JOIN QYO

IN 2020
Applications close Sunday 11 August 2019
Apply online: www.qyo.org.au/apply
WELCOME TO QYO
Dear Auditionee,

QYO consists of seven different ensembles catering for 500 young musicians. Our music staff
comprises many of Queensland’s best conductors and tutors. Our exciting range of concerts
enable each member to perform a great variety of fine music in an enjoyable environment.
Catering to woodwind, brass, percussion and string players, we aspire to the highest possible
level of achievement and pride ourselves on the dedication of our members and staff.

I wish you the best of luck in the forthcoming auditions. We look forward to welcoming you into
the QYO Family in 2020.

John Curro AM MBE

QYO Director of Music and Founder
 ORCHESTRAS
Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) provides outstanding orchestral experiences
for musicians aged 8 to 25. In our seven different orchestras and ensembles, QYO members
develop their musical skills in a nurturing environment alongside musicians of a similar standard.

Based at the historic Old Museum Building in Bowen Hills, QYO provides an annual program of
rehearsals, tutorials, concerts, camps and tours. Concerts attract large audiences in venues
that include the Old Museum Concert Hall and the QPAC Concert Hall. Weekly rehearsals are
scheduled during school and university terms, and some orchestras undertake day trips or
local tours of two to seven days duration. QYS tours internationally every four years. With the
exception of the Queensland Youth Symphony and Big Band, each orchestra and ensemble has a
weekend music camp during first term.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS WIND ORCHESTRAS

Queensland Youth Symphony Wind Symphony
Queensland Youth Orchestra 2 Wind Ensemble
Queensland Youth Orchestra 3

STRING ORCHESTRA JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Junior String Ensemble Big Band
 QLD YOUTH
SYMPHONY
The Queensland Youth Symphony is widely recognised as a world-class youth orchestra and is the
leading ensemble of Queensland Youth Orchestras. QYS performs in an annual concert series with a
focus on works from the late 19 th and 20 th centuries and by contemporary Australian composers. QYS
has toured and performed extensively throughout Australia and internationally in thirteen overseas
tours. Past members of QYS are active in Australia and abroad as soloists, teachers, chamber
musicians and members of major symphony orchestras. Planning is currently underway for a 3-week
international tour by QYS to China and Europe in June/July 2020, including the Stirling Bridge
International Arts Festival in Scotland.

QYS INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS

• Violin 1 (16), violin 2 (16), viola (14), cello (12),
• 100-member symphony orchestra
double bass (10)
• Standard professional orchestral repertoire • Flute (2), piccolo (1), oboe (2), cor anglais (1),
• Conductor: John Curro AM MBE (since 1966) clarinet Bb & A (2), bass clarinet (1), bassoon
(2), contrabassoon (1)
• Rehearsals: Saturday 9.00am-12.45pm at the
• French horn (5), trumpet (3), trombone (2),
Old Museum Building (some Sunday mornings
bass trombone (1), tuba (1)
if required)
• Timpani (1), percussion (3)
• Sectional tutorials: Some Saturday
afternoons plus other times if required by
section leaders or tutors ELIGIBILITY
• Min. AMEB Grade 8 (guide only)
• Flute & clarinet: min. AMEB AMusA (guide
only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
25 years
 QLD YOUTH
ORCHESTRA 2
QYO’s second symphony orchestra, QYO2, is conducted by Sergei V Korschmin and offers 90
positions to advanced and intermediate musicians. QYO2 will perform three concerts in the Concerts
at Twilight series at the Old Museum Concert Hall and the QYO Finale Concert at QPAC with a
focus on original works from the late 19th and 20th centuries and by contemporary composers.
Throughout its history, QYO2 has toured and performed extensively in collaboration with regional
and metropolitan youth orchestras throughout Queensland and Australia.

