YOUTH ORCHESTRA REGISTRATION AND AUDITIONS
The Youth Orchestras of Greater Augusta (YOGA) provides an outstanding opportunity for string players in grades 4-12, to supplement their private instruction and advance their orchestral playing skills. Students are required to play an audition to participate in one of the orchestras. The audition process determines which orchestral experience will best fit each student. They will be placed in the orchestra most appropriate for their ability level based on their performance at this audition. Consideration will be heavily weighted to students who are, or will be receiving private lessons.
PRELUDE ORCHESTRA - Directed by Asjah Spann
This orchestra primarily performs music on a difficulty level of I or II, as rated
by the Georgia Music Educators Association.
Minimum requirements: Students should be able to read simple rhythms and musical notes
in their instrument’s clef and play in the first position.
Audition requirements:
● Play a one-octave scale of choice
● Perform a solo of choice
● Sight read a short excerpt during the audition
* It is strongly recommended that prelude students receive private instruction outside
of YOGA or school orchestra for the best musical experience.
INTERLUDE ORCHESTRA - Directed by Sara Lokey
This orchestra primarily performs music on a difficulty level of III or IV, as rated
by the Georgia Music Educators Association.
Minimum requirements: Students should be comfortable playing various rhythms and reading
notes in their instrument’s clef, can shift to I-III positions and have basic vibrato
skills.
Audition requirements:
● Play a two-octave scale of choice (preferably not one beginning on an open string)
● Perform a solo of choice (preferably not a part from a school orchestra piece)
● Sight read a short excerpt during the audition
* Students in Interlude Orchestra should be enrolled in private instruction on their
instrument.
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA - Directed by Ryan Kho
This orchestra primarily performs music on a difficulty level of V or VI, as rated
by the Georgia Music Educators Association.
Minimum requirements: Students should be fluent in reading music in their instrument’s
clef, able to utilize the full range of positions on their instrument, and should
have a full range of skills necessary to enhance musical expression.
Audition requirements:
● Play a three-octave scale of choice (not one beginning on an open string)
● Perform a solo piece of choice (not a part from an orchestra)
● Sight read a short excerpt during the audition
* Students in Symphonic Orchestra should be enrolled in private instruction on their
instrument.
Semester Fee
Prelude Orchestra: $95
Interlude Orchestra: $95
Symphonic Orchestra: $130
*Fees are due by the day of the first rehearsal
The Prelude Orchestra meets on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30pm in room D111 in the Augusta University Fine Arts Center
The Interlude Orchestra meets on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30pm in room C115 in the Augusta University Fine Arts Center
The Symphonic Orchestra meets on Monday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30pm in room B111 in the Augusta University
Fine Arts Center
Audition Date:
Monday, September 9th starting at 5:00pm. Your audition time will be emailed to you after you submit the registration form.
Rehearsal Dates:
September 16, 23, 30
October 7 ,14, 21, 28
November 4, 11
Dress Rehearsal:
November 17th 2-5pm
Concert Date and Location:
November 18th: 5:00pm rehearsal and 7:00pm concert in the Maxwell Theatre (next door
to the Fine Arts Center)
*Please note: attendance is required for all rehearsals and the concert unless there
is a school orchestra event that conflicts or there is an illness or family emergency
that prevents the student from attending.
