European Youth Orchestra Academy
Under the patronage of the European Parliament
Wind Quintet
Become part of the Young European Music Festival 2026
Alumni-Application for the EYOA-Wind Quintet 2026
Only for active participants of EYOA 2019/2022/2023/2024/2025!
Are you between 16 and 25 years old, highly musically talented, and from Europe, Great Britain, or other associated countries (see regulations)? Are you bold and ready to enchant us with your favorite instrument? – Then show us what you can do!
If you have previously participated in the EYOA, you can now apply as an Alumni for our Wind Quintet and take part in EYOA 2026. Our academy is under the patronage of the European Parliament.
European Youth Orchestra Academy: September 3–13 2026
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Before you get started ...
You already know that: Please carefully read all our Rules & Guidelines and make sure you have selected the correct form for your desired ensemble. The appropriate sheet music for your instrument audition can be found under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
For your application, you should have the following documents ready:
# YouTube link to your application video
# Motivation letter (text for the form)
# (if under 18) Parental consent form (informal PDF)
# signed Declaration of Consent | Media Rights
Rules & Requirements
Application Deadline
You must submit your application by December 31, 2025. Please use only our designated application form (at the bottom of this page) and make sure to select the correct form for your preferred ensemble!
If you encounter any issues with the form, please contact us in time.
Requirements
Only for active participants of EYOA 2019/2022/2023/2024/2025!
For our Wind Quintet 2026, all talented applicants must be between 16 and 25 years old by December 2026. You must hold the nationality of a European Union member state. Additionally, applicants may also hold the nationality of associated countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Israel.
The decision of our jury regarding participant selection is binding and final.
Participation is expressly only possible if you have previously attended one of our academies.
Participation Fee
The participation fee is €165 and is due once the jury confirms your placement. This includes:
# Accommodation in a double room (3-star hotel)
# Meals during the entire academy as well as during additional activities.
If you need a large instrument, we will provide it free of charge on-site. However, you must arrange and cover your own travel to and from Mannheim.
For the final concert during the Young European Music Festival, you will receive an exclusive EYOA T-shirt. Please also bring black trousers or a skirt, and black shoes.
Excuse Letter for School
If you need an excuse for your school, we will be happy to provide an official excuse or confirmation letter upon request. Just provide us with the school’s address.
EYOA Goals | Motivation Letter
At our EYOA, it’s about more than just music: we aim to support your artistic and personal development, open new perspectives, and even enhance your career prospects. Therefore, we want to know from you: Why do you want to be part of the EYOA – and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
This – let’s call it a MOTIVATION LETTER – is an essential part of the application requirements.
Dates & Program EYOA 2026
In 2026, our European Youth Orchestra Academy will take place in Mannheim from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Arrival: September 3, 2026
Departure: September 13, 2026
Academy Contents:
# Daily section and full orchestra rehearsals
# Morning sports activities
# Shared meals
# Cultural excursions
# Cultural and political lectures, e.g., on music history and Europe
Festival Programm Bläserquintett
Conductor: Bernd Ballreich
Performance Venues:
# Mozart Hall – Schwetzingen Palace
# Kunsthalle – Mannheim
# Luisenpark – Mannheim
Conductor: Bernd Ballreich
Bernd Ballreich studied clarinet and saxophone with Professor Hans Pfeifer at the State University of Music in Mannheim. In 1993, he won the university competition and performed Wolfgang Hofmann’s Saxophone Concerto with the Kurpfälzisches Chamber Orchestra. As a member of the Wolf Kaiser Big Band, he performed across Europe at major dance events, including the German Open Championships, the World Dance Championship in Zurich, and the ARD Master Gala.
In addition to his full-time position as a clarinet and saxophone instructor at the Mannheim Municipal Music School, Bernd Ballreich is a welcomed guest in many of Germany’s cultural orchestras, including the National Theatre Orchestra Mannheim, the SWR Symphony Orchestra, and the Bamberg Symphony.
