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Auditions
OYO
normally auditions prospective members in May. We may hear a few
additional candidates in late August, and from time to time as needed. During
the year we collect name and address information from interested students to be
mailed applications in April. We encourage interested musicians and families to
attend our concerts and visit our rehearsals at Laney College on Sunday
afternoons. Please call late in the week for the rehearsal schedule.
Membership in OYO is open to highly qualified players of orchestral
instruments from Bay Area schools. Generally, students are between the ages of
12 and 22 years, but exceptional younger students may also be admitted. Members
are selected on the basis of an audition. Students are required to participate
in school music programs when available and must also be receiving private
instrument instruction.
Learning professional
responsibility is an important part of OYO’s program for musical
excellence. Members are required to prepare, to arrive promptly, and to attend
all rehearsals. Seating is generally rotational.
Parents' Obligations
Include helping students fulfill their musical
responsibilities to the Orchestra by encouraging at-home practice, 100%
attendance, and promptness and courtesy at all times. Each OYO family will be
asked to provide a rehearsal snack and to sign up for volunteer activities,
donating 20 hours each year in OYO’s parent committees. Finally, parents
are expected to participate in OYO fund-raising activities.
Annual Cost
Tuition in full (or completed financial aid application) is due upon
acceptance, and tuition is not refundable. Tuition fees include our mandatory retreat.
Note that tuition covers only about 35% of our budget. The 2009-2010 tuition was
$1200. 2010-2011 tuition to be determined.
Financial Assistance
No qualified musician will be
excluded because of financial need. Financial assistance is available and can
be in the form of outright scholarship grants, deferred payment plans, or
fund-raising opportunities. If you are a returning musician who has received
assistance in the past, you must reapply.
Audition Excerpts 2010-2011
