Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra

Requirements for Membership

Advanced string, wind, percussion, piano and brass students in grades 9 - 12 (and at least age 14) by audition and who are members in good standing of their high school orchestra or band, if available.  Students in grade 8 (brass, wind, percussion) may be considered at NIYO music director's discretion.

Audition and Registration Information

• Online registration is required prior to the audition date.  Registration opens on July 1.
• Auditions will take place on September 11, 2026 and virtual in January, 2027 for mid-year new students.   
• Virtual mid-year audition minus sight-reading should be sent to niyo@uni.edu before January 10, 2027.
• Auditions are organized by instrument in the fall.  For more information, contact Cathy Craig at cathy.craig@uni.edu
• NOTE: Audition information for 2026-2027 season will be posted by July 1, 2026.

Audition requirements (update for 2026-2027 will be posted by July 1, 2026)

• Strings (3 octaves for violin, viola, cello; two octave for string bass)
  • 2 major scales, *A and C major for violin; F and C major for viola and C and G major for cello; E and G for String bass (2 octaves)
  • prepared solo pieces (30 seconds)
  • sight-reading
• Woodwinds/Brass (2 octaves for major scales - chromatic scales to cover entire range)
  • Bb major and concert chromatic
  • prepared solo piece 30 seconds
  • sight-reading
• Percussion
  • 1 prepared excerpt pitcher keyboard or snare drum
  • 1 pitched keyboard instrument sight reading

Audition Schedule 

Sept. 11, 2026 - Graham Hall in Russell Hall at UNI, must preregister to audition

• First arrived, first served.
  • 4:00 cello and bass
  • 4:45 violin and viola

September 18, 2025 - Graham Hall in Russell Hall at UNI, must preregister to audition

• First arrived, first served.
  • 4:00: Brass, winds, percussion

AFTER SEPTEMBER 18

• Required written recommendation from individual lesson teacher or orchestra or band director and a late fee of $20 will be assessed.

Rehearsals 

• Graham Chamber Music Hall or Bengtson Auditorium at UNI School of Music, Russell Hall
• Dress Rehearsals - Bengtson Auditorium at UNI School of Music, Russell Hall
• Fall:  5:00 - 7:00 on Fridays beginning September 25, 2026 except All State Festival and Thanksgiving weeks with two additional.
  • String and wind sectionals to be announced.
  • Monday, November 23, 2026 at 5:00 Graham Hall
  • Final Dress rehearsal 2:00 on Dec. 6 in Bengtson Aud.
  • Extra rehearsals will be announced for the side by side as they become available.
• Spring: 5:00 - 7:00 on Fridays except Friday, March 20 (spring break)--may be extended to 7:30 if needed
  • String and wind sectionals to be announced.
  • Regular rehearsals begin on Friday, Jan. 8, Graham Hall (Russell Hall) 5:00 - 7:00 and continue every Friday through May 1
  • Final Dress Rehearsal for year end NIYO concert is 2:00 on May 9 (Mother's Day) in Bengtson Aud.
  • Extra rehearsals will be announced for the side by side concerts as they become available.

Attendance / Policies

• Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences.  (2 unexcused late arrivals count as 1 unexcused absence.)  Excused absences must be approved in advance and include only those events that are a mandatory school event.  You will be asked to submit anticipated absences at auditions OR noted on the attendance form at the beginning of the season.
• Bring pencils for taking notes.
• Cello and Bass students should bring rock stops.  Percussionists should bring their own mallet/sticks.
• If you are sick, do not attend rehearsal.  Please email Mr. Chiles at niyo@uni.edu
• Complete list of rehearsals with treat assignments, will be available once audition results have been announced.
• Students who audition in the fall are auditioning for the both concert seasons and will be billed for the full year (price of $375).  
• There are no refunds once music has been assigned.

Concerts and Tours

• December 6, 2026 at 6:00 in Bengtson Auditorium in Russell Hall at UNI
• April 28, 2027  Iowa Tour-all day.  Details will be emailed to members.
• May 9, 2027 at 6:00 in Bengtson Auditorium, Russell Hall, UNI (Note this is Mother's Day)
• Summer, June, 2027: Hawaii tour

Concert Attire

Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne to the concert.  If you do not own the proper concert attire and are unable to obtain it before the concert, please contact the music director.

Women 

• OPTION #1: Colorful shirt, black pants or skirt (skirt must be below the knee or longer, black hose (black socks if you are wearing pants), black dress shoes; NO sequins/glitter/shiny decorations, NO revealing or low-cut necklines.
• OPTIONS #2: All black 

Men 

• OPTION #1: colorful solid dress shirt, black suit jacket is optional, black dress pants, black socks, black shoes.  You may wear a black tie if you wish but not required.
• OPTION #2: All black 

ANNUAL Tour Information

• Date: April 28, 2027
• This is an all day event.  Details to be announced.

SPECIAL HAWAII TOUR INFORMATION:  

Fees

•  $400
• Estore link will be emailed once the season begins.  
• Preferred method of payment, credit or debit.  OFF line payments:  Cash or check is also accepted but must be delivered in person to the cashier in Gilchrist Hall during business hours.  Please request an invoice to pay off line.  
• Scholarships may be available for specific instruments (String bass, bassoon, French Horn, harp, percussion) or for financial need.  Application for financial assistance may be submitted after audition results but no later than Sept. 19 or Jan. 3
• Visitor Parking Tag: $44.40 for Sept. through Aug; $22.20 for January through August.
• Contact Cathy Craig - cathy.craig@uni.edu for billing, visitor parking tag or for financial assistance questions.

Announcements and Communications

NIYO specific emails will be from:  niyo@uni.edu  or cathy.craig@uni.edu  Please send music, attendance, or Hawaii Tour questions to Mr. Chiles at niyo@uni.edu.  Local tour and billing questions to Cathy at cathy.craig@uni.edu

Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra is an affiliate of the UNI Suzuki School and membership is open to any eligible student.