Applications for AdYO’s 2026 season will open on 29 July.
Stay tuned to our socials for updates!
Applications are now open for AdYO’s 25th anniversary season in 2026!
FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
OUR ENSEMBLES
AUDITION FAQ (coming soon)
How to apply:
To choose which AdYO ensemble is right for you, visit our ensemble pages for age ranges, AMEB standard, rehearsal commitments and example excerpts. Plus, AdYO on Demand has a library of concert videos so you can hear each ensemble in action! You can also check out our ensemble progression chart for a snapshot of the full AdYO journey.
Make sure to read the 2026 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:
• Tues 29 July: Applications open
• Sun 14 September: Applications close
• Wed 17 & Thurs 18 September: Audition times are released
• Sat 18 October & Sun 19 October: In-person auditions (note: your allocated audition time/day is based on panel availability)
• Tues November 4: Auditions results sent out
• Fri November 28: 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.
Apply online here: 2026 Application Form
✓ 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 Wed 17 or Thur 18 September.
✓ Don’t forget:
You can start preparing your short own choice piece now!
Tuesday 29 July: Applications open
Sunday 14 September: Applications close
Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 September: Audition times are released
Saturday 18 October & Sunday 19 October: In-person auditions (please note: your allocated audition time/day is based on panel availability)
Tuesday November 4: Auditions results sent out
Friday November 28: Last day for membership acceptance
AdYO’s 2026 application fee is $55 (transaction fees included). 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.
2026 Term Dates – These are general guides and some events/rehearsals may fall outside these times
Term 1: Saturday 31 January — Saturday March 28.
Term 2: Saturday May 2 — Saturday June 27
Term 3: Saturday July 25 — Saturday September 26
Term 4: Saturday October 17 – Saturday November 14
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their audition by email no later than Friday November 7. All audition panel decisions are final, and unfortunately, we cannot provide feedback on any audition.
Please visit our Fees and Financial Assistance page for more info.
