The Maine Youth Orchestra
Auditions & Membership

Are you a middle or high school student who plays an orchestral instrument?

Come play with us!

All area students aged 12 to 18, who play an orchestra instrument at an intermediate to advanced level, are encouraged to audition. We usually play three formal concerts a year and have opportunities for small ensembles and community outreach concerts.

Call (207) 751-8031 today to schedule your audition.

Students should be prepared to play a short piece of their choosing, as well as scales for the conductor, Paul Ross.

Each student’s placement in the orchestra will be based on his or her audition, previous participation in the orchestra, and leadership qualities.  Every seat in the orchestra is of equal importance!  Mid-year auditions may be held on an as-needed basis.

At the discretion of the conductor, changes of chair position or rotation of parts may occur at any time in the year.

Auditions are held by appointment throughout the school year for positions not yet filled.

Weekly rehearsals are held at Yarmouth High School every Tuesday evening between 6:15 and 8:15 P.M.  MYO musicians are expected to attend all regularly scheduled rehearsals. Attendance at dress rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Rehearsals are not held on Yarmouth school vacation days, or if the Yarmouth schools are closed due to weather. In this case, check the MYO Web site, or the phone number listed below for cancellation information. Two absences per semester are allowed for illness, provided the student contacts the conductor prior to rehearsal. Exceptions for major illness or injury may be granted on a case by case basis.

Musicians need to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time in order to be in their seats, warmed up, and ready to begin rehearsal on time.

Yarmouth High School graciously allows us to rehearse in its band room.  Musicians must treat this facility with respect and remain within the designated rehearsal space.  No instrument belonging to the High School should be played; this includes all percussion equipment. Music stands must be returned to holders and chairs reset at the end of rehearsal.

Membership fees are set at the start of each orchestra season. For the past several years the membership fee has been $175 for the year . There is no fee to audition. Students are also expected to have a private instructor to assist them in mastering their individual music parts, and to learn their music by regular practice at home. Weekly rehearsals are devoted to playing music as a group.

All sheet music is the property of MYO and must be returned with all pencil marked erased after each concert. Never mark on music with a pen! Sheet music is a major expense for any orchestra. MYO is fortunate to have cooperative agreements with many other orchestras that allows us to borrow much of our music. When we borrow music, we are responsible for returning it to the lending organization. For this reason, musicians may be charged for lost or damaged sheet music.

Sectionals will be scheduled as needed to ensure that all of our musicians receive the instruction they need in learning each of the assigned repertoire. Woodwinds and brass will study with a sectional coach while Paul Ross will work with strings, assisted by Jeanie Wester.  These sectionals will be announced at the previous rehearsal.

For more information on membership, click on the MYO handbook link on the left hand column of this page.

PO Box 40 • Yarmouth, Maine • 04096 • (207) 751-8031