Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra
Last updated 4/16/24
The Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra (MYPO) is one of the latest ensemble offerings from the Michigan Youth Ensembles (MYE) program. MYPO is a string-only orchestra, open to students between grades 6 (six) through 8 (eight) for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students will participate in weekly rehearsals, working with current SMTD Faculty and Students, preparing and performing challenging string orchestra repertoire in U-M’s historic Hill Auditorium!
MYPO Announcements
(4/16/24) Applications for MYE’s next season CLOSED
Applications for MYE’s 2024-2025 Season are now closed. Please reach out to the Engagement & Outreach Office ([email protected]) if you have any questions / interested in auditioning for MYE in the future.
Rehearsal Information
Time: Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Hankinson Rehearsal Hall
E. V. Moore Building
(U-M North Campus, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
All rehearsals / events will take place at that above listed time and location unless otherwise noted
MYPO Season Schedule
Click the button below to access next season’s schedule
Instructors
CONDUCTOR / FACULTY DIRECTOR – MICHAEL HOPKINS
Chair of Music Education / Professor of Music
Michael Hopkins is professor and chair of Music Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he teaches courses in string techniques, orchestra methods, research methods, and the psychology of music. He has been a guest conductor at over 100 orchestra festivals and clinics throughout the United States, and has given over 60 presentations at national, international, and state music education conferences on various topics in string education and music technology. He is very active as a composer and arranger, and has composed and arranged over 70 published works for orchestra. His music is published by Alfred Music Publishing, Grand Mesa Music, Kendor Music Publishing, Inc., and J.W. Pepper’s MyScore. His works have been commissioned by many schools and ensembles throughout the U.S.
He is the author of The Art of String Teaching, a comprehensive string pedagogy resource for pre-service teachers, professional orchestra conductors, teachers of group string classes, and private studio teachers. The Art of String Teaching has a complementary YouTube channel, a pedagogical resource with over 100 videos demonstrating all aspects of string technique.
Hopkins has published articles in the Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, CRME Bulletin, Music Education Research, Journal of Music, Technology and Education, American String Teacher, String Research Journal, the Music Educators’ Journal, and The Instrumentalist.
Hopkins is the director of the Michigan String Educators Workshop and the U-M Bass Bash Festival. He serves on the board of the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), and has served on several national committees, including the Collegiate Committee and the Research Committee.
Auditions | Eligibility
Applications the 2024-2025 MYPO Season are now CLOSED.
2024-2025 MICHIGAN YOUTH PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA APPLICATION / AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the 2024-2025 Michigan Youth Ensembles Application via the button below by 5:00 P.M. Monday, April 15, 2024.
- Be sure to select your audition time via the MYE Application! Auditions will be held IN-PERSON on both Saturday, April 20th, and Sunday, April 21st, 2024, in the Earl V. Moore Music Buidling.
- Pay the non-refundable $30 application fee. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on financial need (contact Engagement & Outreach Staff for more information).
- Prepare specific audition materials based on your instrument as listed below.
MYPO AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Students interested in auditioning for MYPO should prepare the following materials for their MYE audition:
1. Scales: Play the following scales from memory in eighth notes, with a minimum tempo of quarter note = 60.
- Violin: 2-octave D major and F major scales.
- Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: 2-octave G major and B-flat major scales.
2. Solo: Play 1-2 minutes from a solo piece demonstrating your technical and expressive ability.
3. Orchestra Excerpts: Play the following orchestra excerpts, pre-selected by faculty, on your instrument.
ELIGIBILITY
Students interested in the Michigan Youth Philharmonia Orchestra must be enrolled in grades 6 (six) through 8 (eight) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For questions about applications, audition requirements, or the audition process, feel free to contact SMTD Engagement & Outreach Staff via email at [email protected].
Tuition | Fees | Scholarships
Updated for the 2024-2025 MYE Season
Participant – $350.00
Non-refundable application fee – $30
A discounted tuition rate of $330.00 per additional ensemble is available for musicians who participate in multiple ensembles. This discount is applied to the ensemble of equal or lesser value.
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances due to the pandemic. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application. This includes:
- Monthly Expenses
- Previous Year’s Tax Return
- Statement of Need
REFUND POLICY
Full refunds of MYE tuition are only available before the first regularly scheduled rehearsal of the current concert season. Those wishing to learn more about the MYE Refund Policy can do so by clicking here: SMTD Engagement and Outreach refund policy
Contact Us
Email at [email protected]
Phone at (734) 936-2660
The Engagement & Outreach Staff monitors emails / phone lines at the following times:
- Monday – Friday, 9:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. EST