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Auditions General Information
OYO
normally auditions prospective members in May. We may hear a few
additional candidates in late August, and from time to time as needed. Please check our auditions requirements and fill out an Audition Application Form.
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.
Benefits
Membership in OYO will bring you:
• At least 4 performance opportunities per year. The 2010-2011 season may include a side by side concert with members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony and with the Oakland Symphony Chorus.
• Rehearsals led by conductors Michael Morgan and Bryan Nies.
• Sectionals during rehearsals coached by professional performing musicians.
• Weekend retreat at the beginning of the season.
• Concerto competition in November, the winners to perform with OYO in January and May concerts.
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 2010-2011 tuition is the same as last season, at
$1,200.
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.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm at Laney Colledge in Oakland.
