Ten Australian Youth Orchestra participants have spent a week immersed in professional training with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra as part of the annual AYO–ASO Professional Immersion program. Guided by leading ASO musicians, the participants undertook one-on-one mentoring, side-by-side rehearsals and specialised development sessions, gaining invaluable real-world experience – including both mock and formal casual audition processes.
One-on-one mentoring
This June, AYO musicians Samuel de Kroon (flute), Angus Hall (clarinet), Henry Eames (horn), Jade Park (trumpet), Toby Sward (trombone), Lily Song (violin), Pascal Uxó Williams (viola), Milo Duval (cello), Alexandra Thompson (double bass), and Yumo Zhang (percussion) joined ASO’s section principals, many of whom are AYO alumni themselves, for a series of one-on-one mentoring sessions.
“Working closely with Kim [Falconer] and the other mentors was incredibly insightful,” said Samuel de Kroon, “particularly in preparing for auditions and gaining valuable knowledge on how the classical music industry works.”
“The highlight of the week for me was rehearsing and performing alongside the ASO musicians,” said Alexandra Thompson, “particularly the opportunity to play alongside my former teacher, David Schilling.”
“It felt like a real full-circle moment and was incredibly rewarding to share the stage with someone who played such an important role in my musical development.”
Alexandra Thompson
Rehearsing with ASO
AYO trumpeter Jade Park said her highlight was the side-by-side rehearsals with the ASO musicians. “I was impressed by the selfless collaboration within a professional orchestra,” Jade said, “where individual musicianship, technical proficiency and personality were tailored and performed within the context of the greater ensemble and orchestral works.”
AYO horn player Henry Eames enjoyed expanding his knowledge on the behind-the-scenes of running an orchestra. “I didn’t properly know about the moving parts side,” he said. “It was really interesting seeing what it takes to run an orchestra, manage musicians, and how prepared they have to be.”
“I had such an amazing time playing alongside the ASO, I was able to learn and experience a different side to a professional orchestra.”
Henry Eames
AYO clarinettist Angus Hall explored the importance of even the smallest parts when playing in a professional and cohesive orchestra. “When doubling the 2nd clarinet part I went into it thinking I would not be super important in the rehearsal, but I was told by my mentor who was playing next to me to play louder and like it really matters not like I am just there for the sake of it.”
“I learnt more so than ever that no matter what part I am playing in the orchestra, everyone is just as important as each other.”
Angus Hall
“The Professional Immersion collaboration with ASO was an amazing experience and one of the most rewarding orchestral projects I’ve been involved in,” said AYO flautist Samuel de Kroon. “Playing alongside professional musicians from Adelaide Symphony Orchestra gave me a real insight into the day-to-day life of a professional orchestra and the level of artistry required.”
Mock auditions to real auditions
Bookending the week-long AYO – ASO Professional Immersion were two sets of casual auditions, the first one a mock and the second one quite real, as the ten participants were invited to apply for casual roles at ASO.
“I would say the highlight of my week would be the casual audition at the end,” clarinettist Angus Hall said. “After spending the week doing mock auditions and learning from my mentor, having the opportunity to experience my first real professional audition was very rewarding, and with it being in what felt like a very safe space served to me as a great transition from university auditions to real professional auditions.”
“I would describe the experience as an incredible opportunity to experience the professional world of an orchestral musician, in a safe and friendly environment.”
Angus Hall
“I also really valued the workshop with Lachlan Bramble,” said Alexandra Thomspon, “where we discussed our experiences with auditions and the challenges that come with them. The session encouraged me to shift my perspective, focus more on the positives than the negatives, and reinforced the importance of trusting the preparation you’ve already done.
“I came away from the week feeling inspired, motivated, and excited about the future.”
Alexandra Thompson
“I thoroughly enjoyed the mock auditions and classes, getting feedback from peers and orchestra members from other sections was invaluable information,” said horn player Henry Eames.
“Overall, this experience has significantly contributed to my development as a professional orchestral musician,” said Jade Park, “to which I am greatly indebted to Dave and the ASO for their investment in me and other young Australian musicians.”
About AYO Professional Immersion – Orchestral
The AYO Professional Immersion program is designed for young musicians on the cusp of professional careers. The program acts as a launchpad for those wanting to pursue performance at an elite level providing them with the skills to establish a diverse and successful career in music. The AYO is very fortunate to deliver this program in partnership with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and Opera Australia. The AYO works with these organisations as part of the broader Australian arts ecosystem to ensure that creativity, opportunity and longevity are attainable goals for upcoming musicians.