Watch your youth discover who they were meant to become
Sydney's Premier Christian Youth Orchestra & Choir
Ages 13-19 | Sydney CBD | Starting May 2026
…of Youth Orchestra or Choir participants report feeling better about themselves. Your child could be next.
Limited spots available. Audition deadline: April 10, 2026
Natalia Raspopova is a Russian-Australian conductor and concert pianist whose career has been shaped by one clear thread: excellence, preparation, and the formation of the next generation of musicians.
She now serves as Chief Conductor of the Australian Christian Youth Orchestra and Choir, a role that has been deep in her heart for some time: to raise up young musicians who can play and sing with professional-level artistry, while growing into maturity, character, and purpose.
Career highlights (selected)
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra (Assistant Conductor, conducted concerts)
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Concerto Soloist)
- Queensland Opera / Opera Queensland, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
- Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Sydney University Symphony Orchestra
- BBC Concert Orchestra
- International conducting development programs
Why Your Child Will Thrive Under Natalia's Leadership
Major Orchestral Experience
As Assistant Conductor with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Natalia brings insights into professional standards.
Dedicated Youth Developer
Known for emphasizing passing on knowledge to emerging musicians, she is a true builder of people.
Orchestral & Choral Mastery
Her high-level experience in both orchestral and choral preparation ensures complete ensemble training.
The Australian Christian Youth Orchestra and Choir offers young musicians aged 13-19 a unique opportunity to develop musical excellence while growing in confidence, leadership, and faith.
What Your Child Will Develop:
Research shows youth orchestra participants develop:
Unshakeable Confidence
76% feel better about themselves, carrying confidence into school and life.
Leadership That Lasts
Rotating principal positions, section leadership, and mentorship opportunities teach real-world team management skills.
Academic Excellence
Music training improves memory, focus, and problem-solving—skills that translate directly to better grades.
Lifelong Friendships
Connect with Christian peers who share your child's values and passions.
Deepened Faith
Every rehearsal integrates worship, theology, and artistry—music becomes ministry.
Stage-Ready Presence
Perform in world-class venues before hundreds. Build resilience under pressure.
What Makes Our Program Special:
Regular Rehearsals
Consistent practice builds discipline and musical mastery.
Automatic Transition
Seamless progression through different ensemble levels.
Leadership Training
Opportunities to lead sections and mentor younger musicians.
Commissioned Compositions
Perform new works, fostering contemporary musical engagement.
High Standards
Professional expectations cultivate excellence in performance.
Like-Minded Friends
Build lasting bonds with peers who share similar values and passions.
Spirituality & Artistry
Integrate faith with musical expression, creating meaningful experiences.
Accelerated Development
Accelerated development in a supportive and challenging environment.
Future Career Prep
Skills gained are highly valued for future academic and professional paths.
Ensemble Training
Learn the nuances of playing together, listening, and blending sounds.
World-Class Venues
Perform in prestigious locations, enhancing the performance experience.
Be Part of CAUK
Contribute to a vibrant community dedicated to Christian values through music.
Help your child unleash their full potential, not just as a musician, but as a confident, purposeful leader ready to make a beautiful impact on the world.
What we offer:
No Annual Re-Auditions
Audition once. Grow with us. No yearly stress.
Orchestra + Choir Combined
Unique dual training—expand your child's musical versatility.
Faith-Centered Community
Values-aligned friendships. Music as worship, not just performance.
$999 Special Launch Price
Save $300 vs. 2027. More affordable than other youth orchestra premium fees. Payment plans available.
Guaranteed Pathway at 18
Automatic, audition-free transition into our adult ensembles.
Convenient CBD Location
Easy train/bus access. Thursday evenings 5-7pm.
Make the choice that supports your child's musical and personal growth
General Details
Age Range
The CAUK Youth Orchestra and Choir is thrilled to welcome talented young musicians aged 13–19.
If your child is passionate about growing their musical abilities and deepening their faith, this is the perfect place for them.
We offer a truly unique opportunity for secondary school students across Sydney to flourish in a wonderfully supportive Christian environment, all while forging incredible, lasting friendships who share their musical passion.
When & Where
Rehearsals
Join us fortnightly on Thursdays from 5:00pm–7:00pm (check out the full rehearsal schedule here).
Location
Sydney CBD (the venue will be announced soon) is easy to get to, with excellent train and bus access so your child is easily able to arrive on time after school.
Program Essentials
- 18 Rehearsals throughout the year, with a focus on skill development and ensemble cohesion.
- Professional Mentorship from experienced musicians and educators.
- 2 Full-Scale Concerts a year in prestigious venues.
- Leadership Training opportunities to develop confidence and musical direction.
- 10% Family Discount for additional siblings enrolling.
- Automatic, Audition-Free Transition into our adult ensembles at 18.
What about faith? Is my child required to be Christian?
Your child doesn't need to be Christian; however, we do ask that all of our youth support the Christian faith and the details included in our statement of faith.
2026 Pricing
$999 Special Welcome Price
Grab an incredible saving of $300 for 2026 only (normally $1200).
