Frequently asked questions
What is the Louisville Youth Orchestra?
Is the LYO only for elite musicians?
Who should play in the LYO?
In short - all student musicians! The LYO has a broad range of ensembles that
are aimed at any instrumentalist looking for an extraordinary musical
experience outside of their school. We are looking for student musicians that
currently read and play music, enjoy being a part of an ensemble and are
interested in performing some of the great works of classical music!
The LYO currently serves over 400 students from 16 counties throughout
Kentucky and southern Indiana.
What kind of music do you perform?
When and where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals start in the middle of September and take place on Sunday afternoon through April. Depending on your group, rehearsals last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours.
Our Symphony, Repertory, Brass and Wind ensembles rehearse at YPAS (1517 S 2nd Street, Louisville, KY) and the Concert, Serenade and Percussion ensemble rehearse at the St. Matthews Pavilion (4121 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207).
What is the audition process like?
First of all - don't stress! This of this more like a placement than an audition.
Our conductors make the process very easy! Schedule your audition and select your excerpts and scales from our website, practice with your lesson teacher or school music instructor and come to the audition site on your audition day!
Once there you can warm-up, meet the conductors, play your scales and excerpts, do a short sight-reading excerpt and you're done!
Should I be in my school orchestra or private lessons to participate?
Yes, you must be a member of your school band or orchestra on your instrument, if your school has such an ensemble.
To audition for the LYO, you do not have to be taking lessons. However, once a member of the LYO, lessons are required. We can help you find a teacher if needed.
How much does it cost to be in the LYO?
The membership fee is $575, which covers all rehearsals and music. Generous need-based scholarships are available to assist with the cost of membership and private lessons.
There is a $100 discount for each additional participating family member.
What is the Louisville Youth Orchestra?
Is the LYO only for elite musicians?
Who should play in the LYO?
In short - all student musicians! The LYO has a broad range of ensembles that are aimed at any instrumentalist looking for an extraordinary musical experience outside of their school. We are looking for student musicians that currently read and play music, enjoy being a part of an ensemble and are interested in performing some of the great works of classical music! The LYO currently serves over 400 students from 16 counties throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana.
What kind of music do you perform?
When and where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals start in the middle of September and take place on Sunday afternoon through April. Depending on your group, rehearsals last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours.
Our Symphony, Repertory, Brass and Wind ensembles rehearse at YPAS (1517 S 2nd Street, Louisville, KY) and the Concert, Serenade and Percussion ensemble rehearse at the St. Matthews Pavilion (4121 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207).
What is the audition process like?
First of all - don't stress! This of this more like a placement than an audition.
Our conductors make the process very easy! Schedule your audition and select your excerpts and scales from our website, practice with your lesson teacher or school music instructor and come to the audition site on your audition day!
Once there you can warm-up, meet the conductors, play your scales and excerpts, do a short sight-reading excerpt and you're done!
Should I be in my school orchestra or private lessons to participate?
Yes, you must be a member of your school band or orchestra on your instrument, if your school has such an ensemble.
To audition for the LYO, you do not have to be taking lessons. However, once a member of the LYO, lessons are required. We can help you find a teacher if needed.
How much does it cost to be in the LYO?
The membership fee is $575, which covers all rehearsals and music. Generous need-based scholarships are available to assist with the cost of membership and private lessons.
There is a $100 discount for each additional participating family member.
