Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra (OPAYCO)

OPAYCO provides exceptional orchestral and small ensemble training in a musical community that is characterized by camaraderie, openness and mutual respect. Membership is open to excellent musicians up to age 23. Because we are a chamber orchestra, we limit the size of the string sections and use only pairs of winds. This smaller size allows us greater cohesiveness and a sense that every player's contribution is important.

OPAYCO performs 4 public concerts each season, including the annual chamber music concert, which offers each musician the opportunity to rehearse and be coached weekly in a one-on-a-part small group. Chamber music playing requires the greatest range of expression and technique, and is an essentail part of any young musician's study. OPAYCO is truly unique in the Portland area in this respect.

OPAYCO remains committed to providing membership with a low yearly tuition of $400. Limited financial assistance is available.

 Pro Arte Conservatory Strings (PACS)

PACS is an exciting and energetic string orchestra where students develop advanced bowing techniques and nuanced sounds, hone their sight reading skills, and gain greater understanding of sophisticated musical concepts. PACS musicians are given the opportunity to broaden their musical horizons in the annual chamber music concert, where they play in trios, quartets and other small groups. In chamber music coachings, young musicians learn to give cues, bring out melody lines, blend sounds and work as a team. The age range of PACS is usually from 10 years old through high school. Members pay annual tuition of $375 and a small music fee. A limited number of intermediate level winds may be accepted.

Audition Information:

Location:
Portland Adventist Academy 
1500 SE 96^th Avenue
Portland, Oregon

Age Requirements:
10 to 23 years
Placement of musicians in either PACS or OPAYCO is at the discretion of the conductor.

Audition Fee:
$25
This is a non-refundable fee that covers audition costs.

Audition Procedure:
Mail or email this completed application (downloadable PDF file at upper right) to Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra with a check for the $25 audition fee (payable to "Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra"). You will be notified of your audition time by email.

Strings:

• A three octave major and a three octave minor scale of choice with accompanying major and minor arpeggios. Bowings by request of conductor.
• A short solo piece which clearly demonstrates the ability to play both technically and lyrically.
• Sight reading

Winds:

• A two octave major and a two octave minor scale of choice and accompanying major and minor arpeggios. Articulations by request of conductor.
• A short solo piece which clearly demonstrates the ability to play both technically and lyrically.
• Sight reading

Tympani:

• A study showing skill level and ability to tune
• Sight reading

Mail completed application to
Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra
PO Box 55308
Portland, OR 97238-5308

PLEASE EMAIL to schedule an audition
Diane Chaplin: diane.chaplin@oregonproarte.org

For more information, email Diane or call 503-570-6211