QYO2 INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS

• 90-member symphony orchestra • Violin 1 (18), violin 2 (18), viola (16), cello (14),
double bass (10)
• Standard advanced orchestral repertoire
• Flute (2), oboe (2), clarinet Bb & A (2),
• Conductor: Sergei V Korschmin (since 2002) bassoon (2)
• Rehearsals: Saturdays 1.30pm-4.30pm at the • French horn (5), trumpet (2), trombone (2),
Old Museum Building bass trombone (1), tuba (1)

• Sectional tutorials: selected Saturdays 1.30- • Timpani (1)

3.30pm followed by rehearsal 4.00-5.00pm
ELIGIBILITY
• Weekend music camp: Luther Heights,
• Min. AMEB Grade 6 (guide only)
Coolum - Friday 31 March to Sunday 2
February 2020 • Violin: min. AMEB Grade 7; Flute & Clarinet:
min. AMEB Grade 8 (guide only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
23 years
 QLD YOUTH
ORCHESTRA 3
For many of its 80 members, QYO3 offers the first experience of playing in a full-sized symphony
orchestra. Conductor Bradley Voltz selects a variety of repertoire which includes original works for
symphony orchestra and arrangements of film music and musicals. QYO3 will perform three concerts
in the Concert at Twilight series at the Old Museum Concert Hall, a concert at the Gold Coast and the
QYO Finale Concert at QPAC. For QYO3, positions are offered ‘within the section’ and seating orders
are arranged by the conductor within the first few rehearsals and finalised at camp.

QYO3 INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS

• 80-member symphony orchestra • Violin 1 (18), violin 2 (18), viola (16), cello (14),
double bass (10)
• Standard orchestral repertoire
& arrangements • Flute (2), piccolo (1), oboe (2), Bb clarinet (2),
bassoon (2)
• Conductor: Bradley Voltz (since 1998)
• French horn (5), trumpet (3), trombone (2),
• Rehearsals: Saturdays 1.15pm-4.00pm at the bass trombone (1), tuba (1)
Old Museum Building
• Percussion (3)
• Sectional tutorials: On selected Saturdays
during rehearsal times
ELIGIBILITY
• Weekend music camp: QCCC Tamborine -
Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February 2020 • Min. AMEB Grade 5 (guide only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
23 years
 JUNIOR STRING
ENSEMBLE
The Junior String Ensemble is QYO’s youngest orchestra with up to 80 positions available to string
players aged up to 15 years. Conductor Chen Yang programs a wide range of repertoire including
his own arrangements of orchestral works, opera arias and ballet music. JSE performs in three
Concerts at Twilight at the Old Museum Concert Hall and the QYO Finale Concert at QPAC. Extra
concerts, workshops and a short tour may also be included in the year ’s concert activities. For JSE,
positions are offered ‘within the section’ and seating orders are arranged by the conductor within
the first few rehearsals and finalised at camp.

JSE INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS

• 80-member string orchestra • Violin 1 (20), violin 2 (20), viola (15), cello (17),
double bass (8)
• Standard string repertoire
& arrangements
ELIGIBILITY
• Conductor: Chen Yang (since 1991)
• Violin: min. AMEB Grade 5 (guide only)
• Rehearsals: Saturdays 8.45-11.30am at the
• Viola & cello: min. AMEB Grade 4 (guide only)
Old Museum Building
• Double bass: min. AMEB Grade 2 (guide only)
• Weekend music camp: QCCC Brookfield -
Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February 2020 • Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
15 years
 WIND SYMPHONY
Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr Warwick Potter, is QYO’s leading wind orchestra, offering 75
positions for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players. WS performs major original works
for wind orchestra, world premiéres and arrangements of symphonic and popular repertoire.
Planned repertoire for 2020 includes music by Nigel Hess, Gustav Holst, and world premieres of
works by UQ student composers. WS will play in three Concerts at Twilight at the Old Museum
Concert Hall and the QYO Finale Concert at QPAC.

