Educational Highlights from Our 2024–25 Season

Youth Community Strings and Youth Concert Orchestra perform side-by-side in the second of two end-of-year Youth Orchestra Program concerts on Monday, May 19, 2025, led by conductor Dr. Sandy Goldie and lead teacher Caitlin Barry. The combined group performed Boil Them Cabbage Down Now and Salsa de Verano. Photo by Demetrius Holloway Photography.

Thank you to all those who joined us for an amazing 2024–25 season! From our Youth Orchestra Program to Youth Community Strings, our Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts, and more, we were honored to make music with over 18,000 students throughout the central Virginia region. Some of our favorite memories included another year of our Future Music Educators Symposium, guest taught by university professor and music education influencer Angela Ammerman; a memorable holiday performance by Youth Community Strings at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, Creighton campus, for over three thousand guests; an amazing showcase featuring works written by the students in our Young Composers Seminar, our first Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra and Richmond Symphony side-by-side concert since February 2020, and more.

We’re excited to kick off our 2025–26 season this August! Read on for your sneak peek at our next season.

Posted in Youth Orchestra Program

Your Sneak Peek at Our 2025–26 Season

Celebrate July 4th with the Richmond Symphony and Henrico Recreation & Parks at Red, White, & Lights!

Youth Community Strings students celebrate Valentine’s Day by making music in their community

Hae Lee conducts the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra string orchestra

Upcoming concert features RSYO and Percussion Ensemble

Registration open for Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concert Series

richmondsymphonysom

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Your community music school 🎶 @rvasymphony

Support the future of the performing arts in Richmond by purchasing an ad in our 2025–26 season Youth Orchestra Program playbill! Professionally printed and shared with patrons at our four Youth Orchestra concerts this season, playbill advertisements reach an audience of over two thousand and are a great way to promote your business or company—all while supporting nearly 200 aspiring musicians in their artistic journey. Audiences include youth musicians and their families, music teachers, and other members of the Richmond performing arts community.

Ad placements start at just $150 and all ad requests are due by Wednesday, October 1 at 5:00 pm. To inquire, email Marcey W. Leonard, Community Engagement Manager, at mleonard@richmondsymphony.com. A detailed list of ad specifications can be found at the link in our bio (linktr.ee/rssom).

@rvasymphony #RVA #RichmondVA #RVAbusiness #Richmond #CentralVirginia #VABusiness

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Support the future of the performing arts in Richmond by purchasing an ad in our 2025–26 season Youth Orchestra Program playbill! Professionally printed and shared with patrons at our four Youth Orchestra concerts this season, playbill advertisements reach an audience of over two thousand and are a great way to promote your business or company—all while supporting nearly 200 aspiring musicians in their artistic journey. Audiences include youth musicians and their families, music teachers, and other members of the Richmond performing arts community.

Ad placements start at just $150 and all ad requests are due by Wednesday, October 1 at 5:00 pm. To inquire, email Marcey W. Leonard, Community Engagement Manager, at mleonard@richmondsymphony.com. A detailed list of ad specifications can be found at the link in our bio (linktr.ee/rssom).

@rvasymphony #RVA #RichmondVA #RVAbusiness #Richmond #CentralVirginia #VABusiness

The 2025–26 season brings something exciting: Your chance to shape the brand of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program as a member of our brand-new YOP Social Media Team!🤩

YCO and RSYO students, this is your last chance to apply for this season’s Social Media Team! The application closes tomorrow on Wednesday, September 3 at 5:00 pm. Students will learn how to identify trends, write copy, and shoot content while working alongside Anna Mitchell, Education & Social Media Coordinator. This opportunity is open to YCO and RSYO students ages 15+.

