Violinist and concertmaster Yukhi Mayne. Image courtesy of Kris Washusen.
Aspiring musicians searching for an opportunity to develop their talent and craft are encouraged to strongly consider an application to AYO programs for 2015.
AYO concertmaster and violinist Yukhi Mayne said that being part of the prestigious AYO is a unique chance to be fully immersed in music alongside a supportive network of peers.
‘For a period of time you do really get to know the person sitting next to you in the orchestra – you don’t just see them in the rehearsal room – you see them 24 hours a day,’ he said.
‘You become very closely attached to the people you are making music with. I think that is unique in itself to the AYO. A lot of organisations do it, but on a festival or even a tour people in other situations will not always be in the same place at the same time.’
Applications are currently being invited for AYO 2015, with auditions to be held during August and September.
Having moved through the AYO programs when he commenced in 2006, Mayne has been fortunate enough to play across Australia, as well as internationally in Asia and Europe with some of the world’s greats.
‘As you progress through AYO programs, you eventually come to meet a larger network of people who want to dedicate their lives to music, and find very specific angles where people want to contribute to music,’ he said.
‘I’ve met a lot of lifelong friends. It’s great to be able to catch up and see where their musical journey has taken them. Not everyone who joins goes on to become a musician but you stay friends with them for a very long time.’
‘They still have an interest in music because that is what the AYO programs are like – you create incredible memories.’
Mayne said the application process to audition involved orchestral excerpts, works of your own choice and sight-reading. ‘That’s just to give the panel an idea of where you’re at, and what would be best for you. You can choose what you apply for, and what you’d like to be considered for, you go in there and you play as best as you can.’
‘At the end of the day, if you want a position in an orchestra, you have to be able to walk into a room and play excerpts and also play a piece of your own choice, if not more. You have to go through that nervous process of an audition,’ he said.
‘AYO has offered me opportunities that I never dreamed I would have and has helped me make valuable choices in my career path.’
Applications to AYO are open from the 26 May until 13 June, with auditions scheduled for Australian regional and capital cities during August and September.
To be eligible to apply for the AYO’s programs – Australian Youth Orchestra, AYO National Music Camp, AYO Young Symphonists, AYO Chamber Players, and AYO Orchestral Career Development programs – musicians must be between 12 and 30 years of age.
For more information visit the Australian Youth Orchestra website.