10% Family Concert Discount
Enjoy a special discount off all concert tickets for your youth immediate family, because music is best shared!
Payment Made Easy
We offer flexible options to suit your family's needs:
Pay Upfront
Settle the full fee with one simple payment covering all of 2026.
"Pay in 4" Plan
Spread the cost across four convenient monthly instalments, covering all of our 2026 program.
Multi-Child Discounts & Pay In 4 Options
One Musician / Vocalist
$249.75 per month for 4 months only
A total of $999 for 2026
Two Musicians / Vocalists
$399.60 per month for 4 months only (20% discount per child)
A total of $1598.40 for 2026
Three Musicians / Vocalists
$524.50 per month for 4 months only (30% discount per child)
A total of $2,097.90 for 2026
Financial Hardship Options
We're passionate about making sure every child has the chance to shine. If your family is facing financial hardship, please know that sponsorships are available to ensure your child can absolutely be a part of our program. Reach out to us – we'd love to help!
30% discount per child for one parent households.
What We're Looking For & How to Apply
We're absolutely thrilled to welcome talented young musicians into our program!
To make sure we keep our musical standards sky-high while still being a warm and welcoming home for budding artists, we will have an audition process with two stages. The first stage is a recorded submission with two contrasting pieces and the second is a live audition for selected students.
Our audition process is all about encouragement and growth. We're looking for young musicians who are committed, enthusiastic and share their God-given talents through music. We believe in potential!
What We're Looking For:
Your Child's Musical Moment
We ask parents to help their child record themselves playing or singing two contrasting pieces, one technical and one expressive, that showcases their ability on their instrument.
Orchestra: Ready to Play with the Best?
We're building something truly world-class, and we'd love for your instrumentalist to be a part of it!
For our orchestra, we're looking for musicians who are at minimum Grade 6 AMEB on their instrument when they audition.
Choir: Let Your Voice Soar
Our choir is also reaching for world-class excellence! If your child is a vocalist, we'd love to hear them in their video audition submission.
Our Thoughtful Selection Process
The selection process will be held by our Youth Conductors, alongside our dedicated Youth Executive Committee and Program Directors. We will carefully review every submission to decide who will join our musical family.
Audition Process
Stage 1: Interest Form & Video Audition
Submit an interest form along with a recorded video audition showcasing two contrasting pieces. A fee applies for this stage.
$50 per child.
Stage 2: Live Auditions
Selected students will be invited to a live audition with our conductors and program directors.
Audition Dates
Applications Open
February 2, 2026
Applications Close
April 10, 2026
In-Person Auditions
April 11, 18, 25, 2026
Offers Sent
April 28, 2026
In-Person Audition Requirements
General Requirements:
- All excerpts to be prepared for live audition (provided in link)
- Preparation of excerpts will be supplied with audio material (once audition dates are provided) for each instrument group
- Each excerpt will have detailed tempi instructions to prepare with metronome marks
- Sight-reading skills will be tested (AMEB Grade 4)
- Aural test will include interval, chord singing and rhythm (AMEB Aural test Grade 4)
Orchestra Live Audition Requirements
String Instruments
- Dynamic control
- Intonation
- Tempo comprehension
- Stylistic awareness
- Bow control (legato/spiccato/vibrato)
- Phrasing
- Rhythmic precision
Wind Instruments
- Breath control
- Pitch
- Articulation (ability to do patterns such as 1 tongue 3 slurred and 2 slurred 2 tongues effectively); (grade 7-8 AMEB double tongue/triple tongue)
- Intonation
- Control and colour in high and low register
- Stylistic awareness
- Phrasing
- Rhythmic precision
- Vibrato
- Variation in speed and intensity
- Ability to sustain lyrical phrases
Brass Instruments
- Breath control
- Clarity of tone
- Expressiveness
- Connection at an angular line
- Clean key
- Articulation pulse
- Sound quality
- Soloistic flair
- Control and colour in high register
- Rhythmic precision
Percussion
- Rhythmic precision
- Technical mastery of tambourine, triangle, snare drum, timpani, xylophone and glockenspiel
- Sight-reading of various rhythms and time signatures
Piano
- Ensemble skills
- Legato/staccato
- Expressive phrasing
- Clear articulation
- Rhythmic precision
- Sound quality
- Pedal control (versatility)
Guitar
- Rhythmic precision
- Dynamic versatility range
- Improvisational skills
- Chord reading
Harp
- Clarity of tone
- Use of pedals
- Stylistic flair
- Articulation pulse
Choir Live Audition Requirements
- Sight-singing test and aural (interval and chord singing)
- Two contrasting pieces (accompanied or solo)
Choristers - Technical Components:
- Pitch accuracy
- Musicality
- An awareness of singing with others
- Tone quality
Set of questions for parents and students at in person audition
- Parents - what do you hope for your child to achieve and experience through participation in this program?
- Students - why do you want to be part of this program?
- Students - have you been in a choir or orchestra before?
