Who is eligible to audition for rpyo?

Students must be in grades 8 to 12 to be in the RPYO. They must be at an advanced playing level, equivalent in most cases to NYSSMA level 6. 

What are some of the benefits of participating in RPYO?

  1. Rehearse and perform under the baton of RPO Assistant Conductor, Jherrard Hardeman

  2. Opportunities to work with RPO musicians in sectionals and an annual side-by-side performance

  3. Performing advanced orchestral repertoire with the finest student musicians in the greater Rochester area

  4. A tour to Boston and Montreal in February 2025

  5. Social outings including a weekend retreat, full orchestra dinner, and an ice cream social

  6. Complimentary tickets to RPO performances for RPYO students — over a $2000 value!

  7. Opportunities for bulk discounted rates on tuition through Eastman Community Music School

  8. Access to Sibley Music Library on Eastman’s campus

  9. The chance to perform at a number of venues, including Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre


Who will be the judges for the audition?

The judges for new student auditions are RPYO Music Director Jherrard Hardeman and RPO musicians. 


What Is The Audition Process?

Upon arriving to Eastman, you will check in and be directed to a group warm-up room until it is time for your audition. During your audition, you will play the following:

  • A solo piece

    • NYSSMA level 6

    • ~5 minutes in length

  • The designated excerpts for your instrument

    • Students should prepare all excerpts for their instruments, but for the audition they will play 2 excerpts. They will play their chosen excerpt and then the RPO panel will choose another excerpt from the list

  • A brief sight-reading excerpt

What do the judges listen for?

  • Musicality and expressiveness

  • Technical skills

  • Intonation, rhythm, and tone quality


How Do I Access Audition Excerpts?

Orchestral excerpts are available electronically on the RPYO website under the New Students tab.

Should I Memorize The Music?

Memorization is not required.

 

What Should I Wear?

It is best practice to wear nice dress clothes that are comfortable for performing.


When Will I Find Out If I Have Been Accepted?

All audition results will be announced via email a few days after the auditions. All auditioning students will receive correspondence, regardless of outcome. Be sure to enter you email address correctly on your audition application form. Email is RPYO’s primary mode of communication with students and parents.

What If I Am Not Accepted? 

There are a limited number of openings each year per instrument. If not accepted this year, we encourage you to audition again next year.  

what is the tuition fee?

Tuition for the 2024-2025 season, through the ECMS system, is $700/year. There is a non-refundable commitment deposit of $100 for new students. More information can be found on the ECMS tuition page. Additional fees throughout the year (such as the Concerto Competition audition fee, trips as they occur, etc.) will go directly to the RPYO, rather than ECMS.


When And Where Are Rehearsals Held?

RPYO rehearsals are held on Sundays from 1PM-4PM from September to June at Eastman School of Music, room EEW415. Students are required to help set up and break down the rehearsal room on a rotating basis. All students are expected to arrive by 12:30PM and be in their seats tuning and warming up by 12:45PM.

What Are The Commitment Requirements of an RPYO Student Member? 

  • Participation in a school instrumental ensemble (if available)

  • Participation in private instrumental lessons

  • Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts & participation in trips/special events

  • Setting up for rehearsals twice per season

  • Tearing down every rehearsal


Are Trips Part Of The RPYO Program? 

Yes. RPYO travels every 3-4 years both domestically and internationally. Trips are an additional fee and are considered part of the program. In 2013 and in 2016, RPYO traveled to NYC to perform at Carnegie Hall. In 2020, RPYO traveled to Washington, DC to perform at Kennedy Center.

In 2025, the RPYO will travel to Boston and Montreal.


What Are RPYO Concert Venues And Schedules?

RPYO concerts usually take place in November at Hochstein Performance Hall, in March at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre as a Side-by-Side concert with RPO, and in the spring at Hale Auditorium at Roberts Wesleyan College or at Beston Hall at Glazer Music Performance Center at Nazareth College. Exact concert dates are determined in the spring for the following year. Concert locations may also vary year to year.