Auditions and Registrations FAQ

 

Due to the extremely high demand of RDYO programs from both existing and new students, please read the FAQ below before making registration/emailing to ask questions.  As much as we would like to, we will not be able to get back to you very quickly due to the sheer volumes of applications we receive.

 

Do I need to audition

Participation in the RDYO is a competitive process by audition (for new students) or review (for returning students). The review includes criteria for the students’ attitude, musicality, adherence to the Code of Conduct and participation in the previous season. Registration does not guarantee admission to the RDYO.

If you are NEW to RDYO, yes, you will need to audition. 

If you are a currently registered student at RDYO 24-25 season: you do not need to audition for the 25-26 season, unless:

  •  you want to move up to a higher division (for example, moving from Junior Strings to Intermediate Strings). The move up audition is free for currently registered student, but it happens only once, in June 2025
  • you have decided to withdraw and forfeit your space in the orchestra by the deadline for 25-26 season sign up, but now change your mind and want to join the orchestra again. You will need to audition and pay the audition fee
  • you have been placed on a “concerned status” based on the yearly review, failure to adhere to any of RDYO’s policies, for example the Code of Conduct. In this case, your place is not automatically reserved for the next season and appropriate process will take place to determine whether you can continue to be eligible to join the orchestra. You will be notified by RDYO is you are placed on a “concerned status”

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Where do I find audition materials

Audition materials are available on our website

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Should I register now

Please register with us AFTER your audition results are out. All audition results will be notified by the December 20, 2024 the latest. 

Participation in the RDYO is a competitive process by audition (for new students) or review (for returning students). The review includes criteria for the students’ attitude, musicality, adherence to the Code of Conduct and participation in the previous season. Registration does not guarantee admission to the RDYO.

 

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What are the required fee for 24-25 mid-season


1) Tuition Fee (Required)

Please select the correct division in the payment page, especially if you are taking part in the chamber division as well. 

2) Society Membership Fee (Required)

Membership of the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra Society enables you to vote, serve on committees, and contribute to RDYO’s mission. Each family is required to have at least one RDYO membership ($30)

3) Fundraising Concert Fee (Required)

Each family is required to pay $50 toward  RDYO’s annual fundraising events with Rotary Club of Vancouver Centennial, which raises funds for RDYO’s scholarship and bursary as well as for other charities in Richmond.

4) Commitment Activities Deposit OR Exemption Fee (Required)

RDYO, similar to many charities and societies, relies on commitment from its members to support children in weekly rehearsals, concerts organizing, operational tasks and board governance. This commitment is a requirement to ensure the best possible environment for children and youth. The mid-season commitment is 6 hours per family, per season, with a wide range of activities to participate in. 

A deposit of $150, payable at registration, will be returned to you in full at the end of the season if you have completed your 6 hours commitment. Post-dated cheque is accepted but must be received by RDYO prior to admission

You may choose to pay $150 in lieu of commitment activities at registration.

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Can I pay by installment

Yes, please write to loren@rdyo.ca with a request for instalment. 

This option splits the entire payment into 2 instalments. The first one is due at time of registration, the second installment is due on the 8th March 2025.

Please note that late instalment payment will result in a penalty:  5% of the unpaid fee that is due on the payment deadline, plus 1% of this unpaid payment for each complete month that the return is late, up to a maximum of 12 months.

A pending payment will prohibit you from joining RDYO activities, such as scholarship competition .

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I have registered, does that mean I’m in

Thank you for completing the registration! We will be checking all the information. 

You will know that your space has been secured if

  1. You’ve paid the 4 required fees
  2. You’ve received an email that says: “Congratulations! Your registration has been approved. Welcome to RDYO”

If this is not the case, you may be contacted to make the necessary payment or supplement of information. 

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not considered completed until you have received an approval email. Registration is strictly first-come, first-serve. We cannot guarantee a space for you if you complete registration after 23:59 PST December 21, 2024 

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What is the WAITLIST

You may find yourself placed on a waitlist. This is because the division you registered for is full at the time of your submission. You will be automatically put on our waiting list. We will communicate with you as soon as spaces become available.

If no spaces become available by 22 December, 2024. We will process a full refund for you. If you wish to withdraw from the process, please contact us to make this arrangement.

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