Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

The Boise Phil Youth Orchestras provide outstanding musical training and experiences to over 175 talented young musicians throughout the Treasure Valley. All three orchestras (Symphony, Concert, and BPYO Strings) are a joy to hear and be a part of. Under the direction of Music Director Jennifer Drake, our young musicians attend weekly rehearsals, receive professional coaching from Boise Phil orchestra musicians, and perform out in our community throughout the year.

Symphonic 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.

Concert Orchestra
-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 6:30 – 7:30pm.

BPYO Strings   BPYO STRINGS AUDITION APPLICATION
-Auditions December 4th – 8th
-Open to 5th – 8th grade students.
-Designed for intermediate string students.
-Open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students.
-Rehearses on Thursdays from 4:15 – 5:45pm.

Violin Audition Materials 23-24
Viola Audition Materials 23-24
Cello Audition Materials 23-24
Bass Audition Materials 23-24

2023 – 2024 Season Schedule FULL BPYO 23-24 SCHEDULE

WINTER CONCERT – Mar 2nd, 2024

Kuna Performing Arts Center
10a Symphony (Dress Rehearsal in Concert Attire)
11a Concert (Dress Rehearsal in Concert Attire)
1:30p Back in building
2:00p Concert

SPRING CONCERT – April 27th, 2024

TBA
10a Symphony (Dress Rehearsal)
11a Concert (Dress Rehearsal)
12p BPYO strings (dress rehearsal)
1:30p Back in building
2:00p Concert

Youth Orchestra Auditions

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.

Audition Application Information

BPYO 24-25 AUDITION APPLICATION (Available March 1st 2024)

Audition Requirements

Audition requirements include enrollment in the applicant’s school’s band or orchestra performing ensemble.

For students on an alternative education path or if the applicant doesn’t have access to a band or orchestra program, 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. The Boise Phil Association also offers tuition scholarships for any student in need and who would like to help behind the scenes and learn about working for an orchestra.

Audition and Tuition Fees

An audition deposit of $25.00 is required to complete your application and audition.

If accepted into the symphonic or concert youth orchestra, then your tuition payment of $250.00 will be collected for the 2023-2024 season. Tuition fees and forms are due by Sept 12th, 2023.

If accepted into the string ensemble, then your tuition payment of $150.00 will be collected by the first rehearsal Jan 11th, 2024.

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.

PAY BPYO 23-24 AUDITION DEPOSIT and Tuition

If you would prefer to mail a check, please make your check payable to Boise Philharmonic and include “[your child’s name] – BPYO 23-24 deposit” in the memo line. You can send your payment to:

Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
516 S 9th St.
Boise, ID 83702

Audition Materials

All applicants must be prepared to play the following at their audition. We highly recommend listening to excerpts as you rehearse:

Symphonic and Concert 23-24 AUDITION MATERIALS

Updated Healthy and Safety Procedures

-As of right now, there will be no vaccine requirement for this upcoming season.
-Masks are recommended while participating in large group settings (rehearsals, concerts, etc).
-If you are feeling unwell please stay home and contact Andrew@boisephil.org and BPYO@boisephil.org

*Policies are subject to change in conjunction with CDC recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Youth Orchestra meet?
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 String Symphonia orchestra will hold auditions in the Fall and start in January 2024.

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