Download a PDF of our audition flyer here!

New student Audition information:

Auditions for the 26/27 Season will take place on April 25, 26, 27th, 2026 at the Eastman School of Music. (exact classrooms TBA)

April 25th - 1:00 PM-7:00 PM

April 26th - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

April 27th - 3:30 PM-6:30 PM

  • Applications will be due by Friday, April 3rd, 2026

  • Please note that there is a $25 application fee associated with auditioning

  • For the 26/27 Season, we will not be auditioning oboes or tuba, as those sections are already full and no seniors will be graduating.

  • The panel of judges will be comprised of select RPO musicians.

  • To apply, please fill out this Audition Application Form!

Prospective students will be expected to prepare:

  • NYSSMA Level 6 solo piece (about five minutes in length)

  • The designated excerpts for your instrument (listed below)

  • Prospective students will also be asked to sight-read

    *Percussionist do NOT have to prepare a solo. They are only responsible for the listed excerpts/etudes in the PDF below.

‼️IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS APPLYING FOR 2026-2027 SEASON:‼️

In February 2027, the RPYO will be embarking on an international tour to Salzburg, Vienna and Prague!

We will be traveling during the week of February Break.

  • The RPYO policy requires all members to participate in ensemble tours.

  • The RPO and Eastman Community Music School are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind and offer fundraising opportunities and scholarship support to help offset tour costs.

  • The estimated cost of the tour is approximately $4,000 per student.

  • A non-refundable $200 deposit is due in June 2026.

  • Beginning after the June deposit, monthly payments of approximately $650 will be due through December 2026.

  • Upon acceptance into the ensemble, students and families will receive detailed information about additional fundraising opportunities and available financial assistance, in addition to learning how to set up your tour account through our tour company: Encore Tours.

FAQs:

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions both about the RPYO audition process, as well as the RPYO program as a whole.