Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

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.

COME TO THE NEXT YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT ON APR. 29TH AT JEWETT AUDITORIUM

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.

Updated Healthy and Safety Procedures

-As of right now, there will be no vaccine requirement for this upcoming season including performances at the Morrison Center and the Brandt Center.

-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

2022 – 2023 Season Schedule

*August 19-20: Symphonic Orchestra Retreat

*August 26-27: Concert Orchestra Retreat

Concert Nov 19th: Fall Concert (Brandt Center)
     – 10a Symphony Dress (with photos)
     – 11a Concert Dress (with photos)
     – 1:30p Back in building
     – 2:00p Concert

Concert Mar 4th: Winter Concert (Morrison Center)
– 10a Symphony Dress
– 11a Concert Dress
– 1:30p Back in building
– 2:00p Concert

Concert Apr 29th: Spring Concert (Morrison Center)
– 10a Symphony Dress
– 11a Concert Dress
– 1:30p Back in building
– 2:00p Concert

**May 1st – 5th: BPYO 23-24 Auditions

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.

Application

23-24 season applications are not available at this time.

Deposit

An audition deposit of $25.00 is required to complete your application. If accepted into the BPYO, then your tuition payment of $200.00 will be collected 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.

PAY BPYO DEPOSIT & TUITION

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 1 – May 5, 2023. You will be assigned a specific time after the application deadline.

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 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
9th bar of reh V to reh W (quarter = 140 – 152 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
Reh O to 11 measures after reh O (half note = 90 – 100 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
16 measures before reh P to reh P  (half note = 90 – 100 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
1 measure before reh Y to reh Z (quarter note = 160 – 176 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (quarter note = 160 – 176 bpm)
Reh K to downbeat of 9 measures after reh L (dotted half note = 90 – 100 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (dotted half note = 90 – 100 bpm)
Reh A to 8 measures after reh A (quarter note = 84)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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) (quarter note = 140 – 152 bpm)
2 measures before reh R to downbeat of 9 measures after reh S (clarinet 1 part)
(dotted half note = 90 – 100 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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  (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
Reh Y to downbeat of 3 measures after reh Z (quarter note = 160 – 176 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (quarter note = 140 – 150 bpm)
Pickup to reh O to 3 measures after reh P

MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at and Exhibition (quarter note = 65 – 75)
1. Moderato commodo e con delicatezza (7 measures after reh 18-19)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (quarter note = 75 – 85 bpm)
Promenade opening – reh 2 (can be played on a Bb trumpet, not transposed)

BEETHOVEN: Leonore Overture No. 3 (quarter note = 115 – 125)
Offstage fanfare (can be played on Bb trumpet, not transposed)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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  (quarter = 140 – 152 bpm)
1 measure before reh Y to downbeat of reh Z (quarter note = 160 – 176 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (quarter = 140 – 152 bpm)
Third dance: measure 5 – 18 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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 (dotted half note = 60 – 70 bpm)
3 measures before reh Z to the end (quarter note = 160 – 176 bpm)

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Capriccio Espagnole (Snare)
Mvt. 3, beginning to reh H (quarter note = 120 – 135)

MUSSORGSKY: Night on Bald Mountain (Crash Cymbals)
Reh S to 7 measures after reh S (half note = 110 – 120)

DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET

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