Audition Information
General Information
Auditions for Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra are open to string, wind, brass, percussion and harp players through high school age (max: entering 12th grade in the upcoming fall, no minimum age requirement). Auditions for Concert Orchestra are open to string players up to 8th grade (max: entering 8th grade in the upcoming fall, no minimum age requirement).
New World Youth Orchestras currently does not accept orchestra applicants for piano or saxophone. Piano and saxophone applicants may still audition for the
Young Artist Competition (applications due November 1).
The audition determines selection as a member of the New World Youth Orchestras. Your assigned orchestra will be clarified in your acceptance letter. Order of seating for strings is not decided at the time of orchestra auditions. Generally, each orchestra holds seating auditions prior to each concert but this process is left to the discretion of the conductor and may change. Winds and brass may be notified of their parts when music is distributed in August.
Note: All returning members must re-audition prior to each new season. The previous season’s tuition must be paid in full before an audition will be scheduled.
When
Auditions are held in the month of June. To schedule an audition for your preferred date and time mail in your application by May 15, though applications will continue to be accepted through the last date of June auditions. Specific dates and times available for auditions are listed in the Audition Dates document. Late auditions will be scheduled for August after June auditions are concluded, rosters have been created, and only for sections that remain open. Open sections will be posted in July if there are any remaining seats.
Where
Auditions are typically held at Symphony Centre, 32 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. Additional venues, as needed, are listed on the Audition Dates form. Your specific location will be provided in your confirmation.
Large instruments: A 20-minute loading zone is located in front of the Symphony Centre and may be used for drop-off and pick-up. This loading zone does not have any parking restrictions after 6:00 pm or on weekends, so space might be limited. The University of Indianapolis facility has a circular drive that may be used for this purpose as well.
Parking
Downtown Indianapolis offers plenty of both street and garage parking. Metered parking is free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weeknights. Circle Centre Garages (on Washington Street, Maryland Street, Illinois Street and Georgia Street) and Penn Parking (on Pennsylvania Street between Washington Street and Market Street) offer covered garage parking.
To-do Checklist
Download and print Application Form and Audition Requirements Form
Fill out the application form and mail or fax it to the New World office with your non-refundable application fee. Online submission is not possible at this time
Once the office has received your application you will receive a confirmation letter or postcard informing you of your audition time and location.
Bring this letter with you when you come to audition
Work with your private teacher to create your best audition possible!
What to Expect At the Symphony Centre
Enter Symphony Centre through the Washington Street doors
Check-in with the security guard at the end of the hall.
Check-in with New World Youth Orchestras.
You will be directed to a warm-up room where you will have at least 15 minutes of warm up, unless you are late in arriving.
You will be directed from the warm-up room to the audition room where up to 3 conductors will listen to your audition.
Specifics for the audition pieces and scales are in the audition application.
Auditions are unaccompanied.
What If I Cannot Attend My Scheduled Audition
Call the New World office as soon as possible at 317-229-2365 or 317-753-0231 or e-mail wolff@nwyso.org.
In most cases we are able to reschedule and will attempt to do so.
After Your Audition
We request your patience. Rosters will be compiled throughout the month of June and ALL applicants will be notified by mail. If you do not receive a letter by July 15, please contact the New World office. Please do not contact us regarding your completed audition until after July 15.
All placements are final.
