Auditions and Registration
The Louisville Youth Orchestra serves over 500 students across our seven orchestras and multi-county education programs.
Audition are LYO’s way of placing each student in the orchestra or ensemble that will help them thrive. We have a place for every student at LYO.
LYO routinely admits new students mid-season, often at the beginning of a new concert cycle. Students who join in December 2025 are eligible to begin with LYO in January 2026.
How to Get Started
Step 1 - Determine your excerpts and begin preparing
Please read the information on this website carefully. You may email info@lyo.org at any time for assistance.
Mid-season tuition will be $375. Flexible payment plans are available to all LYO families. Families may apply for need-based Tuition Assistance here. LYO is committed to reducing barriers to participation, including financial obstacles.
Click here to view the 2025-2026 Season Schedule Overview. Students that join in December 2025 are eligible to begin rehearsals in January 2026. To learn more about LYO’s participation policies, see the handbook here.
Mid-season audition videos are due Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Click below to learn more about the excerpts for your instrument family.
Auditions include scale(s) and a minimum of one excerpt. Click the links below for specific audition requirements of each orchestra or ensemble.
Keep in mind:
- Mid-season candidates are not eligible for principal placement.
- Selected excerpts were intentionally chosen to challenge and stretch each candidate. This allows us to test the upper limits of each candidate’s ability to ensure proper placement. We are mot expecting perfection.
- As with anything, do your best and enjoy the challenge!
Step 2 - Submit your audition registration form
The registration form is our way of learning everything we need to know about the student and family. Please take special care that all provided contact information is accurate. Data from this registration form is uploaded to our student management database. Any input errors will be carried forward automatically. Click the button below to register and pay the $35 Audition Fee.
Step 3 - Record and submit your audition video
New to 2025, every student will audition via video submission. Click here to read the full Video Submission Guidelines.
Mid-season video submissions are due on or before Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Any families who are unable to record their audition independently, for any reason, may email info@lyo.org. A member of staff will schedule an appointment to assist you with your recording and submission.
Watch our Music Director, Maestro Gabriel Lefkowitz, present a mock audition for Concert Orchestra!