With more than 175 members and a full performance schedule, the Boise Phil Youth Orchestra is a joy to hear and to be a part of. Musicians receive professional ensemble training and coaching by the Boise Phil principal players.
SEE THE NEXT YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT ON MAY 14!
Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra exists to:
- Provide young musicians throughout the Treasure Valley with outstanding musical training and experiences through orchestra rehearsals and performances.
- Enhance and develop current and future arts participation.
- Enrich the cultural life of the Treasure Valley by providing excellent performances of orchestral music.
The Boise Phil Youth Orchestra includes two ensembles: Symphonic Orchestra and Concert Orchestra. Both Orchestras are open to woodwind, brass, percussion, and string students in 9th-12th grade by audition only. Enrollment in the applicant’s school’s band/orchestra program for the entire academic year is required to audition and participate in the Boise Phil Youth Orchestras. There are NO exceptions.
Come Make Music With Us!
Are you or your child interested in joining the Boise Phil Youth Orchestra? Read below on how to audition and important information for prospective Youth Orchestra members.
Important Dates: 2022 – 2023 Season
| April 1, 2022 | Audition applications are open! |
| April 29, 2022 | DEADLINE: Audition Applications close at 5 pm |
| May 16 – 20, 2022 | Audition Week at Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy |
| June 3, 2022 | Decisions Announced |
| August 19 – 20, 2022 | Symphonic Orchestra Retreat |
| August 26 – 27, 2022 | Concert Orchestra Retreat |
| September 1, 2022 | 2022-2023 Tuition Due |
| September 12, 2022 | Symphonic Orchestra Rehearsals Begin |
| September 13, 2022 | Concert Orchestra Rehearsals Begin |
| October 22, 2022 | Fall Youth Orchestra Concert |
| March 4, 2023 | Winter Youth Orchestra Concert |
| April 29, 2023 | Spring Youth Orchestra Concert |
General Audition Application Information
Application
Please complete the online application by April 29, 2022. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Deposit
An audition deposit of $25.00 is required to complete your application. If accepted into the BPYO, this deposit will be applied toward your total tuition payment of $225.00 for the 2022-2023 season.
If you need financial assistance with the deposit or tuition payments, please email the Boise Phil program staff at education@boisephil.org. No student will be turned away for financial reasons.
If you would prefer to mail a check, please make your check payable to Boise Philharmonic and include “[your child’s name] – BPYO deposit” in the memo line. You can send your payment to:
Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
516 S 9th St.
Boise, ID 83702
Audition Information
Auditions will take place at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy the week of May 16 – May 20, 2022. You will be assigned a specific time after the application deadline.
| Monday, May 16 (3:30pm – 7pm) | Violins and Violas |
| Tuesday, May 17 (3:30pm – 7pm) | Cellos and Basses |
| Wednesday, May 18 (3:30pm – 7pm) | Woodwinds |
| Thursday, May 19 (3:30pm – 7pm) | Brass |
| Friday, May 20 (3:30pm – 7pm) | Percussion and Overflow |
Audition Materials
All applicants must be prepared to play the following at their audition:
Violin
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats<
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 4 notes per bow
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Third dance: m. 21 – 28
9th bar of reh V to reh W
Viola
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 4 notes per bow
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Third dance: m. 21 – 28
Reh O to 11 measures after reh O
Cello
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 4 notes per bow
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Third dance: m. 21 – 28
16 measures before reh P to reh P
Bass
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 4 notes per bow
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Third dance: m. 21 – 28
1 measure before reh Y to reh Z
Flute
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Reh Y to downbeat of reh Z
Reh K to downbeat of 9 measures after reh L
Oboe
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Reh K to downbeat of 9 measures after reh L
Reh A to 8 measures after reh A
Clarinet
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Reh C to Reh D (clarinet 2 part)
2 measures before reh R to downbeat of 9 measures after reh S (clarinet 1 part)
Bassoon
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
Third dance: measures 21 – 28
Reh Y to downbeat of 3 measures after reh Z
French Horn
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
STRAUSS: Don Juan
Pickup to reh O to 3 measures after reh P
MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at and Exhibition
1. Moderato commodo e con delicatezza (7 measures after reh 18-19)
Trumpet
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at and Exhibition
Promenade opening – reh 2 (can be played on a Bb trumpet, not transposed)
BEETHOVEN: Leonore Overture No. 3
Offstage fanfare (can be played on Bb trumpet, not transposed)
Trombone
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
8 measures before reh W to reh W
1 measure before reh Y to downbeat of reh Z
Tuba
SOLO:
1-minute solo demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
Slur 2, tongue 2
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances
8 measures before reh W to reh W
Third dance: measure 5 – 18
Percussion
SOLO:
1-minute solo on SNARE or MALLET demonstrating your highest ability of technique and musicality.
SCALES:
Scales through 4 sharps and flats
Number of octaves appropriate to your skill level
EXCERPTS:
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances (Timpani)
Third dance, measure 1 – 8 and 3 measures before reh Z to the end
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Capriccio Espagnole (Snare)
Mvt. 3, beginning to reh H
MUSSORGSKY: Night on Bald Mountain (Crash Cymbals)
Reh S to 7 measures after reh S
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Youth Orchestra meet?
The Symphonic Orchestra meets on Mondays during the school year from 4:00-6:15 pm.
The Concert Orchestra meets on Tuesdays during the school year from 4:00-6:15 pm.
Where does the Youth Orchestra meet?
We meet in the Rehearsal Hall at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy on 516 S. 9th St. in Downtown Boise.
How hard is it to get in?
The number of auditioning students fluctuates from year to year. Typically the winds are the hardest spots to win because there are so many talented players and only 2-3 parts per instrument.
Do returning Youth Orchestra members have to re-audition?
Yes! We want to ensure that our student musicians are always practicing and getting better. There is no guarantee that you’ll stay in the orchestra each year. Make sure you prepare your audition as if you weren’t already a member–someone is always practicing more!
Additional Questions?
Contact Andrew Martin, Education & Community Engagement Manager: education@boisephil.org
BOISE PHIL YOUTH ORCHESTRA SPONSORS
Julius C. Jeker Foundation
Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation
Gladys E. Langroise Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation
