AUDITIONS

Auditions for all three of the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestras are held at the beginning of each session in September and in February.  Auditions last approximately 10 minutes and are performed without accompaniment.  Students interested in auditioning should call the SMSO office at 982-4030 to make an appointment .  All applicants will be notified of audition results immediately or by mail. 

Audition requirements:

Youth Symphony - Students will be asked to play a piece of their choice from the standard repertoire for their instrument which demonstrates their present level of accomplishment, to play scales as required of MSBOA Proficiency I (available on the SMSO Website), and to sight read.  Auditions are required of all NEW members.  Returning Youth Symphony members MAY be asked to re-audition in the fall or spring to establish correct seating placements.

Prep Strings/Jr. Prep Strings -  Elementary and Middle School students who wish to be considered for the Prep Strings and/or Jr. Prep Strings Orchestras will be asked to prepare a very short  informal audition to determine the best placement of these students in the appropriate group.  Students will be asked to play a short piece of their choice and a scale representing their present level of technique and range. 

ELIGIBILITY - Students in all three orchestras MUST participate in their own school orchestra or band program if one exists at their school in order to participate in the LMYO program.

FEES

The LMYO is among the few youth orchestra organizations in the United States that does not charge a tuition fee to its student members.  We feel fortunate that we are able to offer a quality music program in this way.  Minimal registration fees are assessed at the beginning of each session.  These fees include:

A registration fee of $100.00 to activate LMYO player membership is due upon acceptance into the orchestras and are due for each term. Additional students in the same family may register for $55.00.
            -  All students receive free passes to all SMSO concerts
            -  Families receive 2 adult tickets to the LMYO-SMSO “Side-by-Side” concert
            -  Families also receive 2 adult tickets to the LMYO December 3rd HPAC concert
            -  Parents receive a 25% discount to SMSO concerts

Need based scholarships are available through the SMSO office for registration fees.  These scholarships involve working for the LMYO organization.