Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to YTOoA FAQ!
YTOoA is a Theatre Orchestra with 16 positions. Just like a Broadway Pit orchestra, some positions play more than one instrument.
But Don't Worry!
Students are only required to have their main instrument. YTOoA provides the additional instruments as part of our program is learning to "double" or play a secondary instrument.
This page explains the 16 positions of a YTO and Frequently Asked Questions.
What is YTO?
Our founder is an Eagle Scout and graduate of the Julliard Pre-College. He wanted to combine his youth experience in Scouts and training orchestras to create a pre-college level program that is low cost, high impact and easy to replicate.
YTO is a one-size-fits-all program that works for schools and communities. With YTO, every city may have it's own youth orchestra.
How much does YTO cost?
YTO tuition is based on the costs to operate the program. The YTO Scholarship Fund provides subsidization to lower the cost of the program. Parents are asked to pay as much of the tuition as they may, with the YTO Scholarship Fund subsidizing the remainder.
How many hours a week are needed to participate in YTO?
Rehearsal 2.5 hours
Practice 2.5 hours (minimum/week)
Why is the Palm Springs' YTO the "16 best students of the Coachella Valley"?
Like an all-star football team, by honoring those who work the hardest we are 1) rewarding diligent work and dedication, and B) impacting other students by presenting a group of near-professional level youth.
Each of our 16 players is like a member of an elite sports team. Their role is to push their abilities with other like minded individuals and to inspire others.
#1 Keyboard
Double: Synthesizer
Supportive and solo position, the keyboard and synthesizer play many roles in a Theatre Orchestra.
YTOoA provides a keyboard and amp for rehearsals.
#2 Bass Guitar
Double: Upright Bass
Bass Guitar and upright Bass.
YTO provides an upright bass and amp. Student is required to bring their bass guitar to rehearsals.
#3 Guitar
Double: Mandolin, Banjo
Guitar, doubling on Mandolin and Banjo.
YTO provides an amp, mandolin and banjo. Students is required to bring their acoustic (with pickup) or acoustic/electric guitar
#4 Drum Kit
Double: Percussion
Drum Kit
YTO provides a drum kit.
#5 Percussion
Double: Keyboard II
Percussion
YTO provides percussion.
#6-7 Violin Ia/Ib
No Double
Violin
Students required to bring their Violin to each rehearsal.
#8-9 Violin IIa/IIb
No Double
Violin
Students required to bring their Violin to each rehearsal.
#10-11 Viola I/II
No Double
Viola
Students are required to bring their Viola to each rehearsal.
#12-13 Cello I/II
No Double
Cello
Students are required to bring their Cello to each rehearsal.
#14 Flute
Double: Piccolo, Alto Clarinet
Flute and Piccolo are the top voices of the woodwind section; this position doubles on Alto Clarinet for a supportive alto voice or Jazz.
YTO provides Piccolo and Alto Clarinet. Students are required to have a mouth-piece, neck strap and reeds.
#15 Oboe
Double: Baritone Saxophone
The highest double reed voice and a soloist position; doubling on Baritone Saxophone for Jazz.
YTO provides a baritone saxophone. Students are required to have a mouth-piece, neck strap and reeds.
#16 Clarinet
Double: Alto Flute, English Horn
The clarinet is a soloist and supportive voice; doubling on Alto Flute and English Horn.
YTO provide an Alto Flute, and English Horn. Students are required to have a neck strap and reeds.
#17 Alto Sax
Double: Bassoon II
The Alto Sax is a supportive alto voice and Jazz soloist, doubling on Bassoon II
YTO provides a Bassoon. Students are required to have reeds and seat strap.
#18 Tenor Sax
Double: Bass Clarinet, Flute II
The Tenor sax is a supportive tenor voice and Jazz soloist, doubling on Bass Clarinet and Flute II
YTO provides a Bass Clarinet and Flute. Students are required to have a mouth-piece, neck-strap and reeds.
#19 Bassoon
Double: Alto Sax II
The Bassoon is a solo tenor and supportive bass voice; doubling on Alto Sax II for Jazz.
YTO provides an Alto Sax. Students are required to have a mouth-piece, neck-strap and reeds.
#20 Trumpet
Double: Piccolo Trumpet
The top voice of the brass section, this position plays in the higher register of the trumpet and doubles piccolo trumpet.
YTO provides a Piccolo Trumpet. Students are required to have a mouth-piece.
#21 Trumpet II
Double: Mellophone
The second Trumpet plays in the middle and lower range, doubling on Mellophone for the top voice of the Horn section.
YTO provides a Mellophone. Students are required to have a mouth-piece.
#22 Horn
No Double
The horn is a solo and supportive position, playing in the middle and upper registers. The horn section is formed by the mellophone, horn, baritone and tuba.
#23 Trombone
Double: Baritone Horn
The trombone is a solo and supportive position, double on baritone as the tenor voice of the horn section.
YTO provides a Baritone. Students are required to have a mouth-piece.
#24 Tuba
Double: Bass Trombome
The Tuba is the bass of the orchestra and brass/horn section. This position doubles on bass trombone for a powerful low voice or Jazz Band orchestrations.
YTO provide a tuba. Students are required to have a mouth-piece.