Audition Process
There are auditions for new players in AYO, AYS, and AYWE.
Do not be nervous, our friendly conductors will not bite!
If you are new to town and have missed auditions, please contact us directly admin@necom.org.au.
Applications are due at the end of October each year and Auditions are at the end of November.
Key dates
Audition Application Form for AYO
Audition Application Form for AYS
Audition Application Form for AYWE
Timeline
Auditions for 2027 Season
Applications Due - Tuesday 27th October, 2026 (for new players to an ensemble only)
Audition Excerpts Released - Tuesday 10th November, 2026
Auditions - Tuesday 24th November, 2026
Audition Results Released - Friday 4th December, 2026
Results
Friday 4th December, 2027 results emailed to students.
Please note that the decisions of the audition panel are considered final and no correspondence will be entered into. AYO is not able to provide verbal feedback or written reports specific to any player's audition. There is no guarantee that a current member of an AYO group will progress into another orchestra, or move up a section. Players progress at different rates and new applicants apply each year, and players may by placed anywhere in the section. All decisions are made in consideration on what is best for the individual player and the ensembles.
Existing Players
If you are planning on playing in the same ensemble for 2027, please download the existing player form (this is for all ensembles). It can be handed to the NECOM office or emailed to admin@necom.org.au.
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AYO
There will be orchestral excerpts to prepare which will be available from the AYO website prior to your audition. A hard copy will also be available from the NECOM office.
You need to complete the Audition Application Form for AYO by the due date. It can be emailed to admin@necom.org.au. You will then be given a specific time for your audition. This is to allow the specialist teachers on the panel to hear all violins together/all cellos together etc. The audition will be about 10 minutes in duration and further details available on the application form (link above).
What to prepare
Excerpt of ONE prepared work (own choice) - unaccompanied (2 min MAX in duration)
Scales and arpeggios (see application form for more specific details)
TWO set orchestral excerpts
AYWE
You need to complete the Audition Application Form for AYWE by the due date. It can be emailed to admin@necom.org.au. You will then be given a specific time for your audition. This is to allow the specialist teachers on the panel to hear the wind players together. The audition will be about 5 minutes in duration and further details available on the application form (link above).
What to prepare
Excerpt of ONE prepared work (own choice) - unaccompanied (2 min MAX in duration)
Instrumental teacher recommendation
AYS
You need to complete the Audition Application Form for AYS by the due date. It can be handed to the NECOM office or emailed to admin@necom.org.au. You will then be given a specific time for your audition.
Auditions for AYS allow the conductor to place students in the orchestra. The audition will be about 5 minutes in duration and further details available on the application form (link above).
What to prepare
One prepared work (own choice) - unaccompanied (minimum AMEB Grade 2 level)
Scales and arpeggios (see application form for more specific details)
Sight reading (eq AMEB Grade 2 level)
Instrumental teacher recommendation
EXCERPTS - The excerpts for auditions to be held in November for acceptance into ensembles for 2027 are available here.
This link will be opened up on the 10th November 2026 as it is currently blocked.