FAQs

The audition panel will make seating recommendations at the time of audition, which are adjusted when positions are accepted. There is no compelling musical reason to place players from strongest to weakest – in fact, just the opposite. In the WAYO we often rotate players around, and in the younger orchestras this is encouraged. Conductors of the string orchestras may choose to do so, in order to provide the experience of sitting in different positions. Players learn to play next [ read more ]

If you play an additional standard orchestral or wind orchestra instrument, you must submit a separate application (including the additional $45 application fee) for each additional instrument you wish to audition on. You will also need to attend a separate audition for each instrument. If you play an auxiliary instrument in addition to your standard instrument (such as piccolo, E-flat or bass clarinet, contrabassoon, etc.), then you will not need to apply or audition separately on this instrument. WAYO owns [ read more ]

It is expected that all junior instrumental members will be taking regular lessons on their instrument with an appropriate teacher. Senior members may be exempt from this condition, provided that they have achieved appropriate levels of technical and musical ability through prior learning.

The audition panel will consider you for all ensembles you have listed a preference for on your application form, so please number all ensembles you are interested in, and then prepare only the one set of excerpts that you determine to be most appropriate to your level. Only one application fee is required regardless of how many ensembles you wish to apply for on the same instrument.

The AMEB levels indicated in the Prospectus give a rough guide only to the level of technical/musical ability that is required for each ensemble. AMEB exams are not a prerequisite for entry, nor does performance at the minimum level guarantee a place into a WA Youth Orchestras ensemble. Applicants who have never sat an AMEB exam or are unsure of their level should seek advice from their instrumental teacher. If you are still unsure, it is best to list preferences [ read more ]

Following the receipt and processing of your application you will receive a confirmation email from WAYO. If you have not received this email within 2 days of lodging your application, please contact us. You will receive your audition date and time plus excerpts by email two weeks before your audition.

Like all the state-based youth orchestras in Australia, we audition all players each year on a competitive basis. Competitive auditions are the accepted method of equitably assessing an orchestra’s members and ensuring that players of similar ability are placed together.

There are two main reasons that we audition each year:

1. Individual players progress at different rates. Placements are based on playing ability in the context of all auditionees, not on membership length. Each year there will be some players from an [ read more ]