auditions

Audition for AdYO and join a community of supportive and inspiring musicians!

CURRENT VACANCIES

Applications for AdYO’s Season 2026 have now closed, but places may remain for the following instruments:

Trumpets: Symphonic Winds

Trombones: Wind Ensemble

For more information and to apply, please contact AdYO Operations Manager Jack De La Lande here.

2027 audition information

Get all the info for AdYO’s 2027 season here!

Please note: Applications for our 2027 season open in mid-2026.

Key Dates

Monday August 3: Applications open  
Sunday September 13: Applications close 
Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 September: Audition times are released 
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October: In-person auditions (please note: your allocated audition time/day is based on panel availability) 
Tuesday November 16: Auditions results sent out 
Tuesday November 30: Last day for membership acceptance

AdYO’s 2026 application fee is $55. Auditions on multiple instruments or on doubling instruments are no extra cost. 

Audition requirements for every ensemble include:

  • Excerpt(s) provided by AdYO
  • An own choice piece, or part of a piece (1-2min in length)
  • Sight reading (all groups except Junior Strings)

For examples of the level of excerpts required for each ensemble, visit the relevant ensemble page

All players (including current members) will need to audition in person. Requests for certain times and dates will be taken into consideration, however, may not be able to be fulfilled due to scheduling requirements.

Video auditions can be negotiated if you are unable to make an in-person audition. Please contact us to discuss.

On the application form, there is a space to choose a preference of ensemble. This is to help us organise auditions and guide you to which set of excerpts you need to learn.

Final placement is purely based on auditions and our artistic team will decide which ensemble will be best fit for each applicant (including a lower-level ensemble, even if you’ve selected a higher ensemble). Please note: AdYO may suggest or require a change in preference based on the information you provide if we don’t think it matches the guidelines.

You can learn more about our ensembles, including age ranges and AMEB standard, on our ensembles page.

Please have a chat to your teacher about which orchestra may best fit your level and age. If they are unsure based on these requirements, please contact us to discuss further.

Performing in our orchestras and ensembles requires a strong commitment from members and their families across the whole year. Before you apply and consider becoming a member, please think about how your membership will fit in with your other commitments.

There are roughly 4-5 concerts for each ensemble every year. We endeavour to organise concerts in similar times and dates to rehearsals and all within school terms, but we occasionally have to do events outside these times. If you are successful in your application you will receive a draft calendar with the concert dates and times by early December.

2027 Term Dates – These are general guides and some events/rehearsals may fall outside these times
Term 1: Saturday January 30 — Saturday April 10.
Term 2: Saturday May 8 — Saturday June 26.
Term 3: Saturday July 24 — Saturday September 18. 
Term 4: Saturday October 17 – Saturday November 13.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their audition by email no later than Friday November 20. All audition panel decisions are final, and unfortunately, we cannot provide feedback on any audition.

AdYO is committed to providing equity of access to our programs. Please visit our Fees and Financial Assistance page for more info.

how to apply

for AdYO’s Season 2027!

To choose which AdYO ensemble is right for you, visit our ensemble pages for age ranges, AMEB standard, rehearsal commitments and example excerpts. Plus, Latest News – Adelaide Youth Orchestras 2026 has a library of concert videos so you can hear each ensemble in action!

Make sure to read the 2027 Audition Info carefully to give yourself a head start on applying!

✓   Don’t forget:
If you’re not sure of your AMEB level, ask your instrumental teacher. 

Take note of key dates for 2026 auditions:

  • Monday August 3: Applications open 
  • Sunday September 13: Applications close
  • Wednesday 16 & Thursday September 17: Audition times are released
  • Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October: In-person auditions (please note: your allocated audition time/day is based on panel availability)
  • Tuesday November 16: Auditions results sent out
  • Tuesday November 30: Last day for membership acceptance

 

Check your calendar and confirm you are able to attend rehearsals each Saturday during school terms.

✓   Don’t forget:
Participation in AdYO is a year-long commitment – make sure you’re able and prepared to commit to attend weekly rehearsals for the whole year. 

After doing your research and checking your diary, apply online via the button at the bottom of this page.

✓   Don’t forget:
Application fee ($55, incl. GST) is due when you submit your application. 

Audition excerpts will be emailed to you instantly on receipt of your online application. Your audition time will be sent to you on Wednesday 16 or Thursday 17 September 2026.

✓   Don’t forget:
You can start preparing your short own choice piece now!