Symphony School is open to youth musicians, grades 4 – 12 (advanced beginner to intermediate skill level). The program offers opportunities designed to help young musicians develop good technique, advanced sound production on their instrument, and music literacy skills in keeping with the national standard repertoire for youth symphonies. Symphony School musicians should be able to read music at a beginner level.
Symphony School offers two performing ensembles, preparing young musicians, step by step, for participation in AYO’s highest level performing group, the Anchorage Youth Symphony, as well as for greater musical achievement in other community and school music programs. Participating musicians receive professional conducting, and supportive coaching on their instrument from highly-qualified music education and performance professionals.
Symphony School ensembles meet for weekly rehearsals in the Fall and Spring. Musicians are encouraged to participate in both sessions, but are welcome to participate in only the Fall or Spring. Rehearsals take place in UAA’s Fine Arts Building on Sunday evenings (4:30 – 5:45 or 6:00 – 7:15, depending on ensemble placement).
Ensemble assignment is completed through a required screening. All who screen are placed in an ensemble if they meet the age and skill requirement (advanced beginner and above). Musicians screening in the Fall and returning in the Spring retain their ensemble assignment throughout the year. New musicians entering the ensemble for the Spring session will be screened and placed appropriately at that time.
AYO’s Symphony School Ensemble program is generously funded in part
by the Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation.
Spring 2025 Ensemble Screenings
Spring Session rehearsals begin Sunday, March 23, 2025
How to apply:
RETURNING MUSICIANS:
No screening required for Fall musicians to continue in the Spring. Please complete the RETURNING MUSICIAN FORM, and download the SPRING 2025 CALENDAR. Finalize your registration by paying the SPRING 2025 TUITION by March 2, 2025.
NEW MUSICIANS:
Musicians who did not play with Symphony School in Fall 2024 must submit a screening to determine ensemble placement.
Screenings are completed via video submission through GetAcceptd.com:
– Visit GetAcceptd.com and signup for an account
– Once logged in, search for “Alaska Youth Orchestras”
– Select Symphony School program and your instrument
– Start your application
(Note: If this is your first time making a GetAcceptd account, and you encounter an Account Verification issue, please submit the Applicant Support Request Form. GetAcceptd’s support team will get back to you within the next business day.
For general assistance with your screening submission, please contact AYO Operations Manager Zach Akins.)
Notes:
– There will be a nonrefundable screening fee of $35
– Screening requirements include a short bio, a solo (approx. 90 seconds), and 2 scales (your choice).
– All who screen are placed in an ensemble if they meet the age and skill requirement (advanced beginner and above).
Spring 2025 Calendar
Rehearsals take place Sunday evenings:
March 23 – May 11 at UAA
(4:30 – 5:45 pm – Prelude Ensemble)
(6:00 – 7:15 pm – Overture Ensemble)
Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, May 17
(4:00 – 5:00 pm – Prelude Ensemble)
(5:00 – 6:00 pm – Overture Ensemble)
Fall Celebration Concert: Sunday, May 18 (4:00 pm)
Eligibility: 4th – 12th grade, ensemble assignments completed through required screening
Rehearsals: Sunday evenings 4:30-5:45 pm or 6-7:15 pm (depending on assignment)
Location: Rehearsals are held at the UAA Fine Arts Building, ARTS 124