Boise Phil Youth Orchestra

• Open to 9th - 12th grade students by audition only.
• Designed for advanced students with ensemble experience.
• Open to violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, & harp students.
• Rehearses on Mondays from 4:15 - 6:30pm.

• Open to 8th - 12th grade students by audition only.
• Designed for upper intermediate students
• Open to violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, & harp students.
• Rehearses on Tuesdays from 4:15 - 6:15pm.
• Marching Band students who have conflicts during marching season can attend a special evening rehearsal on Mondays 6:45 - 7:45pm.

• Auditions December 2025
• Open to 6th - 10th grade students.
• Designed for intermediate string students.
• Open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students.
• Rehearses on Thursdays from 5:30 - 7:00pm starting in January.

• Auditions December 2025
• Open to 5th - 8th grade students.
• Designed for developing string students.
• Open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students.
• Rehearses on Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:15pm starting in January.

All BPYO participants are required to be members of an appropriate large performing ensemble (band or orchestra) accredited class at their school.

For students on an alternative education path or if the applicant doesn’t have access to a band or orchestra program through their school, a recommendation from a music teacher and experience performing in an ensemble is required (group lessons, community music ensemble, or a public band/orchestra program). We want any type of student to be able to participate in the youth orchestra, so please reach out and ask if you are unsure about eligibility.

PAY BPYO 25-26 AUDITION AND TUITION FEES

An audition deposit 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 2025-2026 season. All tuition fees are due by Sept 10th, 2025. 

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 8, 2026.

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 deposit or tuition payments, 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 audition for BPYO Repertory and String Orchestras should download the Audition Information and the appropriate excerpts for their instrument.

Audition Information for 2026 Repertory and String Orchestras

Excerpts:

Violin 

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

• Where will Auditions take place?

Auditions are held at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy located at 516 S 9^th 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 will email audition results to the contacts provided on your audition application by Friday, December 19, 2025.

• The Symphonic Orchestra meets on Mondays during the school year from 4:15-6:30 pm.
• The Concert Orchestra meets on Tuesdays during the school year from 4:15-6:15 pm.
• The Repertory Orchestra meets Thursdays 5:30-7:00 pm (January – May).
• The String Orchestra meets Thursdays 4:15-5:15 pm (January – May).

We meet in the Rehearsal Hall at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy on 516 S. 9th St. in Downtown Boise.

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.

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!

Contact Savannah Butler, Education Manager, at savannah@boisephil.org