2025-2026 Audition Results have been emailed out – check your emails!
Audition Information
Auditions for entrance into the youth orchestras will be held starting at the end of April and through May (specific dates below). Members are accepted by audition only. All current members must re-audition for the following year. Returning DPYO members need to fill out the online application and submit an audition video to [email protected]. Returning DPJS and DPYS members will need to re-apply and re-audition via the steps below.
Applicants must be a member of their school band or orchestra playing the same instrument as is played for auditions. Exceptions are made for home school students, pianists and harpists, and students from schools where there are no such music groups.
DPYO/DPYS Double Audition Dates
2025-2026 Audition dates are completed.
DPYS/DPJS Double Audition Dates
2025-2026 Audition dates are completed.
Eligibility Requirements
You will either audition for the DPYO / DPYS double auditions or the DPYS / DPJS double auditions. All dates and times are above. Winds (woodwinds and brass), percussion, harp, and piano auditionees are only eligible for DPYO and should select a DPYO / DPYS double audition for their audition date / time.
This audition is in front of the conductors, and they will determine which orchestra will best suit that student’s needs and ability. Students can only be a member of one orchestra. Please consult your private teacher or contact Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager, if you have any questions about eligibility requirements.
The Youth Orchestras are built on dedication and commitment. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. We ask that you review your schedule thoroughly before accepting a position. Consistent attendance is essential; excessive unexcused absences may result in release from the orchestra.
Click the link below to view the Eligibility Requirements: Youth Orchestras Eligibility Requirements 25/26
Parking Information for Auditions
All auditions are held at the University of Dayton in Fitz Hall, located at 1529 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45469. Parking is available in front of the building. Fitz Hall is located on the corner of Brown Street and Caldwell Street, just across the street from the main UD campus. You can enter the parking lot for Fitz Hall on K Street (map below).
A parking pass is required during the weekdays until 7:30 pm. A DPAA staff member or EnCorps volunteer will have a parking pass ready for you if you have an audition during those times.
Map of Fitz Hall Parking Lot
CURRENT DPYO Musicians
Please fill out the online application and select that ‘I am a current DPYO musician and would like to submit a video audition’ under ‘Audition Type.’ If you are a current DPYO musician and prefer to audition in-person, please select an YS/YO audition date and time on the online application.
Record your specific audition material for current DPYO musicians (more information in the drop-down menus below) and upload your audition video to YouTube as an unlisted video. After creating the unlisted video, please email the YouTube link to [email protected].
For more specific instructions on how to upload an unlisted video on YouTube and where to submit your video, please check out the directions here: YO Current Auditions – Uploading an Unlisted YouTube Video
Deadline for video submissions is Sunday, May 11
Woodwinds, brass, harp, and piano:
Prepare and video record a 3 – 4-minute solo (or portions of a solo or solos) demonstrating your current level of technical and musical ability. Optional: woodwinds and brass may include 1 – 2 standard orchestral excerpts in addition to their chosen solo.
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected].
Percussionists:
Prepare and video record 3 – 4-minutes of music for any two of the following: timpani, snare drum, or mallet instruments.
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected].
Strings:
Prepare and video record the following excerpts from our May concert repertoire:
– All violins, violas, celli, and basses – Rimsky-Korsakov – “Capriccio Espagnol” – Movement 5 “Fandango Asturiano” CODA to the end (Vivace assai – quarter note = 144; Presto – quarter note = 152)
– All violins, violas, celli, and basses – Vaughan Williams – “Rhosymedre” – One measure before letter C to the end (half note = 69)
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected]:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a student prepare for their audition?
Each Orchestra has different audition requirements. Please see the Eligibility requirement sheet for more information about each orchestra: Youth Orchestras Eligibility Requirements 25/26
(Example): If you are in grade 6 – 8, you are eligible for either Junior Strings or Youth Strings. Please carefully read through the requirements and playing level for Junior Strings and Youth Strings and prepare as much as you feel comfortable with.
If you have any questions, please consult with your orchestra teacher or private instructor, or email [email protected].
Where do auditions take place?
At the University of Dayton, in Fitz Hall. Please see the information under the heading ‘Parking Information for Adults.’
Where do the Youth Orchestras perform?
The Junior Strings and Youth Strings orchestras perform combined concerts typically at the new Roger Glass Center for the Arts at the University of Dayton.
The Youth Orchestra typically performs at the new Roger Glass Center for the Arts and the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.
How much does participation in the Youth Orchestras cost?
Tuition for the Junior Strings and Youth Strings costs $225 for the season.
Tuition for the Youth Orchestra costs $425 for the season.
Payment plans and tuition assistance are available.
When will students receive audition results?
All students will be notified via email sometime in June/July.
I play either a woodwind instrument, brass instrument, piano, harp, or percussion instrument. Which ensemble can I audition for, and which audition type should I select on the form?
Winds (woodwind and brass instrumentalists), pianists, harpists, and percussionists are only eligible for the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (DPYO). Regardless, these musicians should sign-up for a DPYS / DPYO Double Audition, even though they’re only eligible for DPYO.
For any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
I am a current DPJS or DPYS musician. Do I need to re-audition?
Yes! Please fill out the online application and select if you with either attend a DPJS / DPYS Double Audition or a DPYS / DPYO Double Audition.
I am a current DPYO musician. Do I need to re-audition?
Yes! Please fill out the online application and select that ‘I am a current DPYO musician and would like to submit a video audition’ under ‘Audition Type.’
Woodwinds, brass, harp and piano:
Prepare and video record a 3 – 4-minute solo (or portions of a solo or solos) demonstrating your current level of technical and musical ability. Optional: woodwinds and brass may include 1 – 2 standard orchestral excerpts in addition to their chosen solo.
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected].
Percussionists:
Prepare and video record 3 – 4-minutes of music for any two of the following: timpani, snare drum, or mallet instruments.
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected].
Strings:
Prepare and video record the following excerpts from our May concert repertoire.
Please upload your video to YouTube as an ‘unlisted’ YouTube video, then email that link to [email protected]:
– All violins, violas, celli, and basses – Rimsky-Korsakov – “Capriccio Espagnol” – Movement 5 “Fandango Asturiano” CODA to the end (Vivace assai – quarter note = 144; Presto – quarter note = 152)
– All violins, violas, celli, and basses – Vaughan Williams – “Rhosymedre” – One measure before letter C to the end (half note = 69)
Please look at the section under “CURRENT DPYO Musicians” for information on how and where to send your audition video.