TRYPO Audition Application Form

Hello and welcome! We are so glad you are interested in auditioning for TRYPO's 2026-27 season!
- Please fill out this form once for each auditioning student.
- Pay your $25 non-refundable application fee - one per auditioning student. You can pay online or request an application fee waiver—details at the end of this form.
- Your completed application and $25 audition fee will enable you to be considered for any of our five large ensemble programs for the 2026-27 season: Young Peoples Orchestra [YPO], Wind Symphony [WS], Percussion Ensemble [PE], Symphonette [SYM], and Tutti Strings [2T], as well as our chamber music program, Youth Chamber Connection [YC2]
IMPORTANT: When you audition for TRYPO, you are auditioning for TRYPO in general. Based on your age and performance skills, our Artistic Staff will place you in the appropriate ensemble.

What's next? Prepare your audition excerpts! All music selections can be found at https://trypo.org/audition/.
- Please note: The audition excerpt for Intermediate Strings (Symphonette) has been updated (March 4) to reflect music SYM will perform during the 2026-27 season! Students should prepare the Mendelssohn Sinfonia VI in Es-Dur. If you downloaded the materials earlier this winter, please download the updated excerpt to ensure you are preparing the correct selection.
You will recieve a reminder email 2 days before your audition which will include directions to the audition location, parking information, and instructions.

Note to Current TRYPO Students: If you are in a current TRYPO Large Ensemble and want to continue in that same ensemble next year, you DO NOT need to re-audition! Toward the end of the semester, there will be a survey about your intentions for next season. Only complete this audition form if you wish to be considered for placement in a more advanced ensemble.
STUDENT INFORMATION
What is the student's name? *

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Student's date of birth*

MonthDayYear
Student's age*
12th11th10th9th8th7th6th5th4th3rd2ndOther
What school will the auditioning student be attending in the 2026-27 academic year?*
TRYPO PROGRAM OPTIONS:

Here is a summary of the auditioning ensembles. For more information about all TRYPO programs, please see our the Orchestras & Ensembles page on our website.
- Young Peoples Orchestra (YPO): Advanced symphonic orchestra
  - Suggested ages 14-18
  - How to join: Spring 2026 audition required for open chairs in the 2026-27 season. Ongoing auditions during the season for any open chairs.
  - Instruments: Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harps
  - Typically auditions in late spring of each season.
- Wind Symphony (WS): Advanced (with some limited intermediate students) wind ensemble
  - Suggested ages 14-18
  - How to join: Spring 2026 audition required for open chairs in the 2026-27 season. Ongoing auditions during the season for any open chairs.
  - Instruments: Woodwinds, brass, percussion
  - Typically auditions in late spring of each season.
- Percussion Ensemble (PE): Small ensemble of just percussionists
  - Suggested ages 14-18
  - How to join: Members of YPO and Wind Symphony automatically accepted. Audition required for any other interested students.
  - Enrollment takes place in late summer for fall semester and late fall/early winter for the spring semester.
  - Instruments: Percussion
- Percussion Essentials (PrEss): 20 week skills course for percussionists with at least one year experience
  - Suggested ages 12-18
  - How to join: Spring 2026 auditions, ongoing auditions until class begins in November
  - Enrollment takes place in late summer
  - Instruments: Percussion
- Symphonette (SYM): Intermediate string orchestra
  - Suggested ages 11-16
  - How to join: Spring 2026 audition required for open chairs in the 2026-27 season. Ongoing auditions during the season for any open chairs.
  - Instruments: Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp)
  - Typically auditions in late spring of each season.
- Tutti Strings (2T): Beginning string ensemble for young musicians with at least one (1) year of playing experience.
  - Suggested ages: 8-12
  - How to join: Spring 2026 audition/interview with Mr. Cook, but placement in Tutti is guaranteed as long as the ensemble has openings. (If a student fills out the audition form for Tutti and the ensemble is already full, the audition fee will be refunded.)
  - Instruments: Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp)
  - Typically auditions in late spring of each season.
Young Peoples OrchestraWind SymphonyPercussion EnsembleSymphonettePercussion EssentialsTutti StringsI'm not sure - please help me decide! (We'll contact you and talk about the options.)
ViolinViolaCelloBassHarpFluteOboeClarinetSaxophoneBassoonFrench HornTrumpetTromboneEuphoniumTubaPercussionKeyboard
Please tell us what instruments you are bringing to your audition:
- Flute ONLY or Flute and piccolo [piccolo strongly encouraged]
- Oboe ONLY or Oboe and English Horn
- Bb Clarinet ONLY or Bb Clarinet and A Clarinet, Eb Clarinet and/or Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon ONLY or Bassoon and contrabassoon
- Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and/or Bari Sax
- Bb Trumpet ONLY or Bb Trumpet and C Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone ONLY or Bass Trombone ONLY or both Tenor and Bass trombones
Doubling Instrument(s):
In some cases, TRYPO may be able to lend you one of these doubling instruments if you are accepted to TRYPO but do not have access to one. If you do not have access to a doubling instrument and/or have not ever worked on one of these doubling instruments, tell us if you would be willing to work on it.
I do not have access to a doubling instrument, but I would be interested in borrowing one and learning if I am accepted into a TRYPO program.I do not have access to a doubling instrument, and I am not interested or don't have time to learn how to play one, if I am accepted into a TRYPO program.Other
ViolinViolaCelloBassHarpKeyboard
CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM

Take your TRYPO experience to the next level with Youth Chamber Connection (YC²)! Here, students have the opportunity to perform in small ensembles, such as quartets, quintets, and more, intentionally designed to build leadership, active listening, advanced musicianship, and teamwork. In chamber music, every player has a voice and a responsibility to help shape the music into more than the sum of its players.

Who can participate?
All students who audition for TRYPO are automatically considered for YC². There is no separate audition required. Participation in YC² can happen in addition to, or independent from, TRYPO large ensembles.

How placement works:
- Students accepted into TRYPO will receive YC² consideration details by early June.
- Families who accept their placements will then:
  - Indicate acceptance of their placement by completing a brief form
  - Submit student availability to help us match students into groups
  - Provide a brief sample video if requested (used for final ensemble matching)
- Coaches and staff will follow up over the summer with ensemble assignments, rehearsal details, and next steps.
YC² serves students of all ages and levels (strings, woodwinds, and brass). Students must be enrolled in private lessons — and if you need help finding a teacher, we’re happy to connect you!

To learn more, check out YOUTHCHAMBERCONNECTION.ORG
Yes, please reach out with more information about Youth Chamber Connection [YC²]Thanks, but I'm not interested in any additional programming at this time.Other
PRIVATE TEACHER INFO

While private instrument lessons are strongly encouraged, they are not required for entrance into a TRYPO program.

Your answers will not affect the audition results. We only ask these questions to get a better understanding of the student's background and musical training. In some cases, TRYPO might be able to help facilitate private lessons for young musicians whose families apply for financial assistance.
YesNoOther
Who is the student's current private teacher?*
How long has the student been studying with this particular teacher?*
How long has the student been studying privately in total?*
PARENT/GUARDIAN INFO
Parent/Guardian name*

First NameLast Name
Daytime phone number*

Area CodePhone Number
What is the best phone number to reach you on audition day? (Mobile preferred.)

Area CodePhone Number
Primary mailing address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip CodeCountry
Primary e-mail address for parent/guardian*
example@example.com
Auditioning student e-mail address (enter if you would like student to be copied on audition communication)
example@example.com
Is there anything you would like to share about the auditioning student that will help ensure a successful audition experience for them?
DEMOGRAPHIC AND IDENTITY

TRYPO collects student demographic and identity information at the audition stage to better understand the complexity of the TRYPO applicant pool and how it changes from year to year, and to help our staff use the most respectful language when addressing you. This information has no bearing on audition results, and will not be made available to the judges.

NOTE: You are not required to answer these questions and may choose "Prefer not to answer" as a response. Please know that we never share the names or contact info of our families. TRYPO strives to create an inclusive and safe environment for its young musicians. Our entire team is committed to making sure every member feels safe, welcome and respected.

