APYO Auditions | Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra

Join the Arkansas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (APYO)

Been taking lessons for over a year? Ready to play with others and make some bigger music?

Grab your instrument and join the APYO! Make new friends in NWA's exciting arts scene.

Auditions and parent/student orientation in September for Fall then Monday evening rehearsals from September until March, excluding holidays (Between Thanksgiving and New Year's)

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Details

AUDITIONS

SPRING 2025

December 16, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm

REHEARSALS

Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm beginning January 27, 2025.

PARENT/STUDENT ORIENTATION

Date will be in January before rehearsals begin

LOCATION

Thaden School - Performing Arts Center

805 South Main Street

Bentonville, AR 72712

PERFORMANCES

Spring Concert: April 2025

AGES

If you're old enough to play, you're old enough to play with APYO.

ATTENDANCE

In Person

PRICE

$400/year 2024-2025

All-region fees for participating Haas Hall students (optional) is an additional $125 for the school year. Payment plans are and scholarships are available.

Scholarship Application

ABOUT THE APYO

The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) team believes in making classical music fun and educational for local young people. We do that by teaching those who are keen to learn and by making it accessible for others who may be even just a little curious.The APYO is a full Arkansas youth orchestra with music instruction and performances for its players. APYO students develop strong musical foundations and discipline. 'Play' is a big idea. Our players learn to express themselves through music. They grow into confident individuals, developing deep friendships in the process.

Classes vary based on student's level and areas of interest as they rehearse for the concerts in November and April.

Students will be sorted into either the Philharmonic or Symphonic Orchestra

Philharmonic Orchestra: The Philharmonic Orchestra is an intermediate level full symphonic orchestra designed to provide students with an introduction to large orchestral playing and is conducted by APYO Conductor Robin Sumpter. Members of the Philharmonic Orchestra receive group and individual coaching which enables them to build solid fundamental technical and musical skills. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs two concerts annually in conjunction with the Symphonic Orchestra ensemble

Symphonic Orchestra: The Symphonic Orchestra is the most advanced of our ensembles. The Symphonic Orchestra challenges students through sophisticated symphonic repertoire and is offered for musicians whose auditions showed a high level of musicality and advanced technical skills. The Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by the APYO Music Education Lead, Er-Gene Kahng, and performs two to four concerts per season, including one Side-by-Side concert with the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra. Students receive regular professional coaching throughout the season, including sectionals for strings, winds, brass, and percussion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who: School-aged youth who'll practice and attend regularly

What: Classes vary based on student's level and areas of interest as they rehearse for the concerts in November and March. Students will be sorted into either the Philharmonic or Symphonic Orchestra

When: Auditions and mandatory parent/student orientation in September — then Monday evening rehearsals September till March except holidays

How: Classes vary based on student's level, to provide most appropriate instruction

What is Haas Hall? We now offer an asynchronous online program for All Region prep and compulsory involvement in the APYO program for ensemble experience. Haas scholars will need to complete online assignments and participate in APYO for the two 8-week terms and their concerts in order to participate in All Region.

Meet the APYO Conductors

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