For more information and the link to apply, visit the link in our bio or review the email sent last week. We look forward to reviewing your application soon! 💫

@rvasymphony #YouthOrchestra #Richmond #MusicEducation #MusicEd #RVA

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The final featured student in this year’s YOP Summer Spotlight is RSYO violinist Katelyn, who participated in the highly selective Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts! 🎻☀️

This summer at Radford University, “I made new friends from around Virginia while exploring different genres of music and playing chamber music for the first time,” says Katelyn. “I had an amazing time playing with other students in a quintet, string orchestra, and a full symphony orchestra.”

Way to represent, Katelyn! We are so proud of you and can’t wait for an another amazing year with you in RSYO! 🎉

@rvasymphony @rucvpa #SummerResidentialGovernorsSchool #Orchestra #Violin #MusicEducation #YouthOrchestra

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The final featured student in this year’s YOP Summer Spotlight is RSYO violinist Katelyn, who participated in the highly selective Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts! 🎻☀️

This summer at Radford University, “I made new friends from around Virginia while exploring different genres of music and playing chamber music for the first time,” says Katelyn. “I had an amazing time playing with other students in a quintet, string orchestra, and a full symphony orchestra.”

Way to represent, Katelyn! We are so proud of you and can’t wait for an another amazing year with you in RSYO! 🎉

@rvasymphony @rucvpa #SummerResidentialGovernorsSchool #Orchestra #Violin #MusicEducation #YouthOrchestra

It’s the start of a new season—and YCO and RSYO are jumping right in with repertoire by Bach, Mozart, and more! 🎶

This week we held our first rehearsals of the year for two of our Youth Orchestra ensembles: YCO and RSYO. Our three remaining ensembles, Sinfonietta, Camerata, and Percussion Ensemble, will begin rehearsals in the coming weeks.

Mark your calendar now—all five YOP ensembles will perform in concert on Sunday, November 9 at 6:30 pm in the Carpenter Theatre! 🎻🎺🥁

@rvasymphony #YouthOrchestra #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #PerformingArts #ClassicalMusic

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It’s the start of a new season—and YCO and RSYO are jumping right in with repertoire by Bach, Mozart, and more! 🎶

This week we held our first rehearsals of the year for two of our Youth Orchestra ensembles: YCO and RSYO. Our three remaining ensembles, Sinfonietta, Camerata, and Percussion Ensemble, will begin rehearsals in the coming weeks.

Mark your calendar now—all five YOP ensembles will perform in concert on Sunday, November 9 at 6:30 pm in the Carpenter Theatre! 🎻🎺🥁

@rvasymphony #YouthOrchestra #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #PerformingArts #ClassicalMusic

Welcome back for the Richmond Symphony School of Music’s 2025–26 season! 🎻🎺🥁

We kicked the season off today with Youth Concert Orchestra’s first rehearsals of the season. The coming months will bring the start of our remaining Youth Orchestra ensembles, two sets of Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts, another year of the Future Music Educators Symposium, and more. Here’s to another season of making, exploring, and celebrating music together in our very own Richmond, Virginia! 🎉🎶

@rvasymphony #RVA #YouthOrchestraProgram #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #PerformingArts #RVAFamilies

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Welcome back for the Richmond Symphony School of Music’s 2025–26 season! 🎻🎺🥁

We kicked the season off today with Youth Concert Orchestra’s first rehearsals of the season. The coming months will bring the start of our remaining Youth Orchestra ensembles, two sets of Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts, another year of the Future Music Educators Symposium, and more. Here’s to another season of making, exploring, and celebrating music together in our very own Richmond, Virginia! 🎉🎶

@rvasymphony #RVA #YouthOrchestraProgram #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #PerformingArts #RVAFamilies

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@rvasymphony #HardLaunch #YouthOrchestra #OrchestraMemes #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation

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@rvasymphony #HardLaunch #YouthOrchestra #OrchestraMemes #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation

Next up in this year’s YOP Summer Spotlight is RSYO violinist Samantha, who was selected to perform with NYO2, a free and highly competitive orchestra program comprised of some of the top American musicians ages 14 through 16! 🎻🌟

This year, NYO2 performed at Carnegie Hall and as a resident orchestra at Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland. Selected works included Prokoviev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, featuring world-renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein. In the cover photo, Samantha is pictured with NYO2 2025 conductor Rafael Payare, Music Director of the @sandiegosymphony. Congratulations, Samantha—we are so proud to have you represent YOP and Richmond on an international level! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎶🛩️

YOP students, are you interested in being featured on our social media? Visit the link in our bio and tell us all about how you’ve been making music this summer! This opportunity is open to both current YOP students and 2025 graduates.