Racial/Ethnic Background: This information is used for our demographic reports. Demographic data is reported in percentages. We never share sensitive information to protect the privacy of our members.

Gender Identity: Please check one or more options that best reflect your internal sense of your gender. You are welcome to enter a different type of gender identity under “something else”.

Pronouns: We want to know how to address you! Please check one or more options for the set(s) of pronouns you want people to use to refer to you.
AsianBlackLatina/LatinoMiddle Eastern or North AfricanNative American or Alaska NativePacific Islander or Native HawaiianWhitePrefer not to answerOther
FemaleGender neutralGender questioningMaleNon-binaryTransgenderPrefer not to answerOther
he, him, hisshe, her, hersthey, them, theirsPrefer not to answerOther
My private teacherMy band/orchestra teacher at schoolFriends/Family who have been membersWeb searchCity Music CenterPittsburgh Youth Symphony OrchestraFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeOnline Directory - (i.e, UniSound, Kidsburgh)Other
Do you have any scheduling requests or time constrains we should know about?

AUDITION SCHEDULING & FEE PAYMENT

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

You can pay with a credit card online, or you can send a check, cash, or money order to the TRYPO office (see address below). The cost is $25 per auditioning student BEFORE MAY 1. The application fee will go up to $50 on May 1.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

As always, TRYPO is committed to its programs never having a financial barrier to participation. If your family has special circumstances and would like to request an application fee waiver, please select the appropriate option below. Financial aid for all TRYPO programs is always available to families that demonstrate need.
AUDITION SCHEDULING:

YPO & Wind Symphony Auditions at TRYPO Offices: 212 9th Street, Suite 601, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Violin:
  - April 30 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM
  - May 5 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM,
- Viola: April 29 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
- Cello: May 6 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM
- Bass: April 29 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM
- Wind & Brass:
  - May 1 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM,
  - May 4 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM
- Percussion, Keyboard, Harp: Video Submissions Due by May 7 at 11:59 PM to audition@trypo.org
Symphonette & Tutti Strings Auditions at Mary Pappert School of Music: 408 Magee St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 3rd floor
- May 12 from 5:00 - 8:30 PM
- May 17 from 12:30 - 6:30 PM
- May 27 from 5:00 - 8:30 PM
Auditions are scheduled for 6-8 students per hour. Please arrive 30 minutes early to allow for warm-up time. If an earlier slot within the hour is available, we may move you up to keep the day on track.

TRYPO will accommodate student scheduling requests whenever possible, in the order that completed applications are received. Not all scheduling requests may be able to be accommodated, however. If you are unable to attend your instrument's live audition date, please contact staff@trypo.org as soon as possible.
Percussion, Keyboard, or Harp Applicants

Please record your entire audition on video in one cut (do not send multiple videos), as if you were auditioning in person. Then email a shared video link (unlisted YouTube video, shared Google Drive file, Dropbox, etc) to audition@trypo.org.

Be sure the student and their instrument is visible throughout the entire video.

Due date is May 7, by 11:59 PM.
Select your YPO Violin Audition Date & Time.*
Select your YPO Viola Audition Date & Time.*
Select your YPO Cello Audition Date & Time.*
Select your YPO Bass Audition Date & Time.*
Select your YPO/WS Wind & Brass Audition Date & Time.*
Select your Symphonette or Tutti Strings Audition Date & Time. *
I will mail in a check/cash/money order to the TRYPO office.I will pay my application fee via credit card.Please waive my application fee.
Please mail your payment to:
TRYPO
212 Ninth Street, Suite 601
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Please include the auditioning student's or students' name(s) in the memo of the check.
- Please include $25 for each auditioning student for whom you have filled out an application form.
- You do NOT need to print out this form and include it with the audition fee; just include the auditioning student's name or names in the memo of the check (or include a letter with the names).
Optional: If you would like to request an application fee waiver, is there anything about your circumstances that you would like to tell us? (This does not impact audition results and is not provided to the audition committee. Your answers may help us better serve your family or steer resources your direction.):

ALMOST DONE!

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