Auditions

NOYO auditions are friendly, relaxed meetings where you can get to know our artistic staff and learn what we have to offer you.

Musicians eligible for participation in our ensembles must be prepared for a serious commitment to challenging repertoire and to the full rehearsal and concert schedule.

In-person auditions for our 2024-25 concert season will be held on the following dates at the New Union Center for the Arts (39 S. Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074) from 10am to 2pm:

Sunday, August 4, 2024 (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band)
Saturday, September 28, 2024 (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band)

Video auditions for Amati Strings, Sinfonietta Strings, and Philharmonia Orchestra are welcomed.

You can register for a 2024-25 season audition by completing this form. For more information about auditions, please contact noyo@noyo.org.

Auditioning and placement

After your audition for a NOYO ensemble, our staff will notify you regarding your ensemble placement once all NOYO auditions dates for your ensemble have passed. Your placement in a NOYO ensemble will be conditioned on your audition performance, but other factors (including ensemble instrumentation, age, maturity, and leadership potential) may be considered as well.

Returning musicians

Current NOYO musicians in Amati Strings, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, or Philharmonia Orchestra who wish to remain in that ensemble for the upcoming season are not required to audition again. Please visit www.noyo.org/returning to register.

Audition Requirements

Amati Strings

The Amati Strings, directed by Ms. Lelauni McKee, is an ensemble for string musicians with at least one year of playing experience. Amati musicians refine technical fundamentals, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their ensemble musicianship. NOYO accepts Amati Strings auditions on on violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Amati Strings audition requirements

Philharmonia Orchestra

Directed by Dr. Antoine T. Clark, the Philharmonia Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra, NOYO’s most advanced traditional ensemble. This orchestra performs standard repertoire and one world premiere by NOYO’s composer-in-residence each season. NOYO accepts Philharmonia Orchestra auditions on all orchestral instruments. Philharmonia Orchestra musicians are required to take private lessons.

Philharmonia Orchestra audition requirements

Sinfonietta Strings

The Sinfonietta Strings, directed by Mrs. Peggie Willett, is an intermediate strings-only orchestra. In Sinfonietta Strings, musicians refine their technical skills and cultivate the sensitive listening and expressive capabilities that will serve them throughout their lives.   NOYO accepts Sinfonietta auditions for violin, viola, cello, bass and harp. (Harp requirements will be determined by interview.)

Sinfonietta Strings audition requirements

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is an advanced wind ensemble under the direction of Mr. Brett Benzin. NOYO’s newest large ensemble, it plays high-level band repertoire with an emphasis on energy and dynamism. NOYO accepts Symphonic Band auditions on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.

Symphonic Band audition requirements

Wind Symphony

The Wind Symphony, directed by Mrs. Rachel Boettler, is an intermediate concert band, the only one of its kind in Lorain County. It affords woodwind, brass, and percussion players the opportunity to play exciting literature in a dynamic instructional context. NOYO accepts Wind Symphony auditions on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.

Wind Symphony audition requirements