The Youth Orchestra
German Gutierrez, Conductor

The Youth Orchestra (YO) is the premiere ensemble in the program, and is dedicated to performing the finest works in the full symphonic repertoire. YO performs formal concerts at Bass Performance Hall and other sites in the metroplex each year, with additional pop concerts at community events. Noted artists who have performed with the Youth Orchestra include Van Cliburn, Morton Gould, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, John Owings, Curt Thompson, Raul Jaurena, and Sam Adler. YO also has a tradition of national and international tours. Previous tours have included trips to Italy, China, the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, Germany, Switzerland, and North America. Repertoire from last season included Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique, Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor, Borodin's "Polovetsian Dances" from Prince Igor and Symphony No. 2, and Bizet's "Jeux d'Enfants."

Come join us. Open your mind to classical music and have a seat in the heart of the orchestra to experience the emotion and confidence that come from performing well. Come make friends with students like yourself from all over the area. Come see what music can really be!

To set up an audition time, complete and return your application, with the $20 fee if you are a first time applicant. We will contact you after we receive your form.

Orchestra auditions include:

• Scales
• Orchestral excerpts
• Prepared solo
• Sight reading (YO and JYO)

Each audition will last 5 to 10 minutes.

Scales and Excerpts: I and II
Solo: Prepare a solo (or section of a solo) of three minutes or less. The solo should be performed without accompaniment, and should demonstrate your best possible tone, musicianship, and level of technical development. Your performance should demonstrate advanced technique. Solos on the UIL level 1 list are appropriate.

String players should be comfortable reading and playing notes in the upper registers of their instruments, using whatever position is necessary. Winds and brass players should be familiar with all the different registers on their respective instruments. Players of transposing instruments are expected to be able to transpose to common keys. Percussionists can perform the solo on the instrument of their choice which demonstrates their technical ability, artistry, and control.