Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the orchestra rehearse?
For the 2025-2026 season, we will rehearse at the conference center at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604.
How do I know which ensemble to join?
Your student will participate in a short audition which will be heard by our music teachers. The teachers will assign your student to an ensemble that best suits their age group as well as their playing level. Please see the audition guide for further details.
How often does the orchestra rehearse?
We meet once a week on Friday evenings for rehearsal. Depending on the ensemble, rehearsals last between one (1) and two (2) hours. Please check the calendar tab for dates. We aim to keep it updated.
How much is the tuition?
For 2025-2026, annual tuition per student is $850. Additional siblings get a 10% discount. We also offer financial aid, scholarships, and payment terms at the discretion of CYOSC.
How can I stay up-to-date with the latest information?
Add [email protected] and [email protected] to your address book so you don't miss any important emails. You can also follow us on Instagram @cyoscorchestra for updates. You can also check the website for dates of rehearsals and concerts. In particular, the Calendar tab has all the important dates.
What is the process for applying?
First read through the details on the Apply page of our website. This will give you all the details you need regarding audition requirements etc. Fill out the application form. Keep practicing over the summer! Pay your $40 audition fee and record your prescreening audition video. Once we have received your fee, you will be scheduled for an audition. Please add [email protected] to your email address book! Many people miss our updates as our mails go to their spam / trash folders. If you have not received the link to pay, or you've paid but haven't received your audition time, please contact us at [email protected]
Do I have to audition if I'm a returning student?
Yes, we require all students to audition. Students grow and develop over the year, so even if you're a returning student you deserve the chance to show your latest playing level. Furthermore, an audition in a friendly environment is excellent experience.
What do I do if I missed the window to apply at the beginning of the season?
If you miss the initial window for joining the orchestra, keep an eye on our website. We sometimes allow students to join at various points during the season if we can accommodate them. Typically we allow students to join in the new year, or at the beginning of a new concert cycle.
Can Middle School Students participate in the Community Service Program (CSP)?
In order to best serve the developmental needs of our Academy students, CSP participants must be in grade nine or above during the current school year. However, we do consider exceptional 8th grade students.
How many concerts do we have each year?
We plan to perform 2 formal concerts this season. The Costume Concert in October will be less formal, and there will be additional outside performance opportunities for various groups as we find them. For example, we are trying to book a slot at the Irvine Global Village Festival. Last season, our Sinfonietta students performed at CicloIrvine. There is also the option of performing in our annual concerto festival for those students that choose to.
Can I come to a rehearsal or concert if I’m sick?
No. For the health and wellness of all involved in our program, please stay home if you have any illness symptoms, including coughing and sneezing. This applies to both audience and performers.
For the 2025-2026 season, we will rehearse at the conference center at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604.
How do I know which ensemble to join?
Your student will participate in a short audition which will be heard by our music teachers. The teachers will assign your student to an ensemble that best suits their age group as well as their playing level. Please see the audition guide for further details.
How often does the orchestra rehearse?
We meet once a week on Friday evenings for rehearsal. Depending on the ensemble, rehearsals last between one (1) and two (2) hours. Please check the calendar tab for dates. We aim to keep it updated.
How much is the tuition?
For 2025-2026, annual tuition per student is $850. Additional siblings get a 10% discount. We also offer financial aid, scholarships, and payment terms at the discretion of CYOSC.
How can I stay up-to-date with the latest information?
Add [email protected] and [email protected] to your address book so you don't miss any important emails. You can also follow us on Instagram @cyoscorchestra for updates. You can also check the website for dates of rehearsals and concerts. In particular, the Calendar tab has all the important dates.
What is the process for applying?
First read through the details on the Apply page of our website. This will give you all the details you need regarding audition requirements etc. Fill out the application form. Keep practicing over the summer! Pay your $40 audition fee and record your prescreening audition video. Once we have received your fee, you will be scheduled for an audition. Please add [email protected] to your email address book! Many people miss our updates as our mails go to their spam / trash folders. If you have not received the link to pay, or you've paid but haven't received your audition time, please contact us at [email protected]
Do I have to audition if I'm a returning student?
Yes, we require all students to audition. Students grow and develop over the year, so even if you're a returning student you deserve the chance to show your latest playing level. Furthermore, an audition in a friendly environment is excellent experience.
What do I do if I missed the window to apply at the beginning of the season?
If you miss the initial window for joining the orchestra, keep an eye on our website. We sometimes allow students to join at various points during the season if we can accommodate them. Typically we allow students to join in the new year, or at the beginning of a new concert cycle.
Can Middle School Students participate in the Community Service Program (CSP)?
In order to best serve the developmental needs of our Academy students, CSP participants must be in grade nine or above during the current school year. However, we do consider exceptional 8th grade students.
How many concerts do we have each year?
We plan to perform 2 formal concerts this season. The Costume Concert in October will be less formal, and there will be additional outside performance opportunities for various groups as we find them. For example, we are trying to book a slot at the Irvine Global Village Festival. Last season, our Sinfonietta students performed at CicloIrvine. There is also the option of performing in our annual concerto festival for those students that choose to.
Can I come to a rehearsal or concert if I’m sick?
No. For the health and wellness of all involved in our program, please stay home if you have any illness symptoms, including coughing and sneezing. This applies to both audience and performers.