Frequently Asked Questions

For Students:
What is the concert dress for musicians?
How do I apply to be in AYPO?
Is it required of all AYPO musicians to apply for the Chamber Ensemble Program?
If I apply for the Chamber Ensemble Program, will I need to audition?
Which instruments can be in a chamber ensemble?
Is it required of all AYPO musicians to apply for the Music Buddies Mentorship Program?
Why are AYSE musicians not eligible for the Music Buddies Mentorship Program?
Do I need to submit a school music program release form?
I'm a current member of AYPO. Do I have to re-audition for next year?

For Parents:
When and where do the orchestras rehearse?
How much is the tuition fee?
How do I apply for a scholarship for my AYPO musician?
What if I forget to bring my member subscription tickets to a performance?
What are grocery certificates?
Where can I purchase a concert recording (CD)?
Can I use a camera at concert performances?
Can parents go backstage at the concert venue?
How do I submit an ad in the June concert program for my graduating senior?

Other Topics:
Are the concert venues accessible for persons with disabilities?

What is the concert dress for musicians?
Please visit the weekly rehearsals page for details.

How do I apply to be in AYPO?
Please visit the auditions page for details.

Is it required of all AYPO musicians to apply for the Chamber Ensemble Program?
No, it is not required. The Chamber Ensemble Program is an educational opportunity and optional for all members. Musicians who are interested in the Chamber Ensemble Program need to complete the online application and submit by August 1, 2008. Applicants must be able to make a weekly commitment to the program. Click here for the Chamber Ensemble page.

If I apply for the Chamber Ensemble Program, will I need to audition?
No, chamber ensembles are formed based on instrumentation, orchestra, and placement within the orchestra. Applicants will be notified of acceptance in August or early September.

Which instruments can be in a chamber ensemble?
Chamber ensembles consist of many different instrumentations ranging from string trios to woodwind or brass quintets. Harpists should contact AYPO for details. Percussionists are not eliglible for the Chamber Ensemble Program because they will already be members of the Percussion Ensemble.

Is it required of all AYPO musicians to apply for the Music Buddies Mentorship Program?
No, it is not required. The Music Buddies Mentorship Program is an educational opportunity and optional for members of AYP, AYSO, and AYCO. Members of AYSE (String Ensemble) are not eligible to participate in this program. Musicians who are interested in the Music Buddies Mentorship Program need to complete the online application and submit by August 1, 2008. Applicants must be able to make a weekly commitment to the program. Click here for the Music Buddies page.

Why are members of AYSE not eligible to participate in the Music Buddies Mentorship Program?
Generally, members of AYSE are too young to be able to teach other students in the public school system. The Music Buddies Mentorship Program aims to set up advanced AYPO musicians with beginner or intermediate level students outside of the AYPO program who are in need of mentorship.

Do I need to submit a School Music Release Form?
If you indicate that you are not participating in your school music program, you must download the school music release form, complete it, print out, and return to the AYPO office by Friday, August 1, 2008 via fax or mail. Forms should be faxed to (703) 642-8054 or mailed.

I'm a current member of AYPO. Do I have to re-audition for next year?
Yes. All members must re-audition each year.

When and where do the orchestras rehearse?
AYP (Philharmonic) and AYSE (String Ensemble) rehearse at Langley High School in McLean, VA. AYSO (Symphonic Orchestra) and AYCO (Concert Orchestra) rehearse at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, VA.

How much is the tuition fee?
AYP (Philharmonic) is $920 annually, AYSO (Symphonic Orchestra) is $875 annually, AYCO (Concert Orchestra) is $740 annually, and AYSE (String Ensemble) is $640 annually. Scholarships are available as well.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship you must download the scholarship form, complete it, print out, and return to the AYPO office by Friday, August 1, 2008 along with 1) your 2007 income tax return and schedules and 2) a written explanation of need. All scholarship applicants will need to make a $75 deposit through the required registration form entitled "Tuition." Scholarship applications should be mailed.

What if I forget to bring my member subscription tickets to a performance?
AYPO members who forget to bring member subscription tickets to a performance must purchase replacement tickets at full cost. AYPO cannot replace lost or forgotten tickets for free on the day of a performance. Please see the ticket policy page for details.

What are grocery certificates?
Certificates or cash cards issued by a local grocery store and used like cash to purchase groceries. $100 worth of certificates buys $100 worth of groceries. See: Grocery Certificates.

Where can I purchase a concert recording (CD)?
Concert recordings are created for all performances during the concert season*. Recordings can be purchased on the day of the performance or by contacting Opus 1 Digital Recording.
*Recording is not made for the Percussion & Chamber Ensemble Recital.

Can I use a camera at concert performances?
Flash photography and videotaping are prohibited at all AYPO venues. Anyone who violates this will be asked to turn off the device. If use continues, patron will be asked to leave the auditorium. Professional photography and videography must be approved by AYPO.

Can parents go backstage at the concert venue?
Parents of performing musicians are not allowed in the restricted areas of a concert venue at any time, including the backstage area. Backstage access is limited to AYPO musicians, staff, volunteers (personnel managers & librarians), and guest performers.

How do I submit an ad in the June concert program for my graduating senior?
Please visit the advertising page for details.

Are the concert venues accessible for persons with disabilities?
AYPO is committed to making every event accessible for persons with disabilities. Please call the AYPO office for more information on accessibility to our performance venues. Services offered vary from venue to venue and may require advance notice.

For Frequently Asked Questions specifically about the orchestra acceptance process (members only), please click here. For all other inquiries please browse our website or contact us at info@aypo.org,(703) 642-8051.