Moving up through the DYO

 

 
 

We sometimes have enquiries from parents asking to explain how players move through the DYO, so for everybody’s information and to clear up any misunderstandings, we give the following summary:

 
 

o Young string players aged between 9 – 13 audition to join the Junior Strings and usually play there for 2 years before moving to the Intermediate Orchestra. Older string players who audition may be admitted to a different orchestra.


o Young non-string players audition to join the Intermediate Orchestra. They may be admitted to a different orchestra depending on age and ability.


o String players usually stay in each orchestra for two years and eventually audition for the Symphony at any age from about fifteen years. We have players in the Symphony aged up to twenty two.


o This progress is age related and determined by the conductor and tutors whose decision is final.


o Wind, brass and percussion players usually stay two years in the Intermediate Orchestra and then move into the Concert Orchestra, however there may not always be room for a player and they may have to wait another year. This is the nature of things and we, obviously, cannot have 10 flutes in any one orchestra!

o We do not feel the Symphony is a suitable orchestra for players much younger than fifteen. This is for social reasons as much as music or performance standards.


o And on a related topic – the ‘seating’ in the orchestras is usually on a revolving basis, particularly in the younger orchestras. This gives everybody an opportunity, particularly in the string sections, to play near the front.


 Junior, Intermediate and Concert orchestra years start again in April, so players who are moving up move up then. They will be notified in advance.
Concert orchestra players who successfully audition for the Symphony join the orchestra at their May weekend rehearsal so do not have a rehearsal in April.
If you have any other queries we will be pleased to answer them –
(email preferred) – info@dyo.ie

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