What is Orion Youth Orchestra?​

Orion is our way of saying: You worked hard and invested in your musical skills, we want to reward you! Orion rewards students for their hard work and achievements in the following ways:
 

1) Your orchestral tuition is waived. All accepted students receive a full merit-based scholarship. 

2) Weekly rehearsals with world-class conductor Jose-Luis Novo, Music Director of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and ASO violinist  Heather Haughn

3) Perform challenging orchestral repertoire with like-minded, advanced music students

4) Sectional rehearsals from professional Annapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians

5) Play with professional musicians, and outstanding guest soloists

6) Experience side-by-side concerts with Annapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians

7) Annual concerto competition

8) Leadership and mentoring opportunities with younger Academy students

 

Includes Exclusive Annapolis Symphony Academy benefits:

• Workshops with Annapolis Symphony Orchestra soloists, guest artists and speakers

• Performance opportunities

• In-rehearsal mentorship from ASA faculty

• Community service

• College visits and assistance with applications and auditions (summer festivals, colleges & universities)

• Access to Annapolis Symphony Orchestra rehearsals

• Complimentary Annapolis Symphony Orchestra concert tickets
   

Who qualifies for Orion Youth Orchestra?

Talented, driven young strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, or keyboard students ages 12-18, taking weekly one-on-one private lessons with an instructor, either at the Academy through our Virtuoso Pathway*, or through a private teacher outside the Academy. 

If you study with a teacher outside the Annapolis Symphony Academy and admitted to Orion, we will ask your private teacher to submit the required Teacher Verification Form.

​​

What is our ensemble/orchestra attendance policy?

Concert participation is required for all students. All dates are available on the Online Calendar. Group class attendance is crucial, as it affects everyone in the group. Each student is allowed two (2) missed rehearsals per semester for any reason. Any additional absences must be approved by the Academy. All group activity absences, as well as private lesson absences require submission of an absence form.

​

Audition Level Requirements for Orion

String Requirements

1. Scales and arpeggios of the applicant's choice

2. Two contrasting solo pieces of the applicant's choice

3. Minimum required level: MMEA level 5 or higher
    

Flute and Clarinet

1. Two-octave scale of the applicant's choice

2. Two contrasting solo pieces (concerto or an equivalent piece) demonstrating the applicant's current playing level

3. Minimum required level: MMEA level 5 or higher

 

All Other Wind and Brass

1. One-octave scale of the applicant's choice (two-octave scales preferred)

2. Two contrasting solo pieces (concerto or an equivalent piece) demonstrating the applicant's current playing level

3. Minimum required level: MMEA level 5 or higher

​

Percussion Requirements

1. Solo piece or orchestral excerpt of applicant’s choice on timpani

2. Snare drum solo or excerpt

3. Two-octave scale on a mallet instrument

4. A solo piece or orchestral excerpt of applicant’s choice on a mallet instrument

​

How can I join Orion Youth Orchestra?

Follow this simple process:

1. Fill out our Application Form

2. Sign up for an In-Person audition or submit a Virtual Audition. Audition Information Available Here

3. We will notify you of the audition results and your placement in our programs

​

Tuition

Full merit-based scholarship to all students admitted to ensembles throughout the academic year. Students may be asked to perform a musical community service during the semester. Excludes chamber music ensembles.

​​

* Administrative fee required to secure enrollment. Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra students also enrolled in Virtuoso Pathway students only pay one ($125) administrative fee to secure enrollment in both Virtuoso Pathway and Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra.

​

Where and When?

Orion Youth Orchestra meets on Monday afternoons at 6:00pm. Rehearsal runtime: 2 hours.

All Annapolis Symphony Academy activities take place at Temple Beth Shalom, 1461 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD.​​

​

**Virtuoso Pathway students only pay one ($125) deposit to reserve their spot in both Virtuoso and Orion.