FARMINGTON – The Mid Maine Youth Orchestra invites young musicians to audition for the 2003-2004 season in Farmington and Winslow.

Celebrating its 20th year, the orchestra is comprised of talented student musicians chosen from all over central Maine.

Students in grades seven through 12 are eligible to audition and must be members in good standing of their school band or orchestra, if one exists. In addition to string students, woodwind, brass and percussion players are welcome. Double reeds and horns are especially welcome.

For auditions, students should perform approximately two minutes of a solo or etude which will demonstrate their ability and musicianship. Sign reading will also be included in the audition. The deadline for audition applications is Friday, Sept. 26.

Auditions will take place Oct. 15 at Mount Blue High School. Strings will audition from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. and winds, brass and percussion will audition between 5 and 6 p.m. Auditions will also be held at Messalonskee High School in Oakland on Oct. 9. Winds, brass and percussion will audition between 5 and 7 p.m. Strings will audition between 5 and 6 p.m.

Audition times will be mailed to applicants after Sept. 26. Former members of the orchestra must audition as well as new members.

Upon acceptance, student members must pay a tuition fee of $45 for the season or $65 for multiple family members for the season. Full orchestra rehearsals will begin with two November rehearsals on Thursdays, Nov. 6 and 20. Weekly rehearsals will resume on Thursday, Jan. 8, in Farmington and will rotate between Farmington and Oakland each week through March 18. Concerts are scheduled for March 26 in Oakland and March 28 in Farmington.

For more information, phone Karen McCann at 778-2352.

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