Membership

Prize winners and participants in the national German Jugend Musiziert competition, as well as other talented and promising instrumentalists between the ages of 14 and 20 who either live in Germany or are German citizens may function as members.

 

Acceptance

Following a preliminary selection process on the basis of the application form, candidates will be invited to audition in order to determine whether they are qualified to take part in one of the orchestra's work periods. Instumentalists between the ages of 14 and 17 are eligible to apply. The auditions generally take place in autumn. First prize winners in the solo division of the national German Jugend musiziert competition normally are automatically invited to audition. Violinists, violists, and double bass player who have received First or Second National Prizes from Jugend musiziert may be accepted into the orchestra without an audition. However, candidates who have auditioed always have priority.

Following a successful audition, a candidate will either be immediatly accepted for the next work period, or placed on a waiting list, usually for one year or until the maximum age limit is reached. The candidate is responsible for all expenses related to the audition (travel and lodging).

 

Audition

Auditions should be at least 10 and no more than 15 minutes long. In addition to two pieces or movements from different stylistic periods and of differing character (fast and slow), the program should also display a broad technical mastery of the instrument. The presentation should be appropiate to the orchestra's standards and approximately equivalent to an audition for a university or German Hochschule.

Orchestral excerpts may be required. If so, the music will be sent to the candidate in advance.

 

Probationary Work Period

The first work and rehearsal period following acceptance into the national Youth orchestra is a probationary period. The criteria for this probationary period are:

• instrumental / technical ability
• musicality
• musical flexibility
• preparation for the work period
• enthusiasm and discipline in rehearsals and concerts
• social compatibility

 

Schedule

The National Youth Orchestra generally meets for three work periods of two to three weeks' duration each year: Winter (December/January), Spring (Easter), Summer (July/August). The beginning of a work period consists of sectional rehearsals under the direction of experienced teachers, as a preparation for the rehearsals with full orchestra and conductor, taking place afterwards. A concert tour immediately follows the rehearsal period.

 

Release from School Attendance

Together with the material announcing each work period, every member will receive a form to be presented to the local school authorities requesting exemption from school attendance in order to participate to the National Youth Orchestra.

 

Fees

Each member receives instruction and services valued at approximately Euro 2,000 during each work period, paid for by the sponsors of the National Youth Orchestra. In addition, each member is expected to pay a fee of approximately Euro 200 per work period. Fees are generally higher for foreign tours. The individual members are also responsible for travel expenses to and from the work periods place.