Bergen Youth Orchestras To Hold Auditions in August, early September

ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Aug. 15, 2013 – The Bergen Youth Orchestras (BYO), one of the leading youth orchestra programs in the greater New York area, will hold auditions in the second half of August and early September as it prepares for its 2013-2014 season.    

The BYO is looking to add a variety of young musicians – from brass to string players -- from throughout northern New Jersey and New York for its three distinct performance groups: Concert Strings, Philharmonia and the more advanced Symphony.

The brass section will be featured during the BYO concerts this season, the organization’s 45th.  The Symphony’s first concert, for example, include pieces by Ravel and Shostakovich, as well as by Haydn.

“Whether it’s because students graduate out of the program or are promoted to our higher level orchestras, we’re always on the lookout for talented, new musicians,” said Eugene Minor, Music Director of the Bergen Youth Orchestras. “The BYO provides a great opportunity for young musicians to play in a group setting.”

Auditions will be scheduled by appointment, and will be held at St. Paul’s Church, at 113 Engle St. in Englewood, N.J.  Students will be asked to play a prepared piece of their choice, one or two major scales chosen by the BYO and to perform a short sight reading. Those interested in scheduling an audition or in need of more information should call the BYO at 201-569-1625. The audition fee is $50. More details about auditions and the Bergen Youth Orchestras can be found at http://bergenyouthorchestra.org/byo_handbook.pdf.

The BYO Symphony is a full symphony orchestra for advanced young musicians exploring standard to unusual symphonic works.  The BYO Philharmonia is an intermediate ensemble that examines both standard and arranged repertoire. The BYO Concert Strings is an entry-level string orchestra designed for the early ensemble experience.  The Bergen Youth Orchestras’ musicians have been as young as 6-years-old, and extend up through high school seniors.

About the Bergen Youth Orchestras

The Bergen Youth Orchestras, based in Englewood, N.J., was founded in 1968 and prides itself on allowing capable students the ability to work in a professional environment. The non-profit orchestras are dedicated to providing young musicians with exceptional training and the opportunity to perform diverse orchestral literature. Students are exposed to music that is both energetic and artistically distinguished. The BYO has performed under music director Eugene Minor in many distinguished venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic. For more information, visit BYO’s website at http://www.bergenyouthorchestra.org.