WS INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS
• 75-member wind orchestra • Flute (8), piccolo (2), oboe (2), cor anglais (1)
• Advanced wind orchestra repertoire • Clarinet Bb (18), Eb soprano clarinet (1), Eb
alto clarinet (1), Bass clarinet (2), contrabass
• Conductor: Dr Warwick Potter (since 2010)
clarinet (1)
• Rehearsals: Fridays 7.00pm-9.30pm at the
• Bassoon (4), contrabassoon (1)
Old Museum Building
• Alto saxophone (2), tenor saxophone (1),
• Sectional tutorials: on selected Fridays
baritone saxophone (1)
during rehearsal time
• French horn (4), trumpet (6), trombone (4),
• Weekend music camp: Luther Heights,
bass trombone (2), euphonium (3), tuba (3)
Coolum - Friday 28 Febuary to Sunday 1 March
2020 • Double bass (2)
• Percussion (6)
ELIGIBILITY
• Min. AMEB Grade 7 (guide only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
23 years
 WIND ENSEMBLE
Wind Ensemble consists of secondary school-aged woodwind, brass and percussion players seeking
musical challenges in an advanced wind orchestra. Conductor David Law programs classic works for
wind orchestra such as Holst and Vaughan Williams Suites, new and contemporary works for band,
and Australian works by composers such as Hultgren and Grainger. WE will play in three Concerts at
Twilight at the Old Museum Concert Hall, various workshops and special events, and the QYO Finale
Concert at QPAC.

WE INFORMATION ELIGIBILITY
• 70-member wind orchestra • Min. AMEB Grade 4 (guide only)
• Intermediate & advanced wind orchestra • Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
repertoire 18 years
• Conductor: David Law (since 2009)
INSTRUMENTS
• Rehearsals: Fridays 6.00pm-8.30pm at the
Old Museum Building • Flute (9), piccolo (1), oboe (2), clarinet Bb (18),
soprano clarinet (1), alto clarinet (1), bass
• Sectional tutorials: on selected Fridays clarinet (2), bassoon (2)
during rehearsal times
• Alto saxophone (2), tenor saxophone (1),
• Weekend music camp: Luther Heights, baritone saxophone (1)
Coolum - Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February 2020
• French horn (5), trumpet (8), trombone (6),
euphonium (2), tuba (2)
• Double bass (2)
• Percussion (8)
 BIG BAND
The QYO Big Band has 18 positions available for jazz musicians. Conductor Bohdan Davison programs
advanced instrumental and vocal big band charts. Planned performances include a Concert at
Twilight at the Old Museum Concert Hall, the QYO Finale Concert at QPAC, a performance at the
Brisbane Jazz Club, other performances in South-east Queensland and a regional tour.

