion players.
Participants rehearse weekly and perform a minimum of three concerts annually in Monroe and surrounding counties. The repertoire is selected by a music committee and includes works by Classical, Romantic and Modern composers. 

Players will be placed in the Symphony Orchestra or as an apprentice level player in Symphony called Concertina.  Concertina players will receive all music but elect the pieces they will prepare and perform through recommendations by the conductor and their private teacher.

All players will perform a side-by-side performance at each concert. Younger players will work on mastery of technical skills using adapted or selected Classical pieces.  Symphony players will work on musicianship and mastery of technical skills and perform with the Concerto Competition winners and play the premiere of the annual Composition Competition winner.

Auditions are held in May, August and January of each year, typically on a Sunday afternoon & Monday evening. Dates are posted on the Calendar tab.  Interested musicians who missed auditions are invited to schedule a private audition by emailing orchestramanager@mayomusic.org.

Rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 6:00-9:00 pm. Musicians will receive a specific schedule based on their ensemble preference.  Symphony and Concertina students will play side-by-side during each rehearsal. Symphony students have a longer rehearsal and will work on full works for the remainder of the rehearsal.

String Ensemble members from the Boys & Girls Club String Training will work with Concertina students for six weeks of each semester to gain valuable ensemble playing experience. String Ensemble is only open to Boys & Girls students. Registration is through the participating venue.  This ensemble training begins in October.

TYPICAL WEEKLY REHEARSAL
6:00-6:30 - Boys & Girls String Ensemble / Monday Night Chamber Music
6:30-6:40 - String Ensemble with Concertina
6:30-7:30 - Concertina and String Ensemble
7:30 - Break
7:45-9:00 - Symphony

• New members who want to join the MAYO Symphony Orchestra must take entrance auditions.
• Returning violin players who wish to change his/her current position (ie. Violin 2 to Violin 1)

• Returning members will audition for seating. 

There is no minimum age for participation but applicants in grades 8 and lower may audition only with the permission (indicated by a signature on the application) of their private teacher or, if that's not possible, a parent or guardian. IU non-music majors: Registered IU and Ivy Tech students up to age 26 are also invited to take the audition. 

MAYO members are encouraged to participate in their public school music programs.

Seating auditions are required for all members.  Seating may change for each concert during the season.