LSYO
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
See Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra page for links to key information:
For questions not answered above or in the FAQ below, please contact the General Manager at lsyo@loudounsymphony.org.
No, you do not need to live in Loudoun County, but rehearsals and performances are in Loudoun County facilities.
Membership in LSYO is by audition only. Auditions for positions will be held in the spring at the end of the season and in the fall for the following season. All musicians audition every year, including returning musicians.
LSYO members are expected to take an active part in their school music programs. This requirement can be fulfilled by registering for a class or making another arrangement with your child’s music teacher that keeps them actively involved in their music program at school. We expect LSYO members to contribute in some way to their school music community: LSYO is not a substitute for school music programs.
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Homeschool and elementary students are exempt from this requirement.
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To request an exemption for any other reason (Academies of Loudoun, unavoidable scheduling conflicts, etc.) please email the General Manager at lsyo@loudounsymphony.org. All exemptions are subject to approval by the Music Director.
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Verification of school participation may be requested at any time by the General Manager or Music Director. You may be requested to provide a class schedule for verification or obtain verification through email with the school’s music director.
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No, a group lesson is not considered a conductor-led ensemble.
Yes. The following are required for the Prelude and String Orchestras:
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Prelude Strings: Prospective students should be comfortable reading and playing from basic music notation in the keys of D, G, and C major without letter names written under notes.
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String Orchestra: Prospective students should be able to easily sight-read VBODA Grade I music and comfortably play from basic music notation without letter names written under notes and with a variety of basic rhythms.
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Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra provides financial aid to LSYO participants who have financial need through an application process once musicians are invited to join one of our ensembles. The Financial Aid Committee will consider your completed financial aid application on a case-by-case basis.
It is highly recommended that all members take private lessons so that they are prepared for rehearsals each week. LSYO rehearsals are not class instruction.
Weekly attendance is required. It is important for every musician to be at all rehearsals. Absences due to illness are excused, but parents are asked to inform the General Manager as soon as they know that their child will be missing rehearsal. Two or more absences in one cycle may result in the conductor sitting your child out for that cycle's concert.
LSYO accepts musicians starting in grade 2 and ending at graduation. Each ensemble has an age minimum and maximum, described on the LSYO Ensembles page. Musicians must have the required experience and play at the expected level to participate in specific ensembles.
The instrument needs of LSYO's four ensembles vary depending on the ensemble and cycle. Prelude Strings and String Orchestra are composed of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestras are composed of the following:
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Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
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Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon (does not include saxophone)
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Brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba (does not include euphonium)
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Percussion
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Harp
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Auxiliary instruments as needed, such as piccolo, bass clarinet, English horn, and contrabassoon)
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Each of our four ensembles has unique expectations, which include level of artistry, musicianship, technique, and experience, as well as both musical and developmental maturity. The expectation is that musicians will remain in their current ensemble for several years to prepare for the next level.
2026 -2027 LSYO Fall Auditions
Fall Audition Dates & Times
Friday, August 21, 2026: 5:00-9:00 p.m. - Willard Middle School, Aldie
Saturday, August 22, 2026: 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. - Farmwell Station Middle School, Ashburn
Please read the ensemble descriptions carefully prior to signing up for an audition to understand the required level, experience, and time commitment for each ensemble. If you have auditioned in the past, please familiarize yourself with the most current requirements.
Musicians need only audition for their desired orchestra but will be considered for all lower ensembles. Please note that our conductors carefully place musicians in the appropriate ensembles based on their audition, experience, open seats, and what best serves the musician's needs.
Click here to learn about tuition.
2026-2027 season audition requirements are below. For additional information, please contact the LSYO General Manager at lsyo@loudounsymphony.org.
Prelude Strings