Boise Phil Youth Orchestra

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 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 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 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 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.

• 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.

Intermediate string players demonstrate consistent tone, pitch, and rhythmic accuracy, and is ready to take on more musically and technically demanding repertoire.

Typical traits of an intermediate player:

• 2–5 years of playing experience, with private lessons or strong school orchestra training
• Confident in first position and comfortable shifting to third position. First violins up to fifth position.
• Reads music fluently in common key signatures (up to three sharps or flats
• Reads music fluently in more varied time signatures (4/4, 6/8, 3/4, 3/2) 
• Demonstrates bow control and varied articulations
• Beginning to use vibrato with developing consistency
• Can blend within a section, adjust intonation, and follow conductor cues

• Auditions December 2025
• Open to 4th - 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.

Developing string players are still solidifying the fundamentals of tone, pitch, and rhythm. They can play simple melodies and scales but may still need guidance on bow control, shifting, and ensemble skills.

Typical traits of a developing player:

• Usually in early stages of private lessons or school orchestra (1–2 years of experience)
• Can play in first position with good intonation most of the time
• Reading basic key signatures (up to two sharps or 1 flat)
• Reading basic time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4) 
• Working on playing in tune, maintaining steady rhythm, and following a conductor
• Learning basic bowings and articulations (slurs, staccato, accents)
• May be just beginning to explore shifting and vibrato

• 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