Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
2022-2023
EPYO is open to any middle or high school level instrumentalist. Placement in the ensembles is determined by audition (see audition requirements below). All students will have the opportunity to perform as a full symphony orchestra on the stage of the historic Victory Theatre in downtown Evansville.
If you'd like to schedule an audition or have any questions about these programs, please contact our Director of Education, Chaz Ritenour, at 812-425-5050 ext. 316 or via email at Education@evansvillephilharmonic.org.
Rehearsal Times
This season, EPYO will rehearse at the University of Evansville Music Conservatory's Krannert Hall of Fine Arts in FA110.
EPYO I rehearses on Sundays from 2:00 - 4:30 PM
EPYO II rehearses on Sundays from 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Tuition
EPYO II: $207.50 per semester, $415 for full year
EPYO I: $232.50 per semester, $465 for full year
Scholarships, mentorships, and work-study options are available to any member of the EPYO program who has the need or the desire to participate. No student will be turned away from the EPYO for want of resources.
EPYO I
Strings
- Major Scales: Prepare two (2) scales of your choice from the following list: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab. Three octave scales required (two octaves for bass). All scales should be memorized.
- Minor Scales (melodic): Prepare one (1) scale of your choice from the following list: a, e, b, f#, c#, d, g, c, f. Three octave scales required (two octaves for bass). All scales should be memorized.
- Orchestral Excerpts: See link at bottom of page. New violinists should prepare Violin II excerpts unless granted permission by EPYO I conductor.
- Solo Work (New Members Only): Prepare an excerpt from a solo or etude of your choice that best demonstrates your musical ability. The excerpt should be approximately two minutes in length.
Woodwinds/Brass
- Major Scales: Prepare three (3) scales of your choice from the following list: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab.
- Woodwinds: Minimum of two octaves, three octaves where possible. All scales should be memorized.
- Brass: Minimum of one octave, two octaves where possible. All scales should be memorized.
- Orchestral Excerpts: See link at bottom of page.
- Solo Work (New Members Only): Prepare an excerpt from a solo or etude of your choice that best demonstrates your musical ability. The excerpt should be approximately two minutes in length. No accompaniment necessary.
Percussion
- Orchestral Excerpts: See link at bottom of page.
- Solo work/Excerpt from one (1) of the following: Snare Drum, Timpani, Xylophone
- The excerpt be approximately two minutes in length and demonstrate the range of your musical ability.
- Timpani: students may be asked to demonstrate knowledge of tuning. For consideration for principal seat, an excerpt on timpani will required.
- Familiarity with Standard Orchestral Percussion: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals (crash and suspended), Triangle, Tambourine, Xylophone, Glockenspiel
EPYO II
Strings
- Major Scales: Prepare the following scales with the appropriate octave requirement (no arpeggios). All scales should be memorized.
- Violin - C Major (2 octaves), G Major (2 octaves), Bb Major (2 octaves)
- Viola - G Major (2 octaves), D Major (2 octaves), Bb Major (1 octave)
- Cello - C Major (2 octaves), G Major (2 octaves), F Major (2 octaves)
- Bass - C Major (1 octave), G Major (2 octaves), Bb major (1 octave)
- Solo Work: Prepare an excerpt from a solo or etude of your choice that best demonstrates your musical ability. The excerpt should be approximately two minutes in length. No accompaniment necessary.
Woodwinds/Brass
- Major Scales: Prepare all the following scales (in your written keys): C, G, D, F, Bb. No arpeggios. Scales should be a minimum of one octave, two octaves where possible. All scales should be memorized.
- Solo Work: Prepare an excerpt from a solo or etude of your choice that best demonstrates your musical ability. The excerpt should be approximately 2 minutes in length. No accompaniment necessary.
Percussion
- Solo work/Excerpt from one (1) of the following: Snare Drum, Timpani, Xylophone
- The excerpt be approximately two minutes in length and demonstrate the range of your musical ability
About Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestras
The Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestras (EPYO and EPYO II) have provided outstanding educational and performing opportunities to students who demonstrate the musicianship necessary to perform in a pre-professional orchestra setting.
There are two groups; a high school orchestra (EPYO) with members in grades 9-12, and a junior high orchestra (EPYO II), with members in grades 6-9. Both have been performing since 1993.
The goals of the Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestras are:
- To provide opportunities for public and private school students in the Tri-State area to play orchestral music.
- To educate students to pursue high standards in the performance of this music, and to cultivate young talent, that these students may be enriched as both performers and listeners.
- To assist, stimulate and encourage community outreach, sparking interest in orchestral music throughout the Tri-State area and beyond.