Youth Orchestra Waikato
2027 Auditions
Date:
6 December 2026
Venue:
The Playhouse
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
University of Waikato
Knighton Road
Hamilton
Youth Orchestra Waikato 2027
Information and audition instructions
Are you a keen orchestral player, Grade 6+ and 13 years or older? Audition for Youth Orchestra Waikato (YOW) and find your musical crew - join in the epic music making and experience amazing performance opportunities!
Auditions for YOW 2026 are in person and being held on Sunday 6 December 2026 in The Playhouse, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato. Please use the buttons below to select an audition time and submit a registration form.
Auditions will consist of:
A solo piece - choose a piece that demonstrates your current level of ability
Sightreading
For current YOW players you will also be asked to play an excerpt of Jenny McLeod's Three Celebrations. Cellos wishing to be considered for Principal or Associate Principal positions will be asked to play the Cello solo.
Percussionists : please submit a video featuring either snare or mallet playing by emailing your video link to youth@orchestras.org.nz
Concerto soloists – for those wanting to be considered as a concerto soloist, please play the full movement of the concerto you would like to perform as your solo piece and click the box on the audition registration form.
About Youth Orchestra Waikato
Youth Orchestra Waikato draws upon young musicians from throughout the Waikato. The orchestra caters for young people in the 13-25 age range, although exceptions will be made in certain circumstances. The orchestra rehearses on Friday nights 6.30 - 9.00pm during the secondary school term at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato. The orchestra works on four programmes a year.
The YOW Conductors are Athena Shiu, with Associate Conductor Catherine Polglase. They are assisted by an expert team of tutors who are involved in rehearsals and sectional workshops. The YOW Manager is Catherine Polglase and Robert Lummus is our Librarian.
Youth orchestra musicians can take part in other Orchestras Central activities as appropriate, and attend other Orchestras Central events.
Subscription fees
New Members
Secondary or middle school student or full-time waged - $400 GST inclusive (includes cost of YOW T-Shirt)
Tertiary level student in full-time study - $200 GST inclusive (includes cost of YOW T-Shirt)
Returning Members
Secondary or middle school student or full-time waged - $330 GST inclusive
Tertiary level student in full-time study - $165 GST inclusive
In cases of financial hardship please email support@orchestras.org.nz.
YOW dates for 2027
Provisional dates for 2027:
Friday 5 February | First rehearsal
Friday 6 March - Sunday 8 March | Weekender at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
Friday 13 March | Cambridge Autumn Festival concert
Saturday 21 August | YOW Big Jam session with Te Rauhii, WCSM and YOW Academy
Saturday 29 August | Combined TWSO and YOW whaanau concert
Sunday 5 December | Finale concert
YOW Goals and Expectations 2027
CONDUCTORS' GOALS
Cultivate an encouraging, focused, collaborative environment for music making
Introduce and discuss practice tips and music-making processes
Reinforce rehearsal etiquette and expectations
Inspire players to explore musicality through musical contrast, soundscape, imagery, storytelling
Facilitate space to practice communication (verbal and nonverbal), leadership & ensemble skills
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
Before and after rehearsal:
Attend rehearsals with instrument(s), music parts, pencil
Communicate in advance in writing with valid reasons for any absences (not on the day!)
Arrive at 6:30 pm to set up
6.40 pm, players are seated, and the concertmaster tunes the orchestra
Help with the pack down after rehearsal
Downbeat at 6:45 pm sharp
During rehearsal (Etiquette):
No chatting during rehearsal
No phones and other distractions
Be attentive, present, and sit with a healthy posture to facilitate the best playing possible
Note down any changes with a pencil that have been mentioned during rehearsal
End of break time is downbeat (If break ends at 8:00 pm, you are expected to sit down ready to tune at 8:00 pm sharp).
Tune your instrument with diligence and respect for other players.
Be curious and open-minded when receiving feedback, and always attempt to make adjustments
Between rehearsals
Make plans to incorporate focused, targeted practices for the orchestra repertoire
Review music as much as possible through listening
Brainstorm any questions you have throughout the week to bring to rehearsals
Read the weekly emails, respond to requests and sign-ups for events by the deadlines given
Concerts and Events
Be seated at least 15 mins before rehearsal/warm up starts
Perform to the best of your ability
All YOW activity is smoke-free, alcohol and illicit-drug free
