Sign ups are accepted through Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59pm.
To be eligible to participate in BPYO, a student must be a member of the appropriate accredited large performing ensemble program (band or orchestra) at the school in which they are primarily enrolled.
In the event a student attends a school (public, charter, or private) which does not offer an accredited large performing ensemble program or the student is fully homeschooled, an exception to the eligibility requirement may be made upon the confirmation of the lack of program availability, description of any additional ensemble performing experience, and receipt of a letter of recommendation from the student's current private instructor.
Letter of Recommendation Guidance
- Please describe any ensemble playing experience the student may have
- Please explain why you believe your student will be a good fit for BPYO
- If the student has previously been in BPYO, please explain how BPYO has impacted their growth as a musician
No exceptions to eligibility will be made for the following situations:
- AP/Honors or other academic class scheduling which conflicts with the accredited large performing ensemble class scheduling.
- Homeschool students who enroll in at least one public school course but are not also enrolled in the accredited large performing ensemble class at the public school at which they are enrolled for the other course(s).
- Participating in alternative, non-accredited ensembles in lieu of their accredited large performing ensemble class (i.e. before/after school volunteer ensembles, other community ensembles, etc.).
An audition fee of $25.00 is REQUIRED to complete your application and receive a scheduled audition slot. We recommend paying your fee as soon as you complete your application.
If accepted into the Symphonic or Concert Orchestras, your tuition payment of $350.00 ($38 per month) will be collected for the 2026-2027 season. All tuition fees are due by Sept 14th, 2026.
If accepted into the BPYO Repertory or String Orchestras, then your tuition payment of $175.00 will be collected by the first rehearsal on January 7, 2027.
A late fee of $10/month assessed for tuition that is not paid by the deadline - unless payment plan arrangements have been made prior to the deadline.
Financial Aid - If you need financial assistance with the audition or tuition fees, please email the Boise Phil Education Manager at education@boisephil.org. No student will be turned away for financial reasons.
If you would prefer to mail in a check, please make your check payable to Boise Philharmonic and include “[your child’s name] – BPYO 25-26 deposit” in the memo line. You can send your payment to:
Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
516 S 9th St.
Boise, ID 83702
Everyone interested in auditioning for BPYO Symphonic and Concert Orchestras should download the Audition Information and the appropriate excerpts for their instrument.
Information and Excerpts:
- Where will Auditions take place?
Auditions are held at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy located at 516 S 9th Street Boise, ID 83705. Enter the building from the north entrance along Myrtle Street.
- Where can I park during my audition?
Free parking will be available during your audition day. Street parking and a public parking garage are within walking distance with modest rates if lots are full. Once you are done with your audition, we ask that you leave the campus to open parking for the next students auditioning.
- How early can I arrive for my audition?
Please arrive to warm up no more than 25 minutes before your audition time.
- How many copies of my solo should I bring?
Please bring 3 copies of your solo for our judging panel.
- When will I get my audition results?
We strive to email audition results to the contacts provided on your audition application within one week of the final audition day (May 8,2026).