Northern Virginia and the DC area offer students many opportunities to join additional orchestras and ensembles. The programs listed below have differing audition requirements and generally run from September – May. See the linked websites for further information.
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (www.aypo.org) – AYPO consists of 6 separate orchestras: Debut Orchestra (AYDO), String Ensemble (AYSE), Sinfonietta (AYS), Concert Orchestra (AYCO), Symphonic Orchestra (AYSO), and Philharmonic Orchestra (AYP). High school students may audition for AYCO, AYSO, and AYP. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from September – May and each orchestra performs in 3-4 concerts per year. Applications for the 2022-23 season are now open, with video auditions due by May 27, 2022. For more information please visit www.aypo.org/auditions
The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras (www.tcsyo.org) – TCSYO consists of 4 separate orchestras: Prelude Orchestra, String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. High school students may audition for Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra. Rehearsals are Monday or Tuesday evenings from September to May, and each orchestra performs in multiple concerts per year. Applications are due June 1, 2022. For more information please visit https://tcsyo.org/auditions.php
Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (www.mcyo.org) – MCYO consists of 3 full orchestras and several smaller ensembles including a chamber music program. Auditions take place annually in August, and each orchestral group performs in multiple concerts per year. Audition information for the 2022-23 season will be made available in the coming months, and MCYO plans to hold live auditions this year.
Arlington Philharmonic’s Crescendo Program (www.arlingtonphilharmonic.org/crescendo.html) – Crescendo is Arlington Philharmonic’s Chamber Music Program, structured to maximize learning chamber music in a quartet setting. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from September to May, and each quartet performs in at least 3 events per year. Auditions typically take place in August – September.