Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Your Place

What ensembles make up ETYO? We have groups from beginner to advanced. We play everything from classical orchestral music to jazz. There are large groups and small groups that perform on concerts, in schools and nursing homes, at community events and fundraisers.
Who plays in ETYO? The musicians of ETYO come from all over East Texas. It’s a great place to make new friends from different backgrounds. Our students range from elementary school to age 22.
When & where are rehearsals? Rehearsals are held Sunday afternoons in the Center for Musical Arts on the campus of the University of Texas at Tyler.
Does ETYO replace my school’s program? ETYO works hand-in-hand with the directors of school programs all over the region. A big part of our mission is helping to strengthen the school programs in East Texas. We all benefit from having strong school programs. ETYO is not a replacement, rather an extension of what happens in the classroom. We strongly encourage our musicians to be contributing members and leaders in their local school’s band and orchestra programs.

A better way to think of ETYO is as an investment in your child’s future. We’re committed to providing the transformative experiences of music to every student in East Texas because our lives have been shaped by those very same experiences. Participating in orchestra is one of the most powerful predictors of your student’s future success!

Is there tuition? There is a tuition for participating in ETYO. However, our organization’s leadership works very hard to keep it as low as possible. ETYO boasts the lowest of any large youth orchestra program in Texas - usually by as much as 50%! There are discounts for students playing in multiple ensembles and for families with participating siblings.
What does tuition cover? It takes quite a big investment to provide for the salaries, music library, instruments, equipment, website, etc. that provide the services and experiences that make such a difference in our students. Our tuition accounts for only about 33% of those costs. We depend heavily on the generosity of our donors & sponsors, and the terrific fiscal leadership of our board and staff to make the budget work.
Is there financial aid available? Yes, there is financial aid for those who need it. This help comes in two basic forms: 1. Monetary Awards to help with tuition and 2. Payment Plans for those who just need to stretch out paying across a few months. Application forms, deadlines, and due dates are all available on the tuition page of the website.
Why is there a deposit? Before the season begins, we have to make financial commitments to staff, vendors, and venues. As a not-for-profit organization, our margins are small, and we need to make sure we can honor those commitments. That is why tuition is non-refundable. Any deposit you are asked to pay is applied directly to your tuition.

How Do I Join ETYO?

How do I get started? The first step is to visit the audition page of our website. There you will find the 2025-2026 Orchestra Application Form. Complete that form and submit the video and you are on your way!
Who should Audition? Anyone wanting to be part of ETYO must submit an application and an audition. The only exception are those musicians who are already part of ETYO and who wish to remain in the ensemble they are presently assigned to.
When are auditions? Our next round of auditions will be held May 17 & 18. Options are in person at Kilgore HS and UT Tyler. Video submissions are due May 18. We will be auditioning for all orchestra sections during this round. Beginning with the Fall auditions in August, all auditions will be by video submission only. The Fall round of auditions will be for any remaining open positions in our ensembles.
What group should I audition for? Take a moment and visit our ensembles page. Think about the performance level of the ensembles and your skills set. If after your audition, you are not placed in that ensemble. it is possible you will be offered a spot in an alternative ensemble.
What music do I audition on? Visit our auditions page to see the materials and requirements. Basically, students will play 2-3 scales, the published required ETYO etude for your ensemble & instrument, and a short two-minute excerpt of a solo of your choosing.
How do I submit my audition video? You will find a very helpful “How to make and submit your video” sheet on the auditions page. There is a place on the 2025-2026 Orchestra Application Form to paste the link to your audition video.
When will I know the results of my audition? You will receive an email letter with an invitation and more information approximately two weeks after your audition.