We Need the Following Instruments*
Bassoon
Horn
*The sheet music for each instrument for your audition can be found in the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Requirements & Tips for Your Application Video
To really get to know you and your musical skills, we need an application video from you. It should show us where you currently stand musically – and who you are.
The audition video is mandatory and should provide an authentic impression of you.
Once your video is complete, upload it as a YouTube link in your application form.
Here’s how to structure your video:
Introduce Yourself Briefly
Tell us in a few sentences who you are and why you want to participate in EYOA 2026.Perform Something for Us
First: the orchestral parts listed for your instrument under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Then: a piece of your choice from the classical repertoire – for example, a movement from a concerto, sonata, or suite in the classical style.
Tip: If the movement is too long, you may stop after the reprise.
No Stress with Accompaniment
Piano accompaniment is not required – you can record everything solo.Recording Rules
Please perform each piece and excerpt in a single take.
No cuts or edits!
If you record different sections separately, combine them into one video at the end.
Length & Format
Duration: minimum 10 minutes, maximum 15 minutes.
Format: YouTube link. (Important note: We only accept YouTube formats!)
The appropriate sheet music for your instrument can be found under the tab Sheet Music for Your Audition. Sheet Music for Your Audition.
Young People with Special Needs
Young musicians with disabilities who meet the usual application requirements and wish to register for the audition are welcome to join us.
Travel to Mannheim
Arrival by Plane / Train:
Please book your flight ticket including your train ride to Mannheim. We recommend Frankfurt International Airport. From there, you can reach the center of Mannheim (Main Station) directly and conveniently by train.
Arrival by Bus:
If you wish to arrive by bus, select Mannheim Bus Station (directly at the Main Station) as your destination.
We will pick you up after your arrival at Mannheim Main Station. Meeting point: Mannheim Main Station – Station Hall – Ticket Counter
For the sake of the environment, we recommend traveling by train or bus!
Travel Permission & Insurance
Please remember: You must insure your instrument yourself, cover all additional costs, and have international health insurance. Before your trip begins, please show us that your insurance is valid.
Photo & Media Rights
In addition to the application form, we also need your consent for photos, videos, or television recordings to be made during the academy.
By giving your consent, you grant us the right to publish the media as part of our project.
Your consent is a mandatory part of the application.
Contact for Local Rotary Club
Invited participants are asked to introduce themselves to the local Rotary Club in their home country. All contact information will be provided personally with your invitation letter to the academy in early 2026.
Contact for Questions
If you have any further questions or if anything is unclear, please contact:
Michel Maugé, EYOA
E: mauge@eyoa.de
T:: +49 (0)151 189 09 288
Bernd Ballreich. Clarinet, Saxophone.
Bernd Ballreich studied clarinet and saxophone with Professor Hans Pfeifer at the State University of Music in Mannheim. In 1993, he won the university competition and performed Wolfgang Hofmann’s Saxophone Concerto with the Kurpfälzisches Chamber Orchestra. As a member of the Wolf Kaiser Big Band, he performed across Europe at major dance events, including the German Open Championships, the World Dance Championship in Zurich, and the ARD Master Gala.
In addition to his full-time position as a clarinet and saxophone instructor at the Mannheim Municipal Music School, Bernd Ballreich is a welcomed guest in many of Germany’s cultural orchestras, including the National Theatre Orchestra Mannheim, the SWR Symphony Orchestra, and the Bamberg Symphony.
If you have any further questions or if anything is unclear, please contact:
Michel Maugé, EYOA
E: mauge@eyoa.de
T:: +49 (0)151 189 09 288
Application Form Alumni Wind Quintet 2026
The form guides you through your application in 5 steps:
1. Personal Information
2. Personal Details
3. Instrument & Education
4. Parent Contact
5. Data Protection & Uploads
Get ready – we look forward to your application!
