Dana School of Music to hold auditions for 2024-25 Youth Orchestra season
August 27, 2024
The Dana School of Music will be holding in-person auditions for the 2024-25 season of the Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra Saturday, September 14, from 12:00 – 5:00 PM at YSU’s Bliss Hall. Audition video submissions are also being accepted through Wednesday, September 11.
Open to all area students ages 13 – 18, the Youth Orchestra presents two concerts annually. Dr. Michael Butler, Youth Orchestra music director, and Richard Smrek, assistant director, are retained by Youngstown State University to provide artistic leadership.
The Youth Orchestra program consists of two groups: the Symphony Orchestra, featuring woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments, and the Symphonette, a string-only group primarily designed for middle school-aged students. While the Symphony Orchestra is mainly intended for high school-aged students, younger students with the passion and talent to participate are occasionally admitted.
The Symphony Orchestra meets Mondays at YSU’s Bliss Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The Symphonette meets Tuesdays at Boardman High School from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. For questions about participating in the Symphonette, please contact Michele Prokop, chair of the Boardman High School music department and Symphonette director.
To audition for the Symphony Orchestra, all musicians must perform 3 – 5 minutes from a concerto or piece for their primary instrument, which demonstrates contrasting styles. To submit a virtual audition, fill out this form. For any questions or to sign up for an in-person audition, please email Dr. Butler at mbutler03@ysu.edu.