BB INFORMATION INSTRUMENTS
• 18 piece jazz band • Alto saxophone (2), tenor saxophone (2),
baritone saxophone (1)
• Standard & advanced big band repertoire
• Trumpet (4), trombone (3), bass trombone (1)
• Conductor: Bohdan Davison (since 2018)
• Rhythm guitar (1), electric or double bass (1)
• Rehearsals: Sundays 6.00pm-8.45pm at the
Old Museum Building • Piano (1), vocalist (1)
• Drumkit (1)
ELIGIBILITY
• Min. AMEB Grade 6 (guide only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2020:
23 years
HOW
TO APPLY
APPLY ONLINE
The closing date for applications is Sunday 11 August 2 instruments within the same family (eg. flute &
2019. Please apply and pay online at www.qyo.org.au/ piccolo), you must submit 2 forms, pay the single fee
apply. of $48 and play both instruments at the one audition.
If you apply and audition on 2 different instruments
The online application requests applicants to: and are offered 2 positions in 2 orchestras, it may
• Read the orchestra standards, age limits and be possible for you to join both groups, but only if
general information permission is granted by both conductors. Players are
• Discuss preferences with your teacher to ensure you not allowed to join an additional QYO ensemble (except
apply for the correct orchestras for your standard for Big Band) if they accept an offer for QYS or QYO2. If
• Enter your instrumental teacher ’s name, phone and you apply for the Big Band and another ensemble, you
email address must submit two separate applications and pay $90 for
• Pay by bank transfer or credit card 2 auditions. You will receive 2 audition times, 2 sets of
excerpts and you will be required to attend 2 auditions.
For those without access to a computer and unable to
apply online, please contact the QYO office. ELIGIBILITY/AMEB GRADE REQUIREMENTS
The suggested minimum AMEB (Australian Music
AUDITION FEES Examinations Board) grades are a guide to the
• Single audition: $48 equivalent standard for applicants to be able to
• Second instrument or second family member play the musical excerpts (provided by QYO for the
audition: $42 orchestra of your first preference) at a suitable
• Maximum fee for families of 2 or more members: standard and tempo. Applicants are not required to
$90 have completed examinations and those who have
• Additional fee for late application: $30 passed exams are not guaranteed a position. Due to
the competitive nature of QYO auditions, players may
A single audition application fee is $48. Applications need to be of a higher standard than indicated to be
for a second family member, or for a separate successful.
instrument, attract a reduced fee of $42, with a
maximum fee payable of $90 for families of 2 or more. PRE-RECORDED AUDITIONS
Applications submitted after the closing date attract If you know in advance that you are unable to attend
an additional late fee of $30. Audition fees are non- an audition in person, you may submit a pre-recorded
refundable. audition. This applies to applicants living interstate or
in regional areas, temporarily away from Brisbane or
ORCHESTRA PREFERENCE unable to attend on the audition day. Your recording
You may nominate one or more orchestras for which must be received by Tuesday 24 September 2019.
you would like to be considered. It is recommended to Please apply online and email the QYO office as early
list a second preference in case you are unsuccessful as possible to request early excerpts and instructions.
with the first. Preferences should be listed in order of These will be sent to you, allowing sufficient time for
QYO standard, and you will only be considered for the you to prepare and submit your recording to QYO by the
orchestras that you list. Please discuss preferences due date. Late auditions are usually held within 5 days
with your music teacher to ensure you apply for the after the audition weekend.
orchestras appropriate to your standard. For your
LATE AUDITIONS
audition, you are required to prepare the musical
QYO will only consider arranging late auditions for
excerpts provided by QYO, which reflect the standard
applicants who have extenuating circumstances, such
of repertoire for the orchestra listed as your first
as severe illness. Requests must be made by email
preference. to the QYO office and if necessary, accompanied by
a medical certificate. Audition results will not be
MULTIPLE INSTRUMENTS & TWO ENSEMBLES delayed due to late auditions and there is no guarantee
To audition on 2 different instruments (eg. cello &
that a late audition will be possible. Once positions
clarinet), you must submit 2 separate application
and offers are finalised, vacancies will be advertised
forms and pay $90 for 2 auditions. To audition on
on the QYO website.
AUDITIONS
AUDITION DATES & VENUES RESULTS/FEEDBACK
Auditions are held at Brisbane Grammar School in The Director of Music appoints a professional and
Spring Hill, Brisbane and the Old Museum Building in experienced artistic panel for all auditions. All QYO
Bowen Hills, Brisbane. The dates shown in the table positions for the following year are available for
below are subject to change. If you know in advance filling through offers sent to applicants following the
that you are unable to attend, you must contact the audition process. The results and ranking decisions of
office as you may be able to submit a pre-recorded the panel are considered final and no correspondence
audition instead (see previous page). It is generally not or discussion will be entered into. It is not possible to
possible to change allocated audition times due to the receive verbal feedback or written reports specific to
limited availability of the audition panel and rooms. any applicant’s audition.

