Time Commitment
Rehearsals on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Rehearsal days will include a mixture of full orchestra rehearsal and sectionals led by PYO teaching artists.
Scale Requirements
• Quarter Note = 120
Strings
• Bowing/Articulation = two notes slurred, two staccato ascending; four notes slurred descending
Violin – G Major (3-Octave) and A Melodic Minor (3-Octave)
Viola – C Major (3-Octave) and D Melodic Minor (3-Octave)
Cello – C Major (3-Octave) and D Melodic Minor (3-Octave)
Bass – F Major (2-Octave) and E Melodic Minor (2-Octave)
Woodwinds
Flute: B-Flat Major (2-Octave) and Chromatic Scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Oboe: C Major (2-Octave) and Chromatic Scale (2 octaves, starting on C)
Clarinet: Written D Major (Concert C Major) (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Bassoon: F Major (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Brass
Horn: Written G Major (Concert C Major) (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Trumpet: Written G Major (Concert F Major) (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Trombone: F Major (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Tuba: B-flat Major (2-Octave) and Chromatic scale (2 to 3 octaves, showing your full range)
Percussion
All percussionists will audition on both:
Snare: Single Stroke Roll, Buzz Roll, Drag Tap; One solo of your choice
Mallets: Bb Major Scale (2 octaves), Chromatic scale (2 octaves, starting on C); mallet solo of your choice
Prepared Etude
One solo piece/etude (or 2 – 3 minute excerpt) that displays your best abilities from repertoire at the intermediate level or above.
Audition Times
In-person and virtual auditions are being scheduled now. Use the button below to schedule your audition.
Rehearsal Information:
Rehearsals on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Gildersleeve Middle School, 1 Minton Dr., Newport News, VA
Questions?
Reach out to the Program Director at rramirez@soundscapeshr.org or by calling 757-992-1496
Tuition
Soundscapes believes high-quality music programs should be accessible to everyone. Our tuition is on a sliding scale based on your family’s annual income and household size. Use the calculator below to estimate your annual PYO tuition rate. We understand that every situation is different; please let us know if any circumstances might make tuition unaffordable.
Symphony Orchestra Annual Tuition Rates
| Income Eligibility Percentage | Annual Tuition |
| 400%+ | $660 |
| 300% – 399% | $440 |
| 181% – 299% | $220 |
| 0% – 180% | $0 |
Estimate Your PYO Tuition
This estimate uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Please contact Soundscapes if special circumstances might make tuition unaffordable.