Armidale Youth Orchestras has an annual program of events which includes Sawtell Music Camp, Garden Party, Armidale Eisteddfod, school performances and a major gala performance at NECOM.

Unless specified otherwise, all groups will perform in the listed activities.

Auditions for 2026 Season

Applications Due - Tuesday 7th November, 2025 (for new players to an ensemble only)

Audition Excerpts Released - Tuesday 12th November, 2025

Auditions - Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th November, 2025

Audition Results Released - Friday 5th December, 2025

2026

Term I 2026
First rehearsal back - Tuesday 3rd February

Memberships fees due - 18 February 2026

Sawtell Annual Music Camp - Friday 27 February, Saturday 28 February & Sunday 1 March

Final rehearsal Term I - Tuesday 24th March

Garden Party (AYO, AYS and AYWE) - Sunday 29th March

Term II 2026
First rehearsal back - Tuesday 21st April

Armidale Eisteddfod String Ensembles - Years K-6, Wednesday 27th May,

Years 7-12, Thursday 28th May

Armidale Eisteddfod Band Night - (AYO & AYWE)- Tuesday 2nd June

Armidale Eisteddfod Gala night (if invited)- Sunday 14th June

Final rehearsal Term Il - Tuesday 30th June

Term III 2026
First rehearsal back - Tuesday 21st July

AMEB Exams- Between Monday 3rd- Friday 14th August

AYO’s Gala Concert (AYO, AYS and AYWE)- TBC

Final rehearsal Term Ill - Tuesday 22nd September

Term IV 2026
First rehearsal back - Tuesday 13th October

New England Sings! (AYO only)- Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November

Day Trip (AYS and AYWE) - Tuesday 10th November

Final rehearsal Term lV and Concert - TBC

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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