NKU Music Prep follows all university Covid-19 protocols. Everyone must be masked indoors regardless of vaccination status (including musicians). Please see the YSO webpage for details.
If you are auditioning mid-year, it will be for non-priority seating.
Video Audition Requirements:
2 scales of your choice (as many octaves as you can play)
Solo or excerpt of your choice that demonstrates your ability (1-2 minutes in length)
Submit auditions to Dr. Holly Attar at attarh1@nku.edu. Unlisted Youtube links are best, but any video format is acceptable.
Masking: NKU policy requires that masks be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status. Brass and wind players will be asked to use both a special brass/wind mask while they play as well as bell covers. If you do not have either of these items, please email Dr. Attar (attarh1@nku.edu) and she can assist in ensuring you have one as of the first rehearsal. This follows the protocols for safety in ensemble playing as per national standards of musical excellence. Samples of the masks and bell covers can be found below:
The NKU Youth Symphony Orchestra provides full orchestra experience to area youth 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. James Ledbetter, 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.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. (first spring rehearsal is Tuesday, January 11, 2022)
Location: Fine Arts room 126
Tuition: $175 for the spring semester
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.
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. Ledbetter (ledbetterj2@nku.edu). 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.
