Auditions FAQ

• orchestral excerpts (for the orchestra you listed as first preference)

• unseen sight-reading excerpt (handed out at to the audition)

• own-choice piece, 1 to 2 minutes length (may not be heard)

If possible, ask your teacher for assistance. Use a metronome for correct tempo and understand the musical terms. Try to demonstrate the musical and technical concepts. Try and listen to recordings of the excerpts, as most are available on the internet.

Each audition is 7-8 minutes duration. You will be allocated a warm-up room at the audition venue for 5-10 minutes prior to your audition.

You only prepare the excerpts for the orchestra you listed as your first preference, which is stated in your letter with your audition time and place.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your time, to allow for parking, registration and warm-up. A team of volunteers assist staff in marshalling. You will share a warm-up room with 2-4 other applicants. You will then wait outside the audition room until you are called to audition. You will receive an unseen sight-reading excerpt handed out at to the audition.

Yes. All positions are reauditioned each year. Current players' positions may change from year to year as they progress at their own pace. Some auditionees will benefit from continuing with their current orchestra or ensemble and some will be ready to face the challenges of another orchestra or ensemble.

• knowledge of the orchestral works from which the excerpts are taken: choosing an appropriate tempo, musical style and phrasing

• general intonation, rhythm, dynamics and tone production

• staccato, spiccato & sautille bowings for strings ; legato & tonguing for wind and brass

• performance of own choice piece, 1-2 minutes length (may not be heard)

• sight-reading skills from unseen sight-reading excerpt (handed out at the audition)

• conductors' comments on orchestral skills & attendance, for ongoing members

Yes, generally auditions run on time. Applicants must be on time and sign-in correctly, to avoid delays. Due to the large number of applicants, it is difficult to have your audition at the exact time allocated on your letter. It is usually within 5-10 minutes.

Brisbane Grammar School: Limited parking is available in the front car park and on surrounding streets.

The Old Museum: No parking available. Parking is reserved for staff, panel members and volunteers.

Please refer to the directions provided in your letter and allow extra time to locate the venue and parking.

It is not possible to change your audition time due to the large number of applicants and the limited availability of the panel and venues. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as illness supported by a doctor’s certificate, will alternative arrangements be considered. In such cases, you may be permitted to submit a pre-recorded audition if you notify QYO in advance that you cannot attend the allocated date or time listed in your audition brochure or letter.

No. The AMEB grades are cited as a reference point only, to guide players in their choice of orchestra ensemble preferences. Exam level or results are not taken into consideration and applicants do not have to have completed AMEB exams to apply.

It is recommended that you wear neat casual clothes so you look presentable and bring a jacket in case the weather turns cool.

QYO has a small number of staff and volunteers to check, process and administer results. It takes many weeks for this process to be done correctly. You can read the QYO processes and policies document for more information.

Auditions are located at

Barrambin, Mianjin Country, The Old Museum 480 Gregory Tce, cnr Bowen Bridge Road Bowen Hills Brisbane QLD 4006

Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Tce, Spring Hill.

Map HERE