Orchestra for Talented Youth (OTY) invites
all young musicians under age 18 to audition for membership.
Membership in the orchestra shall be decided
through an audition. Playing ability and balance of instrumentation shall
be the determining factors in the selection of members.
All orchestra members are strongly recommended
taking private music lessons. A limited number of scholarships are available
based on financial need. Those students awarded scholarships will be required
to participate in some form of work-study program.
AUDITIONS
OTY auditions are available to select talented young musicians on Long Island and from the surrounding New York Area. Memberships are selected by auditions conducted in September each year or, at the discretion of our conductor, audition may also be conducted during the school year. Auditions are open to musicians aging from 10-18 who are prepared for serious commitment to the full rehearsal and concert schedules.
The audition is an evaluation of a student's technical and musical ability by OTY Artistic Staff. The audition material may consist of orchestral excerpts, a prepared piece of the student's own choosing, sight-reading, and/or scales. Excerpts will be available well in advance of audition dates.
REHEARSALS
If accepted, you will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of the Orchestra during the academic year. Regular rehearsals take place in Saturday afternoons between 5 - 7 PM at Oyster Bay Community Center, Oyster Bay, New York.
TUITION AND DEPOSIT
Orchestra for Talented Youth (OTY) members pay tuition fees of $350 a year to participate in the youth Orchestra. All payments should be made payable to: Orchestra for Talented Youth (Parents should include your child's name on the check).
Tuition must be paid (or payment arrangements made) to attend rehearsals. Returning members wanting to maintain their position with the orchestra must make a deposit of $50 toward their fall tuition no later than July 15. The balance will be due no later than September 20 of the year. Families with multiple members receive a 10% discount for additional students after paying the full tuition.
These fees only partially cover operating expenses: salaries, music score purchases, rental, concert expenses, awards, etc. Parents and families are expected to volunteer their time to participate in the orchestra fundraising programs
Financial Assistance is available based solely
on financial need. Contact the orchestra director for an application.
Questions regarding payment should be directed to the orchestra director
or the Treasurer.
