Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
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If I'm a returning MYO member, do I need to complete an online application form/submit a video recording to audition for the 2024-2025 season?
Returning members do not need to complete an online application form or submit a video recording. They will be contacted by the MYO office directly regarding their placement for the 2024-2025 season.
Do I need piano accompaniment for the audition?
No. Auditions should be performed unaccompanied (a cappella). For Treble Choir video auditions, a piano accompanist is not required, but auditionees are welcome to sing along with a recording of their accompaniment for their audition video.
What is NYSSMA?
NYSSMA refers to the New York State School Music Association’s manual of graded solos for adjudication. Comparable solos are listed with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut music educators associations.
What if I did not participate in NYSSMA events?
NYSSMA participation is not an audition requirement for MYO. The NYSSMA Manual of graded solos is used as a standard of pieces that are characteristic of certain levels of musical skill development. Solos not listed in the manual are also acceptable for a MYO audition. The adjudicator will make a determination as to the appropriate level of musical skill.
Do I need to prepare scales?
It is good to know your scales, but you will not be asked to perform them during your audition.
How long should my video audition be?
Video recordings should be no longer than 15 minutes in length including your personal introduction and solo.
Where are the Nassau rehearsals held?

The Nassau Treble Choir and Nassau Chamber Chorale rehearse at St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM (Treble Choir) and 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Chamber Chorale). Nassau Concert Choir, Nassau Lower Voices, and Nassau Senior Treble Choir rehearse at the First Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

The Nassau String Orchestra and Nassau Concert Orchestra rehearse at  Church of Our Saviour, Lutheran in Manhasset on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:45 PM (String Orchestra) and 7:00 – 9:00 PM (Concert Orchestra).  The Nassau Symphony Orchestra rehearses at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Port Washington on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. The Nassau Principal Orchestra rehearses at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Glen Cove on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.

Where are the Suffolk rehearsals held?

The Suffolk String, Symphony, and Principal Orchestras rehearse at Patchogue-Medford High
School on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM* and the Suffolk Treble Choir, Senior
Treble Choir, and Symphonic Choir rehearse at Connetquot High School on Thursday evenings
from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM*. (*Actual end-time varies by ensemble)

Is there a progression from one MYO ensemble to the next?
We try to maintain a skill level and age level balance in each of the instrumental ensembles.  The normal progression through orchestras begins with String, then Concert (in Nassau County only), Symphony, and Principal Orchestras.
Choral members are currently placed in their ensembles by age and grade level, except for the Nassau Chamber Chorale, which is by audition and for 11th and 12th grade members only.
Is regular attendance important?
Attendance at MYO rehearsals is critical and members must make a serious, personal commitment to attend all rehearsals and concerts prior to joining.
What are the costs associated with MYO Membership?
MYO is a tuition-based program. Tuition for the 2024-2025 season varies by ensemble and is based on the length of the weekly rehearsals and the number of guest coaches. Please see our MYO Fees page for more information.

Have additional questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at (516) 365-6961, or by email at admin@myo.org.