Orchestra of Distinction Application

A Letter from Amy Conrod, Director of Education & Community

Welcome to the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s (OPO) 2026-2027 Season! I would like to extend a warm invitation for your school to participate in the OPO’s Orchestra of Distinction award!

The OPO’s Orchestra of Distinction program was developed to showcase the excellent musicianship and instructors of Central Florida schools, while also providing valuable experiences from our musicians and orchestra to inspire and delight our community’s students.

OPO musicians and Education Committee members will serve as part of an adjudicator panel throughout the entire process, providing valuable encouragement, support and feedback on each school’s written application, anonymous sound samples, and live performances.

Middle and High school orchestras from Central Florida are eligible to apply for the program. Four orchestras will receive the honor of being named the HS/MS Orchestra of Distinction and the HS/MS Orchestra in the Wings. With these awards, both schools will receive opportunities with the Orlando Philharmonic and recognition on stage at one of our final concerts of the season!

Each group will submit a completed application and 2 audio recordings of select works through our website. All materials and an application fee of $100 are due by February 13th, 2026. Checks can be made payable to Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (425 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803). Finalists will be announced by the end of February.

Thank you for your interest in applying! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us – education@orlandophil.org
I look forward to working with you!

Amy Conrod
Director of Education and Community
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
aconrod@orlandophil.org
407.896.6700 ex. 232

Applicants must submit a completed application and recordings of 2 select works through our website. All materials and $100 application fee must be submitted no later than February 13th, 2026.

  • 2026-2027 Orchestra of Distinction Application

    Thank you for your interest in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra's High School Orchestra of Distinction program! Please answer all application questions to the best of your ability. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Education & Community Amy Conrod at 407.896.6700 ext. 232, or aconrod@orlandophil.org.

  • Section 1: School Information

    (Will not affect your consideration for the competition)

  • Section 2: Orchestra Information

    Please provide the following information about your orchestra enrollment. If possible, please provide non-duplicated numbers for your orchestra students.

  • Recording

    All applicants must submit a recording of 2 select works. Please include your YouTube links to each recording. We will also only be accepting unlisted YouTube videos for recordings. Please reference the "Video Submission Instructions" document above for further details.

  • If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be notified no later than end of February 2026. An adjudication panel from the Orlando Philharmonic may be scheduled to visit your school (in person or virtual). The ensemble should be prepared to perform as if it were a concert setting with enough time for adjudicators to provide feedback to the ensemble. We will be in touch to schedule this visit after finalists are announced.