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!
The NKU Youth Symphony Orchestra is accepting video auditions this year rather than in-person! And...you can submit your audition anytime between April 4, 2023–August 25, 2023. If you prefer an in-person audition, please contact Mr. Moore at the email below. This is going to be an amazing season for NKU YSO! We hope you will join us!
Auditions: Video auditions open April 4, 2023 until August 25, 2023 at 11:59pm. (Auditions will be accepted past the deadline, but priority will be given to those who meet the 8/25 deadline.)
Submit your video audition here!
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. (first rehearsal September 12, 2023)
Location: NKU School of the Arts
Tuition: $340 for the 2023–2024 academic year
Prerequisites: Audition and acceptance required. Grades 7–12, suggested 4+ years playing experience, yearly entrance and placement audition is required. 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. NKU YSO is an academic year commitment.
Download packet for complete information and submission info. Please cross-check the YSO calendar for any conflicts: NKU YSO Calendar 2023–2024
Questions? Email Mr. Moore at moorea89@nku.edu
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.
Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals and performances. Our attendance policies are strict to ensure the highest quality learning experience and performance. Please evaluate your schedule to be sure that you are able to meet the commitment to our ensemble that we expect. No more than three absences per year are allowed. Students can use these in any way they like, ie. sickness, school concerts or vacations. After three absences, the student may be dismissed.
Notification in advance of any absence or tardiness is expected, and should be made by submitting the online absence request form. This form can be found under resources on the website homepage. If the absence is an emergency you may email Mr. Moore. Two (2) late arrivals are equivalent to one (1) absence. Attendance at a dress rehearsal is required for participation in a concert. It is at the discretion of the ensemble director to allow or not allow a student to participate in a concert based on rehearsal attendance and/or preparation.
Ensemble students are required to participate in all concerts. Absences from a performance must be approved ahead of time by the ensemble director and Music Preparatory administration, unless the absence is due to sudden illness. Missing a performance is very serious, and doing so is grounds for probation or immediate dismissal from the program.
