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ASYO Auditions

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), founded in 1974, is a dynamic ensemble for advanced young musicians that have the opportunity to study alongside their talented peers and tackle a challenging season of standard orchestral repertoire and contemporary works. Many graduates from ASYO go on to study music at top conservatories and music schools (The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Brown University, etc.) and pursue careers in music performance, education, and beyond!

Do you want to learn from Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Musicians and Guest Artists? The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra provides all these opportunities and more!

Coachings and Sectionals with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Musicians
Masterclasses and workshops with ASO Guest Artists and Musicians
Concerto Competitions for featured performances with the ASO and ASYO
ASYO Chamber Players program, where select members rehearse and perform in chamber groups coached by ASO Coaches
Free tickets to select ASO Performances

For questions, please email asyo@atlantasymphony.org.

About Our Season

The typical Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra season runs from August to May. Rehearsals occur once a week, typically on Saturday mornings, with some exceptions. The Youth Orchestra performs three classical concerts each season plus additional performances as opportunities arise. All rehearsals and performances are in Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center unless otherwise noted.

2025/26 Key Dates

August 23-24, 2025: Fall Retreat
November 8, 2025: Overture Concert
November 19, 2025: Concerto Competition (optional)
January 3, 2026: Spring Retreat
March 22, 2026: Crescendo Concert
May 10, 2026: Finale Concert

ASYO 25/26 Rehearsal Service Schedule

Eligibility

Rising 8th - 12th graders.
Good standing with the school's band or orchestra program. If your school does not support the student's instrument or if the student is homeschooled, exceptions can be made.
Symphonic orchestral instrumentation: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Piano.

Commitment

All students who are accepted into the ASYO must commit to attending weekly rehearsals, having assigned music prepared for each rehearsal, and following expectations found in the ASYO Guidebook.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2025/26 ASYO Season is $950.00
Need-based financial aid is available for accepted students who complete the scholarship application process.

Application & Prescreening Process

Applications for the 2026/2027 ASYO season are now open! All new and returning students must submit a new application. Please gather all materials before starting your application. The first round requires an audition application with a video submission. The second round will include live auditions for advancing students.

Before completing your application, please review the prescreening requirements per your instrument below or refer to the audition packet of your respective instrument to review what to prepare for the first round.

Candidates must state their names and announce the pieces they are playing. Recordings should be compiled into one video and submitted on the application form through an unlisted YouTube link.

Full Video Instructions Audition Prescreening Requirements

Timeline

Applications are due on March 1st and notifications of advancement for the final round of live auditions will be shared by March 16, 2026.
Applicants who make it to the final round of live auditions will be assigned an audition time slot over 1 of the 3 days of auditions at the Woodruff Arts Center:

Monday, May 4th
Tuesday, May 5th
Wednesday, May 6th
Students auditioning in the final round should select their instrument below to review their audition requirements.

Apply Online

Live Audition Requirements

Please choose an instrument below to download (PDF):