New Member Audition Process

Click the button to submit the Audition Application!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE AUDITION DATES BY INSTRUMENT AND MORE AUDITION INFO!

The audition requirements were updated for the 2023-24 season, be sure to check them out!

Young Peoples Orchestra [YPO]: Full symphonic orchestra, suggested ages 14-18.
Advanced level. Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Keyboard, Harp, Percussion. For more information about YPO, please visit the Young Peoples Orchestra page. For audition requirements, click HERE.

Wind Symphony [WS]: Wind ensemble featuring woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments, suggested ages 13-19. Advanced level (with some limited intermediate students). Instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophones, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Keyboard, Harp, Percussion. For more information about Wind Symphony, please visit the Wind Symphony page. For audition requirements, click HERE.

Percussion Ensemble [PE]: Percussion Ensemble consists of only percussion instruments, suggested ages 14-18. Students will have the opportunity to work with many types of percussion instruments, from traditional to quirky (coffee cups?!), in a group setting. For more information, please visit the Percussion Ensemble page. For audition requirements, click HERE.

Symphonette [SYM]: Strings-only ensemble, suggested ages 11-16. Intermediate level. Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass. For more information about Symphonette, please visit the Symphonette page. For audition requirements, click HERE.

Tutti Strings [2T]: Strings-only ensemble, suggested ages 8-12. Beginner level. Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, and a limited number of Harp and Piano. For more information, please visit the Tutti Strings page. 

(FYI, we have more programs!) In addition to our Large Ensembles, TRYPO offers music education through other programs as well: Youth Chamber Connection and the TRYPOsphere Music Conservatory. Click the links, or scroll down to learn more in Other Program Options.)

Audition Format: Auditions for the 2023-24 season will take place in person in May/June 2023 for all ensembles, with an option to submit video auditions for extenuating circumstances. Scroll down to see 2023-24 Audition Dates by instrument. 

2023-24 Season Application Deadline: For best chance of consideration, TRYPO requests your complete audition materials (application form and audition fee or waiver request) at your earliest convenience but at least 48 hours before the audition date in question. If the audition date for the ensemble or instrument you are interested in has passed, feel free to e-mail us at audition@trypo.org to find out if we still have an opening. Open spots after auditions will continue to be filled on a rolling basis until each ensemble is full. 

1. Apply! 

Fill out the online
Audition Application Form

2. Submit $25 application fee.

• Online: PayPal accepted at end of application form.
• Check/Cash: Mail to office
• “No Questions Asked” Audition Fee Waiver available!

[All audition fee details available in application form.]

3. Audition!

A TRYPO staff member will contact you to schedule your audition!

Symphonette Auditions & Tutti Strings

All Instruments (Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp):

• Saturday, June 3 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)
• (Overflow date if needed): Friday, June 2 (TRYPO’s Office, Catholic Charities Building, Downtown Pittsburgh)

Young Peoples Orchestra, Wind Symphony, & Percussion Ensemble Auditions

Violins:

• Tuesday, May 9 (Room 322, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)
• Wednesday, May 10 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Viola: Saturday, May 13

Cello: Thursday, May 11 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Bass: Monday, May 15 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Brass (YPO & WS): Tuesday, May 16 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Woodwinds (YPO & WS): Wednesday, May 17 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Harp & Piano: Saturday, May 13 (Room 322, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

Percussion (All Groups): 

• Saturday, May 13 (Room 322, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)
• Wednesday, May 17 (Room 307, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University)

“The Audition Dates Passed! Oh no! Can I still apply?” We will first consider applications that were received by the original audition dates, but we will continue to fill spots in the ensembles on a rolling basis. If the initial round of audition results have not yet been posted on trypo.org, feel free to e-mail Audition@trypo.org if you would like to check in about your specific instrument.

“How will I receive my audition time?” After you submit the Audition Application Form, you will be contacted by a TRYPO staff member with more information. 

“If I am already in TRYPO, do I have to re-audition?” If you are in a current TRYPO Large Ensemble and want to continue in that same ensemble next year, you do not need to re-audition! There will be a survey towards the end of the semester about your intentions for next season. If you want to move to a different ensemble than the one you are in, then yes, please fill out the form and plan to audition!

“I have questions!” or “I need help!” We have answers, and we’re happy to help! Your question or issue might help us help other students too, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please e-mail Audition@trypo.org, and we’ll take care of you!

Here is a summary of other program options. For more information about all TRYPO programs, please explore the Programs Menu. Non-TRYPO members are welcome to enroll! Participation can happen in addition to or independently from the large ensembles above. 

Youth Chamber Connection: Join TRYPO’s Youth Chamber Connection (YC²) and play in a quartet or quintet! For more information, visit trypo.org/youth-chamber-connection/.

TRYPOsphere!: We launched a brand new series of courses open to students at any experience level who are interested in growing their musical knowledge and improving performance skills. Offerings include Composition, Conducting, and Music Theory. For more information, go to trypo.org/tryposphere.