Frequently Asked Questions RCO Young
RCO Young Questions & Answers
What is RCO Young?
RCO Young is an orchestral training programme for talented young instrumentalists ages 14–17 created by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. RCO Young will be launched in the summer of 2019 with a particular focus on attracting talented young people from groups underserved by and underrepresented in the classical orchestral field in Europe. Each summer, a group of young musicians will come together to interact with one another, learn from and work with RCO musicians in a variety of settings—including coaching, sectionals, chamber music ensembles, and personal development—and play under the direction of a famous conductor.
Who can participate in RCO Young?
RCO Young is open to EU citizens from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from those who will bring greater diversity to classical orchestral music and those who have not yet had access to highly selective training opportunities through youth orchestra programmes, summer festivals, camps, etc., outside of their communities. You must be between the ages of 14 and 17 during the summer 2019. This means that your birthdate must be between 26 August 2001 and 7 August 2005, with no exceptions.
When will the programme take place?
RCO Young is a summer programme that will take place from 7 to 25 August 2019. Because of the intensive nature of the programme, no absences for any part of this period are permitted.
Where does the RCO Young summer camp residency take place?
RCO Young will be in residence at Akoesticum, Ede (the Netherlands). Akoesticum is the most important performing arts training centre of the Netherlands that is specialised in hosting youth orchestras. It has outstanding rehearsal and practice facilities where all full orchestral rehearsals take place, and all young musicians and staff members will be hosted. www.akoesticum.org/en
Where will the orchestra perform?
In 2019 there will be two performances, one at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and one at Flagey Concert Hall in Brussels (Belgium). There will also be a try out in Akoesticum, and a chamber music concert at the RCO House in Amsterdam.
How do I apply?
The application and audition process take place online. Learn more about applying by clicking here.
How will my application be evaluated?
In line with its mission, RCO Young aims to include a broad range of qualified participants from across the European Union to reflect the exceptional diversity of Europe. Applications are reviewed based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s technical ability, musicianship, passion, willingness to collaborate, intellectual curiosity, and social and emotional maturity.
Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?
No.
What are the residency requirements for RCO Young members/participants?
Any citizen of an European country in the possession of a passport/ ID card or permit of residence may apply to become a member/participant. If you have any doubts regarding this point, please contact us at rcoyoung@concertgebouworkest.nl.
What language will be spoken?
The programme will be taught in English. During the summer camp there will be mentors taking care of the participants who will be capable of speaking more different languages.
Are there positions available for my instrument?
In the summer of 2019 RCO Young’s symphony orchestra will be made up of 71 musicians. Applicants can apply with the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, and timpani.
Can I apply with more than one instrument?
Yes, but a separate application is required for each instrument. Please note that auxiliary instruments such as piccolo, English horn, and bass clarinet do not require a separate application.
Will I be able to join RCO Young more than once?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Please note that all applicants are required to re-apply and submit a new audition video each year.
Application Process
Application deadlines
The application for RCO Young is open from 1 October 2018 to 31 January 2019. The selection will be made in February 2019. In March 2019 all the applicants will receive a message with the result.
Do I need to be nominated in order to apply for RCO young?
Yes. A formal nomination from a music teacher, ensemble director, school/band/orchestra administrator, or community leader is required as part of the application.
My solo is longer than three minutes. Is that okay?
While it is permitted to select a three-minute excerpt from a longer work or recorded performance, please keep your solo submission as close to the three-minute mark as possible.
Do both of my references need to be musicians?
No, but it is helpful if at least one of them is. While general music teachers, orchestra directors, or private instructors are all acceptable as musical references, an academic instructor or other non-music mentor can also serve as a reference.
Can my nominator serve as a reference?
Yes, we request that they complete the separate recommendation form.
My video recordings are not professional quality. Will this hurt my chances of being accepted into RCO Young?
No. We understand that not everyone has the means to provide a professional video recording, and our goal is to make RCO Young accessible to all who wish to apply. As long as the applicant is clearly visible and clearly audible, the audition will be judged on its musical merits and not on its production value. Most auditions are recorded using basic home video equipment.
Guest Artists and Faculty
Who conducts the RCO Young orchestra?
To be announced.
Who are the members of the RCO Young faculty?
Musicians of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
What else can I expect as part of my RCO Young experience?
In addition to orchestra rehearsals and the opportunity to work closely with select members of The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, RCO Young participants will have both musical and social opportunities with members of RCO, as well as access to workshops designed to cultivate arts leadership skills and enable participants to serve their communities through music and becoming an ambassador.
Are there any costs or fees associated with RCO Young?
RCO Young is a tuition-free programme for all participants. The programme provides room and board during the residency and covers all expenses related to instructional, rehearsal, performance, and other activities. There is no fee to apply. Travel will be booked for participants or travel costs reimbursed. Additional details will be available upon acceptance.
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