Auditions for Musical Arts Youth Orchestra programs are held in September and January. All orchestra positions will be filled during the fall auditions. However, auditions will be held in January if vacancies occur.

• New members who want to join the MAYO Symphony Orchestra must take entrance auditions.

• Returning members will audition for seating. 

Location:
Room MA106 is located in the Musical Annex Building (also known as the round building or the Music Addition) of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. 

Times:
A 10-minute audition time will be assigned for each candidate.  Please contact the office either by phone (812) 330-0890 (leaving a detailed message with contact information), or via email at info@mayomusic.org to set up an audition time. Please arrive at least ten minutes early for your audition so you can sign in and warm up.

Adjudicators:
The Musical Arts Youth Orchestra Music Director as well as other area professionals will judge the auditions and will determine placement in the orchestra.

Eligibility:
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 students are also invited to take the audition.  Feel free to contact Thomas Loewenheim at thomas@mayomusic.org for more information about this opportunity.

Our policy is not to have an official upper cutoff age - nor do we really have a lower one.  A phenomenally talented 8-year-old will be as welcome as a talented violinist who's majoring in biology.

MAYO members are expected to participate in their school music programs.

Every musician must audition each year, regardless of previous MAYO participation, in order to participate in the current season.

Auditions will be held for:
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp
Woodwinds: Flute, Piccolo, Oboe (English horn), Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon
Brass: Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion
Piano

Audition Requirements:

Solo
Two contrasting pieces of the applicant's choice or two contrasting movements from a sonata or a concerto, demonstrating the musical and technical abilities of the candidate.  The works will be performed without accompaniment at the audition.

Percussionists should be able to demonstrate skills in the three basic areas: timpani, snare drum and mallets.  For suggestions, see http://www.issma.net/manuals.html and check the following events: 100 (mallets), 102 (snare drum), 103 (timpani). MAYO offers coaching in percussion, so do not hesitate to sign up even if you lack orchestral experience.

Scales
As appropriate to applicant's instrument and level.  Choose scales that show your playing to your optimum advantage.  Scales should be played at a moderate tempo, with any desired articulation and bowing.

To Schedule an Audition:
Call the MAYO Orchestra Office at: (812) 330-0890. Leave a detailed message including instrument played, desired date(s) of audition, and email/phone contact info.

Better yet, email the office at: info@mayomusic.org with the same contact info.

Click here to download a printable version of the application form.  Submit this completed application during your audition.

Note: Interested musicians are welcome to visit a Monday evening rehearsal to sit in with the orchestra.