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The NKU YSO Retreat on January 11, 2025 has been canceled due to weather concerns. See you Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6:30pm for the first rehearsal of the season!

Important Information 

YSO Member Handbook 2024–2025

YSO 2024–2025 Calendar

YSO Audition Excerpts (optional)

REGISTER HERE (pending audition results)

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
First rehearsal of the spring semester is Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
(Please note: there is a YSO retreat day on Saturday, January 11, 2025! See calendar.)

Location: NKU School of the Arts, FA 126

2024–2025 Tuition: $350 for the academic year ($200 for spring semester only)

Prerequisites: Audition and acceptance required. Grades 7–12, suggested 4+ years playing experience, yearly entrance and placement audition is required and seating auditions are done each semester. As a reference point, a level of playing equivalent to Suzuki Book III or beyond is recommended for string players. Winds, brass, and percussion: at least 2 years playing in a daily band program. 

Questions? Email Mr. Moore at moorea89@nku.edu

The NKU Youth Symphony Orchestra is an exciting and fun-filled orchestra experience for high school students who excel in string, wind, brass, percussion and piano studies, exposing them to orchestral literature and ensemble playing in a challenging and nurturing environment. NKU YSO meets weekly on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in the School of the Arts building. NKU YSO is under the leadership and direction of Mr. Alex Moore, an expert orchestral conductor and music educator. NKU YSO is part of the award winning NKU Music Preparatory Program and is designed to prepare students for a future in music!

YSO Virtual Classroom

Spring 2025 Audition Information

The NKU Youth Symphony Orchestra offers fall and spring in-person, priority auditions. The fall audition is for all instruments and serve as the only entrance audition for the full season. The spring audition is only for new students, and especially those who have marching band conflicts on Tuesday evenings during the fall semester and cannot participate until spring. If your marching season ends early and you wish to audition before the fall semester ends, please contact Mr. Moore directly. 

Video Submission Auditions: If you are interested in joining, but are unable to attend the in-person audtion, you may submit a video audition for non-priority seating. See details below.

AUDITION DATES FOR 2024–2025:

Saturday, August 24, 2024 (ended)
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 (ended)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 
5:30–8pm
FA 126 SIGN UP FOR 12/10 AUDITION HERE

Video Audition Submission Standards and Instructions: 

(See Video Audition Requirements on the left side bar):

  • Video Auditions should include two of the listed scales AND one of the following: our excerpts, solo from lessons, or music from their school ensemble.
  • Record a video of your audition. 
  • Include all parts of the audition (scales, solo, etc) as required for your instrument. You may compile several clips into one video. 
  • Upload your video to YouTube as an unlisted link and copy/paste the link into your application form. 
  • Please email Mr. Moore at moorea89@nku.edu if you need help.
  • Submit recording HERE.

Suggested Video Guidelines:

  • There is no specific dress code requirement though dressing nicely may help exude moreconfidence. Think about what you would wear for an in-person audition and plan accordingly (i.e.wearing pajamas is not appropriate for an audition).
  • The student should state their name at the beginning of the video. They should also clearly state information such as the scale they are playing and the name of their prepared piece or excerpt.
  • Stand close enough to the camera so we can see you but not so close that the sound quality distorts or part of your instrument is out of the frame. We recommend making a test recording to make sure you are happy with the way it looks and sounds.
  • Stay within the frame. It is okay to move your head, hands and body – be natural and not stiff. Your face, hands, instrument and bow stroke (if applicable) should be visible in the frame while you are playing.
  • Review your final video before you submit it - make sure the sounds works!
Timpani with music stand
Student playing French horn
Orchestra students rehearsing on stage
Alex Moore with baton

Mr. Alex Moore, director

Bio

Alexander Moore is Director of Orchestras at Oak Hills High School where he teaches string orchestra, full orchestra, and piano classes. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wright State University and a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting and Violin Pedagogy from Butler University. Alex has previously served as Director of Orchestras at Evansville Central High School, Assistant Conductor of the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, and Assistant Director of the Yellow Springs Summer Music Camp prior to moving to Cincinnati. Aside from teaching and conducting, he is an active performer on piano and a violinist in the Mason Symphony Orchestra. His principal teachers and mentors include Shelley Jagow, Jackson Leung, Tom Sobieski, Samuel Barton Rotberg, Richard Auldon Clark, and Shirley Mullins. Aside from musical activities, Alex loves hiking and spending time with his corgi, Winston.

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