Join AYO

We are always keen to hear from young musicians who wish to develop their skills in orchestral playing and late auditions may be submitted.  Please contact our Manager.

Click here for:
- audition registration form
- audition instructions
- links to audition excerpts. 

The audition comprises some orchestral excerpts (provided by us) and a short piece of your own choosing.

The orchestra caters for young people in the 16-26 age range, although exceptions may be made in certain circumstances.  All players are required to re-audition each year.

Instruments:

AYO has a piccolo, a cor anglais, A clarinets and a bass trombone available for our wind/brass players as required.   AYO also has a double bass, tuba, bassoon, oboe, french horn and trombone for any players who need to borrow an instrument while playing with AYO.

Commitment to AYO in 2026 involves:

  • being well prepared with your part before rehearsals
  • rehearsals on Wednesday evenings in Epsom (7pm-10pm) and occasional weekend workshops
  • availability for a weekend camp (27/2/26-1/3/26 - additional fee) and occasional day trips (weekends)
  • paying an annual Player Subscription ($210, 2026) before audition - which will be fully refunded if we are regrettably unable to offer you a position.

Benefits of Membership:

As well as being excellent experience to include on your cv, the opportunities below are available only to players in AYO :

Player Subscription:

We are a volunteer organisation and work hard to minimise costs, but our purpose is to provide excellent training in orchestral playing for young musicians and that necessarily involves some significant costs such as rehearsal venue hire, professional coaching, music, storage etc. -  the annual Player Subscription is a small contribution towards covering those costs and the costs associated with presenting up to a dozen concerts each year.  The orchestra relies on concert proceeds, interest, donations and grants to cover the difference.

Enquiries should be directed to the Orchestra Manager, Mary Lin:  manager@ayo.org.nz