Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply?

DAAYO membership is open to all young musicians in the North Texas area. Our name is a reflection of our heritage and highlights the fact that we play pieces from both western and eastern classical traditions. Applicants should be participants in their school music programs unless unavailable.

2. When can I audition?

We hold general auditions in the spring of each year (for entry into the orchestra in the fall) Visit our audition info page for more details.

Winter entry auditions (for immediate entry into the orchestra) are announced based on orchestra balancing needs. Check the audition page for details.

We highly recommend students to audition in the spring if possible since we do not set aside orchestra spots for fall/winter auditions. (i.e. those auditions are only to fill in spots still open after spring auditions.) We also sometimes have summer auditions to fill in open spots.

Click here to see current audition details and register.

All auditions are via video submission.

Audition Fee (non-refundable):
$25

3. What if I have a conflict with the open audition dates?

Please contact us soon as possible. We may be able to audition you at a different time based on orchestra needs and balancing.However, as there are no guarantees of audition availability outside of our open auditions, we highly recommend that you make every effort to attend the open auditions.

4. What level/type of music are each of the orchestras playing? How do I know for which orchestra I should audition? What do I need to prepare for the audition?

Please visit our orchestra pages for more information. We hope that the information on these pages, combined with advice from your private teacher will help you make your choice.

Click here for audition requirements and excerpts.

5. I didn’t get into my preferred orchestra. What should I do?

Our judges attempt to place you in the orchestra which will most benefit your development as a musician. Keep in mind that while all of our groups have an absolute baseline of skill required, the groups themselves are dynamic. Thus, the bar for obtaining an acceptance to any given group may be higher than the baseline in any given year, and is dependent on the entire pool of applicants we receive. This means that there will be students who qualify for the baseline in a particular group, but yet are still placed in a lower level group. This lower level group would actually be most appropriate for them, as this group itself is playing at a higher level than the its own baseline. Finally, with any endeavor, one gets out what one puts in – an axiom that certainly applies to our youth orchestras.

6. I would like to make a donation to DAAYO. How do I do this?

You may donate directly online here.

7. How much does it cost to audition?

Audition fees for both the regular orchestra and chamber group are $25, paid online. This fee is nonrefundable.

8. How much is tuition?

See our tuition rates here.

9. Is there financial aid?

Yes. DAAYO will work with accepted students with demonstrated need to provide an appropriate aid package. We believe all students should have an opportunity to participate in our orchestras regardless of their ability to pay. Put another way, all auditions are based on merit – if you make it on merit, we’ll figure out a way to have you participate. Contact us here for more information.

10. When are rehearsals?

All of our ensembles (with the exception of Chamber, which rehearses 1-3:00PM on Saturdays) rehearse on Sunday afternoons at:

420 Maplelawn Drive
Plano, TX 75075

The rehearsal times for our orchestras are:

String Explorers: 5:00-6:30PM
Junior Strings: 2:00-3:30PM
Concert Strings: 1:30-3:15PM
Philharmonic Orchestra: 3:30-5:30PM
Symphony Orchestra: 6:00-8:30PM
Chamber Ensemble: 1:00-3:00PM (Saturdays, 1 hour per quartet)

11. I am a current member of DAAYO and I would like to audition for a different orchestra. How do I do this?

Depending on your current group you will either will audition as a “new” member during that audition or audition during our end of year assessment. Placement is dependent on demonstrated skill as determined by the conductor of the group you wish to join.

12. I am a current member of DAAYO and I would like to stay in the same orchestra next year. Is there an action I have to take?

Depending on the orchestra, current members may be asked to re-audition. Ask your conductor for details.

13. How do I contact DAAYO for more information?

Click Here For More Info