All participating students, including returning students, are required to audition in August. Be sure to consult your private teacher before scheduling an audition. The Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras program highly encourages students to participate in their local school band or orchestra program. If a student attends a public or private school that has a band or orchestra program, then that student must register through that school for MTSBOA/TNMEA Mid-State and All State Honors Orchestra/Band auditions. Homeschool students and students that go to a school without a band or orchestra program may sign up for these events through Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras.
To schedule an audition for the Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras program, click HERE to schedule an audition. Please note: auditions for Curb Youth Symphony are only open in August.
For additional questions, please contact Craig Madole.
Curb Youth Symphony and Philharmonia Auditions
To schedule an audition click HERE.
For additional questions, please contact Craig Madole.
Audition Requirements
Repertory Orchestra
To schedule an audition click HERE.
For additional questions, please contact Craig Madole.
Audition Requirements
Youth Strings Orchestras and Reading Orchestra
The Youth Strings Orchestra provides training for young string students and prepares them for admission into the Repertory Orchestra. The Youth Strings Orchestras are open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition and recommendation of the private instructor. These ensembles perform a concert each semester and meet on Tuesday evenings. The first rehearsal for Fall 2023 will be August 29. Tuition is $250 per semester. Need-based financial aid is available. For more information, contact Susan Abell.
To schedule an audition, click HERE.
The Reading Orchestra focuses on strengthening string students' music-reading skills. This class also introduces fundamentals of orchestral playing and music theory. This ensemble performs each semester and meets for one 50-minute session weekly. It is open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition and recommendation of the private instructor. Rehearsals meet on Tuesday evenings. Tuition is $250 per semester. The first rehearsal for Fall 2023 will be August 29. Need-based financial aid is available. For more information, contact Susan Abell.
Audition requirements
- A prepared solo
- Scales: C, G, D, A, F, B-flat, E-flat
- YSO - (Two octaves)
- Reading Orchestra (One octave)
- Sight reading
Beginning Reading Orchestra
The Beginning Reading Orchestra develops music-reading skills and introduces the fundamentals of orchestral playing and music theory. The Beginning Reading Orchestra performs each semester and provides the opportunity to learn in a fun and challenging environment. It is open to all string students in Nashville and the surrounding areas by audition. Rehearsals: meet on Tuesday evenings. The first rehearsal for Fall 2023 will be August 29. Need-based financial aid is available. Tuition is $250 per semester.
To schedule an audition, click HERE.
For additional questions, please contact Susan Abell.
Audition Requirements
- A prepared solo
- Scales (One octave - C, G, D, A)
- Sight reading
Programs and Classes
- Blair Academy Student Handbook
- Register for Academy Classes
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras
- Vanderbilt Youth Choirs
- Vanderbilt Suzuki Program
- Private Lessons
- Fiddle
- Chamber Music and Collaborative Piano
- Beginning and Partner Piano
- Music Theory and Wellness for Musicians
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Blair Hit Songwriter Series
- Parking