Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra (OPAYCO)

Camaraderie, good times and hard work characterize OPAYCO, which introduces talented young musicians to repertoire that challenges their gifts and promotes musical fellowship and understanding. Membership is often to qualified musicians between the ages of 12 and 23. A successful audition ensures one of 50 available seats in OPAYCO, where skills are enhanced , talents are celebrated, and memories are shared.

 Founded in response to the appeal of parents and music educators, OPAYCO is the only local youth chamber ensemble sponsored by an adult orchestra, the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. OPAYCO performs an average of six times each season, including the annual “Short ‘n’ Suite concert, which offers each musician the opportunity to play pure chamber music in a small-ensemble format.

 OPAYCO remains committed to providing membership on a full scholarship basis for all participants while continuing to earn its reputation for high standards of performing ability. To maintain this tuition-free status, OPAYCO relies on chair sponsorships and other donations from organizations and individuals.

 Pro Arte Conservatory Strings (PACS)

Designed for young musicians between 8 and 14, Pro Arte Conservatory Strings (PACS) is a preparatory ensemble, performing each season at both the adult and youth orchestra concerts. Approximately 40 seats are available for qualified string players, who pay minimal tuition and a small music fee. Like OPAYCO, PACS is characterized by friendship, fun, and hard work.

Audition Information:

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

Age Requirements:
8 to 23 years (The PACS ensemble generally consists of string players between ages 8 and 14. Ultimate placement of musicians is at the discretion of the conductor)

Audition Fee:
$25.00 (This is a non-refundable fee that covers audition administrative costs and costs for the audition facility.)

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 $25.00 audition fee (payable to "Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra"). You will be notified of your audition time by return mail and/or email.

Strings:

• A three octave major and a three octave minor scale of choice and their 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 their 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

Forward completed application to one of the following:
Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra
P.O. Box 1909, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-570-6211

Or email information to:
Cindy Petty: c.petty@comcast.net
or Michelle Knopp: opaycomanager@hotmail.com