@rvasymphony @nyo.usa @carnegiehall #YouthOrchestraProgram #NYO2 #NationalYouthOrchestra #Prokofiev #Shostakovich

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Next up in this year’s YOP Summer Spotlight is RSYO violinist Samantha, who was selected to perform with NYO2, a free and highly competitive orchestra program comprised of some of the top American musicians ages 14 through 16! 🎻🌟

This year, NYO2 performed at Carnegie Hall and as a resident orchestra at Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland. Selected works included Prokoviev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, featuring world-renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein. In the cover photo, Samantha is pictured with NYO2 2025 conductor Rafael Payare, Music Director of the @sandiegosymphony. Congratulations, Samantha—we are so proud to have you represent YOP and Richmond on an international level! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎶🛩️

YOP students, are you interested in being featured on our social media? Visit the link in our bio and tell us all about how you’ve been making music this summer! This opportunity is open to both current YOP students and 2025 graduates.

@rvasymphony @nyo.usa @carnegiehall #YouthOrchestraProgram #NYO2 #NationalYouthOrchestra #Prokofiev #Shostakovich

Plan ahead now for the most exciting field trip of the school year 🎶🔬🦢 We’re pleased to announce that registration for this year’s Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts is now open!

Held during the school day, Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts engage young minds through exciting full orchestra performances that correlate with Virginia Standards of Learning. Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts are open to public, private, and homeschool groups. This year’s performances will be The Science of Sound (October 29 and 30, grades 3–8) and Carnival of the Animals (February 18 and 19, grades pre-K–3).

To learn more and register your school group, visit the link in our bio.

@rvasymphony @hae.conductor #Symphony #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #RVAThingsToDo #Homeschool #HomeschoolRVA #RVASchools #FieldTrip

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Plan ahead now for the most exciting field trip of the school year 🎶🔬🦢 We’re pleased to announce that registration for this year’s Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts is now open!

Held during the school day, Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts engage young minds through exciting full orchestra performances that correlate with Virginia Standards of Learning. Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concerts are open to public, private, and homeschool groups. This year’s performances will be The Science of Sound (October 29 and 30, grades 3–8) and Carnival of the Animals (February 18 and 19, grades pre-K–3).

To learn more and register your school group, visit the link in our bio.

@rvasymphony @hae.conductor #Symphony #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #RVAThingsToDo #Homeschool #HomeschoolRVA #RVASchools #FieldTrip

Calling all violins, violas, cellos, and double basses! Registration for String Sinfonietta is now open! 📣🎻🎉

Sinfonietta is the entry-level ensemble in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and membership is open to any young violinist, violist, cellist, or double bassist ages 8 and up who has been playing their instrument for at least one year. Seats are currently available in all sections; we especially encourage young violists to apply.

In Sinfonietta, students learn the basics of playing in an orchestra while developing skills already learned on their instrument. Sinfonietta is conducted by Matt Wilson, music educator in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

To register, visit the link in our bio and fill out the Sinfonietta interest form. A Richmond Symphony staff member will be in touch with registration information shortly. Registration is open until all sections are filled, so we encourage interested students to complete the interest form as soon as possible. No auditions are required to join Sinfonietta.

Photos from the 2024–25 season by James H Loving Photography (@jamesloving).

