Our Orchestras
Eligibility
All students between 2nd grade and college undergraduate currently enrolled in their school's instrumental music program (if available) are eligible to apply for membership.The El Paso Youth Orchestra (EPYO) is a full orchestra for the most advanced string, wind, brass, and percussion players 8th grade through college undergraduate.
Rehearsals are held Sundays from 4 - 7PM.
Tuition is $425.
Click here for audition requirementsThe El Paso Youth Symphony (EPYS) is a full orchestra for intermediate string, wind, brass, and percussion players 5th grade through 12th grade.
Rehearsals are held on Sundays from 1 - 3:30PM.
Tuition is $375
Click here for audition requirementsThe El Paso Youth String Ensemble (EPYSE) is a strings-only ensemble for players 2nd through 12th grade with limited orchestral experience. Each ensemble will break into smaller groups of 10 – 15 every week to focus on improving basic instrumental skills and on learning the concert repertoire with the goal of participation in one of the upper ensembles.
Rehearsals are held Saturdays from 3 - 5:30PM.
Tuition is $300.
Click here for audition requirementsThe El Paso Youth String Philharmonic (EPYSP) is a strings-only ensemble for players 2nd through 12th grade with limited orchestral experience. Each ensemble will break into smaller groups of 10 – 15 every week to focus on improving basic instrumental skills and on learning the concert repertoire with the goal of participation in one of the upper ensembles.
Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 2 - 4PM.
Tuition is $300.
Click here for audition requirementsNEW for 08 -09! The El Paso Youth Wind Ensemble led by Rachel Montellano is for 5th through 12th grade wind and brass players who will be rotated into the full orchestras as needed.
Tuition is $375.
Click here for audition requirementsNEW for 08 -09! The El Paso Youth Clarinet Ensemble, directed by Stephanie Otero, is for 5th through 12th grade clarinet players who will be rotated into the full orchestras as needed.
Rehearsals are held Sundays from 1:30 - 3:30PM.
Tuition is $375.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
1. 2 scales - 2 octaves (3 octaves, if you are able)
2. 1 or 2 solo pieces without accompaniment- may use solos previously played for Solo & Ensemble Contest and/or All-Region etudes from this or past years
3. Short sight-reading excerpt.
Your solo piece or etude should reflect your current playing ability.
Click here for audition requirementsNEW for 08 -09! The El Paso Youth Percussion Ensemble, directed by Mark Saenz, is for 5th through 12th grade percussion players who will be rotated into the full orchestras as needed.
Click here for audition requirementsNEW for 08 -09! The El Paso Youth Brass Ensemble led by EPSO Principal Trombone Sander Schiller is for 5th through 12th grade wind and brass players who will be rotated into the full orchestras as needed.
Tuition is $375.
Click here for audition requirements