FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why Does Our Community Need the E.Y.O.?
Many of our local schools do not offer orchestra or strings in their music programs, making the Eastern Youth Orchestra the only opportunity for many students to have a meaningful musical ensemble experience. With the addition of the "Preparatory Youth Orchestra," the E.Y.O. now can provide a range of musical ensemble learning experiences for young musicians of the Coastal Plains - from the youngest who is just learning to read music and follow a conductor's baton, to the high school student who is ready to play major symphonic repertoire. Who Can Audition?
Any student in the Eastern North Carolina area in grade four or above may audition. Students are encouraged to consult with their private teachers and/or school music directors about preparing for the audition. Students are asked to play a solo piece that has been prepared in advance, and they are asked to do a short sight reading sample without preparation.
The Eastern Youth Orchestra strives to be an all inclusive organization, encouraging both public school and private music teachers from all over Eastern North Carolina to recommend students to the program. Currently there are students representing not only the greater Greenville, North Carolina area, but also outlying rural and coastal communities over 50 miles away from the rehearsal location.
Brass and wind players in the seventh grade and above are particularly encouraged to audition.
How Do I Arrange an Audition? Contact Conductor John O'Brien at obrienj@ecu.edu or Board President Leonna Love at leonnalove@earthlink.net
How does the E.Y.O. Fund Expenses?
The E.Y.O. is a non-profit organization with 501-C3 tax status. There is a 12 member volunteer Board of Directors made up of music teachers, parents, and music lovers. The volunteer board engages in fund raising throughout the community, which in past years has included solicitation of sponsorship from businesses, as well as seeking grants from various organizations. Students of the E.Y.O. pay tuition in the amount of $150 for the entire academic year. Financial aid is available, and no student is ever turned away because of the inability to pay yearly tuition.