- Students - how long have you been learning your instrument? Have you learnt any other instruments? What AMEB grades have you completed (including musicianship/theory)?
Rehearsals & Concert Dates
Our 2026 season features two concert cycles (three in 2027), with fortnightly Thursday evening rehearsals from 5:00-7:00pm, culminating in professional performances.
Our Mid-Year Concert (August)
7 May (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
21 May (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
4 Jun (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
18 Jun (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
2 Jul (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
16 Jul (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
23 Jul (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
30 Jul (Thu) — Tech run 5:00–7:15pm
1 Aug (Sat) — Call 1:00pm. Full dress 1:30–3:30pm. Show 4:00–5:15pm
The End-of-Year Grand Finale Concert (November)
3 Sept (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
17 Sept (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
1 Oct (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
15 Oct (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
29 Oct (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
5 Nov (Thu) — Rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
12 Nov (Thu) — General rehearsal 5:00–7:00pm
19 Nov (Thu) — Tech run 5:00–7:15pm
21 Nov (Sat) — Call 1:00pm. Full dress 1:30–3:30pm. Show 4:00–5:15pm
Making Every Moment Count
Your child needs to be with us for at least 80% of rehearsals to truly shine on stage.
We understand that life happens! So, we have 'holds' and 'freezes' ready for those unavoidable or truly exceptional moments.
Your Child's Moment to Shine
To make sure every performance is successful and that every young musician feels confident and ready, your child needs to attend at least 80% of rehearsals for each concert cycle. This isn't just a rule; it's how we ensure everyone feels prepared and that our ensemble sounds incredible.
We know life can throw curveballs – minor illnesses, family travel, school events. That's why we’ve built in flexibility with 'holds' and 'freezes' for those exceptional, unforeseen circumstances. You can find all the specifics in our attendance policy.
We're Here to Support You
Our attendance policy isn't just about standards; it's wrapped in care and understanding. If your child faces a long illness, a big family event, or any other significant challenge, please chat with our leadership team early on. We're here to work with you and find the best solutions together.
That 80% attendance minimum allows for a bit of wiggle room for those unexpected absences, while still ensuring that every young musician who steps onto that stage has had plenty of rehearsal time. This means they can contribute beautifully to the ensemble and, most importantly, truly enjoy their successful performance.
Youth Who May Need Additional Support
We truly believe every young musician deserves a chance to shine, and that's why we pour our hearts into creating a wonderfully inclusive environment. We warmly welcome young people with additional needs, including our incredible neurodivergent talents.
Partnering with Families
We absolutely love partnering with families, taking the time to truly understand each young person's unique needs. This allows us to lovingly provide just the right accommodations, supporting your child's participation where they could flourish in our orchestra and choir.
Reach Out to Us
If your child has additional needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd be so happy to chat with you about how we can best support them in our special program.
FAQ's
Is my child good enough?
We're looking for commitment and passion, not perfection. If your child is Grade 6+ AMEB (or strong vocalist) and loves music, they belong here. Our audition process is encouraging, not intimidating.
What if they're shy or anxious?
Many of our most confident performers started shy. Research shows that youth orchestra participation specifically helps teenagers "feel better about themselves." We create a safe, supportive space for growth.
My child isn't Christian—can they still join?
Yes! We ask that all participants respect and support Christian faith (see our statement of faith), but church membership isn't required.
Is $999 really worth it?
You're investing in 18 professional rehearsals, 2 major performances (3 in 2027), world-class mentorship, and skills that last a lifetime. Compare that to private lessons ($60+ per hour) or SYO's higher fees—plus we offer payment plans and hardship scholarships.
What if my child has additional needs?
We warmly welcome neurodivergent and differently-abled musicians. Contact us early so we can partner with you to provide the right accommodations.
What about safety?
Every leader holds a Working With Children Check. Youth and adult programs are completely separate. Full child safety policies on page below.
Child Safety
Nothing matters more to us than the safety and well-being of the young people in our programs. We've built comprehensive safeguards and child protection practices into every aspect of our youth ensembles.
Youth-Only Zones
Youth ensembles are completely separate from adult programs, ensuring an age-appropriate space for your child to thrive.
Our Leaders
Our programs are staffed by dedicated leaders and supervisors. We have clear child-protection guidelines for all interactions.
Smart Scheduling for Safety
Youth and adult rehearsals are carefully scheduled at different times on the same day, minimizing overlap and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Working With Children Checks (WWCC)
Every leader and person in authority holds a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). This is mandatory for anyone leading, teaching, or holding authority in youth programs.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Our complete child safety guidelines and policies are available at https://aus.christianarts.support/child-safety-policy-all. We encourage all parents to review these comprehensive guidelines.
Ready to Begin Your Child's Musical Journey?
Applications for 2026 are now open
⏰ Video audition submissions close April 10, 2026 at 5:00pm
After you register, we'll send you detailed audition information and answer any questions you have. Our team is here to support you through every step of the process.
Join Sydney's premier Christian youth orchestra and choir. Watch your child discover who they were meant to become.