New Member Audition Process

Click to download the TRYPO Audition Flyer, and feel free to share!

Young Peoples Orchestra [YPO]: Full symphonic orchestra, suggested ages 14-18. 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 14-18. 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 12-18. Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass. For more information about Symphonette, please visit the Symphonette page. For audition requirements, click HERE.

(FYI, We have more programs!) In addition to our Auditioning Ensembles, TRYPO offers music education through other programs as well. Scroll down to read about our Other Program Options, which enroll in Fall 2021.)

Audition Format: While we anticipate that the 2021-22 Season Programming will be in-person, all entrance auditions for next season will take place virtually. This year’s audition process includes a video audition recorded on your own time and a brief Zoom interview (because we want to get to know you a bit!).

YPO/WS/PE Application Deadline: For best chance of consideration, TRYPO must have your complete audition materials (application form, audition fee or waiver request, audition video) for YPO, Wind Symphony, and Percussion Ensemble by Thursday, May 20, 2021.

Symphonette Application Deadline: For best chance of consideration, TRYPO must have your complete audition materials (application form, audition fee or waiver request, audition video) for Symphonette by Monday, June 7, 2021.

“Can I still apply after the Application Deadlines?” TRYPO will still consider all applications received after the deadline on a rolling basis for any remaining open instruments until the ensembles are filled. Open instruments will be posted on the website.

“How do I submit my video and schedule my interview?” After you submit your application form (see link below), you will be contacted by Program Coordinator Zoe Grubbs with more information on how to submit your video audition and schedule your Zoom interview!

“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!

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. Submit Video and Interview!

Program Coordinator Zoe Grubbs will contact applicants to help you submit your video and schedule your interview with the TRYPO team!

• Professional recordings are not necessary and not recommended.
• Position the camera’s field-of-view so that both right and left arms are in clear view (i.e., no music stand blocking bow arm or fingerboard, keys, or embouchure).
• Candidate may stand or sit.
• Ensure that lighting and acoustics are adequate.
• State your name, instrument, and ensemble at the beginning of your recording. Play through the audition components as listed on the TRYPO website. If you need to stop and start an excerpt again, do not pause, stop or rewind the video; simply begin again with the excerpt you were playing and continue.
• If your audition requirements include a solo or etude, select no more than two minutes. The entire video should not exceed 10 minutes.
• Do not edit after recording. Recordings that are not continuous or that are edited will not be considered.
• Remember, it does not have to be perfect! Nobody’s video will be! Do your best and send it off!

Here is a summary of other program options that will enroll in Fall 2021. For more information about all TRYPO programs, please explore the Programs Menu. Participation in these programs can happen in addition to or independently from the auditioned programs 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!: In the 2020-21 Season, 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. We anticipate continuing these programs in Fall 2021. Encourage a friend to take a class with you and work on a joint project together! Non-TRYPO members are welcome to enroll. For more information, go to trypo.org/tryposphere.

2020-21 Courses included:

• Apprentice Conducting with Maestro Brian Worsdale: Dig deep into the study of a variety of orchestral scores, explore the history and personal biography which impacted the composer, discuss conducting techniques, review well-known and lesser-known performances, and grow your musical knowledge. Enjoy a weekly session, including discussion, special guests, listening, and research homework assignments. Ages 14-19.
• Composition with Professor Rob Traugh: Ignite your creative juices as you work with composer Robert Traugh. Explore various compositional practices through guest interviews, guided exploration, and short composition assignments designed to build a notebook of ideas you can continue to expand. Students should have a prior rudimentary understanding of basic music theory. A very special collaboration is planned with students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas school in Parkland, FL. Ages 13-19.
• Music Theory with Teaching Artist Shantanique Moore: Explore the rich, integral connection between music theory and performance to become your most expressive musical self! We’ll study the basics of theory; and look at phrasing, musicality, styles, and history. Students will learn to analyze a piece of music and demonstrate ideas learned in class. Ages 12-19.
• Overdubbing with PSO Trombonist James Nova: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Trombonist Jim Nova enjoys a lifelong love of John Williams’ film scores and has had great success creating multiple overdub recordings. Learn the ins and outs of arranging music for your instrument and with others, how to set up your recording studio, and the skills necessary to produce an awesome overdub. (For students with some recording knowledge, some equipment is required.) Ages 13-19.