AUDITION PREPARATION The panel, staff, volunteers and QYO Executive

Applicants must prepare excerpts for the orchestra Committee members are not permitted to discuss
listed as their first preference. For example, results with students, teachers or parents. There is
applicants who list QYO2 as first preference and QYO3 no guarantee that a current member of QYO will be
as second preference will prepare the set excerpts for offered a position in the same orchestra or a different
QYO2 only. Each audition is 3 to 5 minutes duration. orchestra in the following year. Players progress at
different rates and new applicants apply each year,
Applicants must prepare: resulting in a very competitive audition process.
All excerpts for the orchestra of their first preference, Players who regain a position in the same orchestra
available 12 noon on Wednesday 11 September 2019 as the previous year may be placed anywhere in the
from www.qyo.org.au section or on the reserve list, depending on their
performance in the competitive audition process.
• A piece of own choice, 1 to 2 minutes duration (may
or may not be heard) RESERVE OFFERS & VACANCIES
• Applicants will receive notification of audition date, All applicants must respond by the due date. When
time, venue and orchestra of first preference by
email, by Wednesday 11 September 2019. offers are declined, the office promptly contacts
applicants who have received reserve offers, in order
AUDITION PANEL AND ASSESSMENT of ranking, to offer them positions. When the reserves
Each year all positions in all orchestras are declared list is depleted, the positions become officially vacant.
vacant and then filled through the audition process. In the new year, once all offers have been finalised
For each instrument, the Director of Music appoints and processed, and in consultation with the Artistic
an audition panel of two professional musicians who Panel, a list of vacancies will be advertised. Vacancies
are music teachers, lecturers, AMEB examiners or are considered to be at the back of the section, unless
members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, otherwise specified.
many of whom are QYO alumni.
Applicants who already auditioned for QYO in the
The panel ranks each audition by assessing the
current year (whether they were offered a place
following:
or not), are not permitted to re-audition. Those
• Intonation, rhythm, dynamics and tone production interested in vacancies will complete an audition
• Musical style and attention to speeds and the form and prepare the relevant audition pieces. The
directions of the music office will arrange a suitable audition time and place,
• Staccato & sautillé bowings for strings; legato & and the panel for this may be a QYO conductor, tutor
tonguing for wind and brass or audition panellist, depending on their availability.
• Conductor ’s comments on orchestral skills and Members joining in the new year will then complete a
attendance (for ongoing members only) membership form and pay membership fees pro rata.
 MEMBERSHIP
COMMITMENT
INFORMATION
Acceptance of a QYO position is a significant commitment for the entire year. Before accepting,
applicants must consider carefully their ability to comply with regular attendance at rehearsals,
tutorials, concerts and camps. QYO activities must take priority over sporting, social and work
commitments.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
To accept a position, the full membership fee or a deposit must be paid by Monday 2 December 2019.
The balance of fees is due by Monday 20 January 2020. The annual fees, including music camp, are
as follows:

SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT

MEMBERSHIP FEES FIRST MEMBER MEMBERS OF A FAMILY
QYO2, QYO3, JSE, WS & WE $655 $575

QYS (no camp) $585 $505

Big Band (no camp) $535 $455

ASSISTANCE, BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS

The QYO Executive Committee will consider special arrangements in cases of financial hardship.
Emailed or written requests should be submitted by Monday 2 December 2019 with the acceptance
of offer. Details on scholarships and bursaries will be available in November 2019 from our website.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please visit www.qyo.org.au for further information on audition procedures & policies, FAQs and
conductor biographies. You can also like the QYO Facebook page for regular updates and photos of
QYO performances and activities.
SAVE THE DATES
Sun 11 Aug 2019 Closing date for applications
Wed 11 Sept 2019 Excerpts available online at www.qyo.org.au
Applicants receive audition venue, date and time
Sat 19 Oct 2019 Auditions for Violin (QYO2 & QYO3), Cello, Flute, Clarinet,
Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium & Tuba at
Brisbane Grammar School
Sat 19 Oct 2019 Auditions for Percussion & Double Bass at Old Museum
Building
Sun 20 Oct 2019 Auditions for Violin (QYS, QYO3 & JSE), Viola, Cello, Oboe,
Clarinet, Bassoon & Trumpet at Brisbane Grammar School
Sun 20 Oct 2019 Auditions for Big Band at Old Museum Building
Mon 21 Oct 2019 Auditions for Violin (QYS) at Old Museum Building
Mon 18 Nov 2019 Applicants receive results
Mon 2 Dec 2019 Respond to letter of offer with deposit or full payment
Mon 20 Jan 2020 Balance of fees due
Fri 31 Jan 2020 First rehearsal for WE & WS
Sat 1 Feb 2020 First rehearsal for JSE, QYS & QYO3 & QYO2 Camp
Sun 2 Feb 2020 First rehearsal for BB
FOLLOW US
Instagram.com/queenslandyouthorchestras

Facebook.com/queenslandyouthorchestras

Youtube.com/qyoorg

‘Tutti’ newsletter: www.qyo.org.au/tutti-news

 SPONSORS
Major Corporate Sponsor

Queensland Youth Orchestras is supported

by the Queensland Government through Arts
Queensland.