Auditions: Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras

The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) of Strathmore hold their annual auditions each August, and the 2026 audition week runs from the 12th through the 19th. These auditions are required for every musician, whether they are returning or new, and they determine placement into one of the organization’s multiple orchestral ensembles. The program serves students in grades 2 through 12 and is open to standard orchestral instruments, including harp, but not piano or saxophone. The audition process is divided into three main parts: confirming eligibility, reviewing the requirements for the desired ensemble, and scheduling an audition time through the registration platform.

The audition itself evaluates each musician on scales, a prepared solo, and sightreading. MCYO emphasizes that the prepared solo should showcase musicality, tone, and expression rather than mere technical speed, and that strong scale and sightreading skills are essential for success in an ensemble that rehearses only once a week. Eligibility requirements include ongoing private lessons on the orchestra instrument for the entire season, and MCYO strongly encourages participation in school music programs. Applicants with past attendance or disciplinary issues may need special approval before re-auditioning. Tuition and membership fees for the season range from $970 to $1,325, with need-based financial aid available for membership fees and, in some cases, private lesson stipends.

When: Audition Week is August 12–19, 2026, at Strathmore.

Tickets: Audition registration costs $65, with an additional $15 fee if seeking consideration for multiple ensembles. A late fee of $15 applies to registrations starting August 8, 2026. All registration fees are non-refundable. Discounted audition fees may be available for families who received financial aid in a prior season or are eligible for aid.

Ages: Grades 2–12.

Venue: Strathmore, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Ensembles: The orchestras include options such as Future Stars, Preparatory Strings, Chamber Strings, Kamerata!, Symphony, Chamber Ensemble, Philharmonic, Concert Orchestra, and Young Artists Winds, with some combined audition pathways for specific instruments and groups. Musicians may indicate interest in more than one ensemble during a single registration; in most cases this requires a separate audition for each ensemble, though certain younger string players and specific instruments have streamlined exceptions.

Note: All musicians, both returning and new, must audition each season. Private lessons on the orchestra instrument are required throughout the season. The audition registration and scheduling process is handled through the Acceptd web platform, with a two-step procedure that begins with registration and is followed by selecting a timeslot under the Schedule menu. Families seeking financial aid should select the financial aid option during enrollment, and MCYO staff will provide the application. For questions, contact MCYO@strathmore.org; for technical issues with the Acceptd platform, contact support@getacceptd.com.