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #StringSinfonietta #Violin #Viola #Cello #DoubleBass #Orchestra #MusicEd #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #ClassicalMusic

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Calling all violins, violas, cellos, and double basses! Registration for String Sinfonietta is now open! 📣🎻🎉

Sinfonietta is the entry-level ensemble in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and membership is open to any young violinist, violist, cellist, or double bassist ages 8 and up who has been playing their instrument for at least one year. Seats are currently available in all sections; we especially encourage young violists to apply.

In Sinfonietta, students learn the basics of playing in an orchestra while developing skills already learned on their instrument. Sinfonietta is conducted by Matt Wilson, music educator in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

To register, visit the link in our bio and fill out the Sinfonietta interest form. A Richmond Symphony staff member will be in touch with registration information shortly. Registration is open until all sections are filled, so we encourage interested students to complete the interest form as soon as possible. No auditions are required to join Sinfonietta.

Photos from the 2024–25 season by James H Loving Photography (@jamesloving).

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #StringSinfonietta #Violin #Viola #Cello #DoubleBass #Orchestra #MusicEd #MusicEducation #RVAFamilies #ClassicalMusic

It may be summer break for the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program—but our students have fun making music all year long! Swipe to hear about RSYO harp and 2025 graduate Sylvie’s summer adventures with @greenspringmusic. ☀️🎶

“I attended the Maryland Summer Harp Institute, which included young harpists from across the country,” says Sylvie. “For one week, we took masterclasses, collaborated on new pieces, and performed concerts in Frederick County, Maryland. I got to study with the former royal harpist for the Prince of Wales’s Court and the current principal harpist for the US Marine Band (America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization!).”

YOP students, are you interested in being featured on our social media? Visit the link in our bio and tell us all about how you’ve been making music this summer! This opportunity is open to both current YOP students and 2025 graduates.

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #RichmondSymphonyYouthOrchestraProgram #YouthOrchestraProgram #Harp #Harpist #GreenspringMusic #RVA #RichmondVA

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It may be summer break for the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program—but our students have fun making music all year long! Swipe to hear about RSYO harp and 2025 graduate Sylvie’s summer adventures with @greenspringmusic. ☀️🎶

“I attended the Maryland Summer Harp Institute, which included young harpists from across the country,” says Sylvie. “For one week, we took masterclasses, collaborated on new pieces, and performed concerts in Frederick County, Maryland. I got to study with the former royal harpist for the Prince of Wales’s Court and the current principal harpist for the US Marine Band (America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization!).”

YOP students, are you interested in being featured on our social media? Visit the link in our bio and tell us all about how you’ve been making music this summer! This opportunity is open to both current YOP students and 2025 graduates.

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #RichmondSymphonyYouthOrchestraProgram #YouthOrchestraProgram #Harp #Harpist #GreenspringMusic #RVA #RichmondVA

Happy 804 Day from the Richmond Symphony School of Music! Whether we’re presenting a community concert under the Big Tent or performing in elementary schools across central Virginia, we’re grateful to be a part of Richmond’s vibrant and ever-growing arts community! Swipe to see some of our favorite moments across RVA from the past few years 🎶 #804Day

1. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
2. Discovery Concert 2024 @dominionenergycenter
3. Educational Ensembles 2024 @henricocountyschools
4. YOP concert 2024 @vcuartsmusic
5. Instrument petting zoo at Mile of Music 2025 @maymont_rva
6. Pocahontas State Park 2024 @chesterfieldvaparksrec
7. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
8. Instrument petting zoo at Red, White, and Lights 2025 @henricorecparks
9. Future Music Educators Symposium 2024 @vcuartsmusic
10. YOP concert at Carpenter Theatre @dominionenergycenter
11. Tabling at All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra 2025 @virginiamusiceducators
12. Discovery Concert 2024 @dominionenergycenter
13. VMEA 2024 @virginiamusiceducators
14. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
15. Big Tent 2024 at Crump Park @henricorecparks

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #RVA #804 #RichmondVA #Virginia #RVAFamilies #RVAThingsToDo

