Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Audition-based ensembles for students in grades 4 - 12
Under the direction of Richard Leppert, the Pineywoods Youth Orchestra is comprised of two ensembles:
- Philharmonic Orchestra
- Chamber Orchestra
This is an audition-based ensemble comprised of elementary, middle and high school aged instrumentalists in the East Texas area.
As part of the Pineywoods Youth Orchestra, students develop their imagination and learn about musical forms, harmonies and instrumental colors being put together in a larger-scale composition. Ensemble participation promotes collective thinking that builds to a more precise conception of intonation, rhythm, style and phrasing.
Performance opportunities
We educate and inspire our regional instrumentalists and provide exhilarating musical performances for the East Texas community. The Pineywoods Youth Orchestra gives at least two performances per semester in various venues around the Nacogdoches area.
Auditioning
To ensure appropriate placement and provide the director with a better understanding of musical abilities, students should submit a one- to two-minute video audition.
The student may select a piece of their choice, ideally something they feel comfortable performing. Email the video to musicprep@sfasu.edu by Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Links to YouTube videos or an external file hosting site (like Dropbox or Google Drive) also are acceptable. Include the student's first and last name in the file name or YouTube video title.
Spring 2024 registration and rehearsal information
You must submit your audition piece before registering.
When you register, make sure to choose the ensemble that matches the student's years of experience.
- Students with one- to three-years of experience: Philharmonic Orchestra
- Students with four or more years of experience: Chamber Orchestra
Tuition for each ensemble: $85 for the semester
Ensemble rehearsals
Philharmonic Orchestra
Jan. 15 to May 3
5 - 6 p.m. Mondays
Wright Music Building, Room 170
Chamber Orchestra
Jan. 15 to May 3
6 - 7:30 p.m. Mondays
Wright Music Building, Room 170