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Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra

Open to students in Oak Ridge and surrounding areas, the Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra is about growing together through music! We’re here to help young musicians build skills, confidence, and friendships through fun, challenging rehearsals and exciting performances. 

Come join us!

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Audition Information

📅 Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
📍 Location: To be confirmed
📝 Registration Deadline: August 15, 2026
💵 Audition Fee: $10 per student

Once registrations are in, we will email back out audition times to those audtioning.

These will be a BLIND audition process.

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Mini Camp Information:

Date: Saturday, August 29th 

Location: TBA (here in Oak Ridge)

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Intermediate Orchestra

9:00 - 12:00 

  • Rehearse The Moldau 

    • See Intermediate Orchestra Audition Requirements for the Music to practice beforehand.

  • Learn about Rehearsal Skills

  • ORYO Calendar - Rehearsals and Concerts

  • Work in Sectionals on Music 

12:00-1:00 Lunch 

  • STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT AUDITIONING Will be dismissed at 12:00

1:00 - 3:00 

  • Seating Auditions

    • Students who want a Leadership Role (want to sit in the front of the section) will Audition during this time. 

    • Students who are happy sitting in the middle or back of the section only have to come for the Camp!

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Advanced Orchestra

9:00 - 12:00 

  • Intro to all the music for this upcoming season

  • Mental Focus Exercises for the Auditions 

  • Scale and Sight Reading Practice and Tips 

  • Learn about Fellows Program

  • ORYO Calendar - Rehearsals and Concerts 

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch 

1:00 - 3:00 

  • Auditions - All Students wanting to be in the Advanced Orchestra will Audition. 

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​YOUTH ORCHESTRA​

💰 Participation Fees

  • Annual Fee: $125 per student

  • Sibling Discount: $50 off for each additional student​​

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Rehearsals

Location: First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge

Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30

 

Season Schedule

First Rehearsal = Tuesday, September 1st

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Full Schedule TBA

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Who Can Participate

The Oak Ridge Symphony is open to students in Grades 5-12 from Oak Ridge and surrounding areas with at least one full year of Instrumental experience playing Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. 

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  • If your school offers Orchestra class, we request that you be enrolled in that program as well as ORYO. 

  • Private lessons are encouraged to support your growth, but they are not required to participate. 

Participation Fees:

  • Annual Fee: $125 per student 

  • Sibling Discount: $50 off for each additional student

 

Two Orchestras, One Amazing Experience

 

For the 2026-2027 season, ORYO will feature two Orchestras to meet students where they are in their musical journey. 

  • Intermediate Orchestra - Directed by Carlos Hernandez

    • For students with at least 1 full year of playing the Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. Students should know how to read music. Students should know how to play the following One Octave Scales: C Major, G Major, D Major. This Orchestra will develop the foundations of playing in an Ensemble. 

  • Advanced Orchestra - Directed by Kathryn York

    • For students who have completed at least 3 years of playing, or have completed a Book 3 on the Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. Students should know how to read music. Students should know the following 3 Octave Major Scales: C, G, D, A, F, B-flat, E-flat. This Orchestra works on refining the elements of playing in an Ensemble. 

    • Students who make 1st Chair in this Ensemble have the opportunity to participate in the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra’s Fellows program. Students in this program perform in the section for the Oak Ridge Symphony’s Concerts, gaining experience learning professional repertoire alongside professional musicians. 

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🎻 Audition Requirements

Intermediate Orchestra:

  • Piece = The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana/ Arr. Todd Parrish GET PARTS HERE

  • The Audition will be blind. There will be a curtain with the judges on one side and the student auditioning on the other side. 

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  • Excerpts will be taken from this Piece and announced at the Mini Camp. Practice the whole thing! Even if you do not want to do the formal Audition, still print off the Music to help you practice and prepare for the Mini Camp. ​​

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Advanced Orchestra:

The Audition will consist of 3 Parts: 

3 Octave Scale, Excerpts, Sight Reading.

See below for specifics.

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The Audition will be blind. There will be a curtain with the judges on one side and the student auditioning on the other side. 

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  • Scales

    • Prepare the following scales, one of these scales will be asked for in the audition.

    • C Major through 3 sharps and flats = C, G, D, A, F, B-flat, E-flat 

      • In the Audition, the Scale should be played with the following requirements:

        • Must be 3 Octaves

        • No slurs, 1 time per each note

        • quarter note 120

  • Excerpts

    • Piece = Beethoven Symphony No. 7 -

    • GET MUSIC HERE. 

  • Sight Reading

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We will have copies on hand of both pieces of music at the office. Simply give us a call and we can arrange a time to pick up

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The orchestra features a Preparatory String Ensemble for intermediate players, directed by Carlos Hernandez, and an Advanced String Ensemble, directed by Kathryn York, for more experienced musicians ready for higher-level repertoire. Students will also have the opportunity to perform side-by-side with the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra.

2026-2027 Season

Rehearsals

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Start on Tuesday Sept 1st

Location: First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge

Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Season Schedule

TBA

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Support the Youth Orchestra

 

         Volunteer:

  • Get Involved: Support our youth orchestra by volunteering at rehearsals, concerts, and events. Volunteers assist with logistical tasks, hospitality, and more. Sign up here

  • Parental Involvement: We encourage parents to take an active role in supporting their children’s musical journey through volunteer opportunities and participation in our parent committee.

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Donate:

  • Make a Difference: Your financial support helps us provide high-quality musical education and performance opportunities for young musicians. Consider making a donation to support the Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra.

 

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         Contact Us

For more information about the Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra, including audition details and how to get involved, please contact: joy@orcma.org

Join us in nurturing the next generation of musicians and celebrating the joy of orchestral music with the Oak Ridge Youth Orchestra. Together, we can inspire young talent and enrich our community through the power of music.

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