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Happy 804 Day from the Richmond Symphony School of Music! Whether we’re presenting a community concert under the Big Tent or performing in elementary schools across central Virginia, we’re grateful to be a part of Richmond’s vibrant and ever-growing arts community! Swipe to see some of our favorite moments across RVA from the past few years 🎶 #804Day

1. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
2. Discovery Concert 2024 @dominionenergycenter
3. Educational Ensembles 2024 @henricocountyschools
4. YOP concert 2024 @vcuartsmusic
5. Instrument petting zoo at Mile of Music 2025 @maymont_rva
6. Pocahontas State Park 2024 @chesterfieldvaparksrec
7. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
8. Instrument petting zoo at Red, White, and Lights 2025 @henricorecparks
9. Future Music Educators Symposium 2024 @vcuartsmusic
10. YOP concert at Carpenter Theatre @dominionenergycenter
11. Tabling at All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra 2025 @virginiamusiceducators
12. Discovery Concert 2024 @dominionenergycenter
13. VMEA 2024 @virginiamusiceducators
14. Big Tent 2025 at Chimborazo Park @rvagov
15. Big Tent 2024 at Crump Park @henricorecparks

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #RVA #804 #RichmondVA #Virginia #RVAFamilies #RVAThingsToDo

Registration for String Sinfonietta is now open! 📣🎻 Sinfonietta is the entry-level ensemble in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and membership is open to any young violinist, violist, cellist, or double bassist ages 8 and up who has been playing their instrument for at least one year. Seats are currently available in all sections; we especially encourage young violists to apply.

In Sinfonietta, students learn the basics of playing in an orchestra while developing skills already learned on their instrument. Sinfonietta is conducted by Matt Wilson, music educator in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

To register, visit the link in our bio and fill out the Sinfonietta interest form. A Richmond Symphony staff member will be in touch with registration information shortly. Registration is open until all sections are filled, so we encourage interested students to complete the interest form as soon as possible. No auditions are required to join Sinfonietta.

Photos by Demetrius Holloway Photography (@whoisholloway).

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #StringSinfonietta #Violin #Viola #Cello #DoubleBass #Orchestra #MusicEd #RVAFamilies #ClassicalMusic

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Registration for String Sinfonietta is now open! 📣🎻 Sinfonietta is the entry-level ensemble in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and membership is open to any young violinist, violist, cellist, or double bassist ages 8 and up who has been playing their instrument for at least one year. Seats are currently available in all sections; we especially encourage young violists to apply.

In Sinfonietta, students learn the basics of playing in an orchestra while developing skills already learned on their instrument. Sinfonietta is conducted by Matt Wilson, music educator in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

To register, visit the link in our bio and fill out the Sinfonietta interest form. A Richmond Symphony staff member will be in touch with registration information shortly. Registration is open until all sections are filled, so we encourage interested students to complete the interest form as soon as possible. No auditions are required to join Sinfonietta.

Photos by Demetrius Holloway Photography (@whoisholloway).

@rvasymphony #RichmondSymphony #StringSinfonietta #Violin #Viola #Cello #DoubleBass #Orchestra #MusicEd #RVAFamilies #ClassicalMusic

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Educational Highlights from Our 2024–25 Season

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Registration for String Sinfonietta Open Today!

Your Sneak Peek at Our 2025–26 Season

Celebrate July 4th with the Richmond Symphony and Henrico Recreation & Parks at Red, White, & Lights!

Youth Community Strings students celebrate Valentine’s Day by making music in their community

Upcoming concert features RSYO and Percussion Ensemble

Registration open for Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concert Series

richmondsymphonysom

Educational Highlights from Our 2024–25 Season

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Registration for String Sinfonietta Open Today!

Your Sneak Peek at Our 2025–26 Season

Celebrate July 4th with the Richmond Symphony and Henrico Recreation & Parks at Red, White, & Lights!

Youth Community Strings students celebrate Valentine’s Day by making music in their community

Upcoming concert features RSYO and Percussion Ensemble

Registration open for Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery Concert Series

richmondsymphonysom

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