Youth Orchestra Program
Percussion Ensemble
In Percussion Ensemble, students have the unique opportunity to focus on instrument-specific techniques and repertoire in addition to their full ensemble experience (YCO or RSYO). Students in Percussion Ensemble learn all orchestral percussion instruments, cultivating both leadership and teamwork.
2025-2026 Full Season Tuition: $670
Not sure which ensemble to visit? Learn more about the ensembles here. Or feel free to Email us at education@richmondsymphony.com.
About Percussion Ensemble
Justin Alexander
Justin Alexander currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. A dynamic and versatile percussionist, Justin has performed throughout the United States and the world, with performances in Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Costa Rica, and The Dominican Republic.
As a percussionist who started on the drum set, Justin’s creative work has revolved around this instrument. He has commissioned and performed new works for the instrument in concert and chamber music settings while also centering the drum set in his teaching curriculum. His early affinity for both popular and classical music has enabled him to move between genres and styles effortlessly, as evidenced in his recordings and performances with an eclectic range of musicians and ensembles, from sound artist Stephen Vitiello to the GRAMMY-nominated Richmond Symphony.
An Aspen Music Festival alum, Justin has performed with The Florida Orchestra, The Richmond Symphony, The Arkansas Symphony, and has held the role of Principal Percussionist with the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival since 2015.
Justin’s recent interests have explored the role of non-western percussion traditions in the percussion studio. He is currently studying Carnatic and Hindustani music with Erode Nagaraj and Shawn Mativetsky, respectively. His interest in and commitment to into an integrated approach to non-western traditions in the percussion studio has led to a presentation at the 2018 National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy as well as a co-authored article in Percussive Notes (2020).
As a member of the Percussive Arts Society, Justin has presented at PASIC 2014 and 2018, published articles in Percussive Notes, and currently serves on the PAS World Percussion Committee.
Justin holds the Doctor of Music Degree in Percussion Performance from The Florida State University. His primary teachers include Dr. John W. Parks IV, Dr. Blake Tyson, and Prof. Leon Anderson. He is proudly endorsed by Pearl / Adams Musical Instruments, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and mallets, Grover Pro Percussion, and Remo, Inc.
Director of Percussion Ensemble
Interested in auditioning for the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra? Click here to sign up for an audition.
Audition Requirements
YOP Audition FAQs
When will I receive my in-person audition time?
Students will receive their audition time via email by the end of May.Â
What ensemble should I/my student audition for?
Our youth orchestra ensembles are separated by skill level, not by age or grade, following the order below:
String Sinfonietta (no audition required)
Camerata Strings
Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO): rising 5th grade or higher
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO): rising 7th grade or higher
Percussion Ensemble requires an audition with the Director, Dr. Justin Alexander, who will also place students into either YCO or RSYO.
Please note that YCO and RSYO require age minimums, as detailed above.
Each ensemble requires different audition guidelines, which can be found under each ensemble’s page. We recommend that you/your student review these guidelines with their school music teacher or private instructor in order to select the appropriate level for you/your student.
Sinfonietta Strings, our entry level ensemble, does not require an audition.
Any additional questions about recommended ensemble levels can be directed to the YOP team:
What needs to be prepared for a YOP audition?
Students should come ready to perform Scales andddd Prepared Selections. Refer to each ensemble's guidelines for specific instructions on what should be prepared.
Are YOP Auditions blind?
YOP Auditions are not blind. Judges will be able to see the student throughout the audition and may ask questions and review selections during your audition.
What should I/my student wear to a YOP audition?
We encourage students to dress in whatever way feels comfortable and allows adequate movement so they can play their instrument well.
What skill level should prepared selections be for string auditions?
We do not require Suzuki specific repertoire, but we do recommend students use the following Suzuki Book Levels as guidelines for their Prepared Selections:
- Camerata Strings: Suzuki Book levels 2 - 4
- Youth Concert Orchestra: Suzuki Book levels 4 - 5+
- Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra: Suzuki Book levels 6+
For YCO and RSYO auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.
What skill level should prepared selections be for wind/brass/percussion auditions?
We do not require students to participate in regional auditions outside of the youth orchestra program, but we do recommend students use the following guidelines for their prepared selections:
- YCO - SRO audition etudes
- RSYO - All-state audition etudes
For YCO and RSYO wind and brass auditions, please visit each ensemble’s guidelines for further suggested instrument-specific repertoire to help guide your selections.
For percussion auditions, please contact Dr. Justin Alexander (jlaexander@vcu.edu) for specific repertoire questions.
What are the components of a YOP audition?
All students should come ready to perform Scales and Prepared Selections. Refer to each ensemble's guidelines for more specific instructions for audition preparation.
What should I/my student bring to Audition Day?
Students who are auditioning for the Youth Orchestra Program should bring the following:
- Instrument
- A music stand for the warm-up room (A music stand is provided in the audition room.)
- Three copies of your Prepared Selections (if applicable)
- A water bottle and tuner are optional, but always a good idea!
When will I/my student receive results?
Students should expect audition results in the two weeks after their audition.
What happens if I/my student is not accepted into the ensemble of their choice?
Our judges will work to place students in the ensemble that best fits their current skill set. Students who do not get accepted to their chosen ensemble may be offered a spot in another ensemble, and/or be placed on a waiting list.
Students on a waiting list will be notified of any changes before the start of the season if a spot in an ensemble opens up. Students must be enrolled in the ensemble they were placed in order to be eligible for the waiting list.
I/my student has a conflict with the current audition date. Can I still audition for the 2025-26 YOP season?
Students are welcome to submit a virtual audition for the 2025-2026 season. In order to be considered, virtual auditions must be submitted by June 1st.Â
When will registration for YOP open?
A link to YOP registration will be emailed to students and families when audition results are distributed.
Will there be other audition opportunities to join YOP for the 2025-26 season?
The Youth Orchestra Program holds additional mid-season auditions in November to fill any holes in our sections (typically woodwinds and brass). These auditions are only for students new to the program. We cannot guarantee your instrument will have an opening during these mid-season auditions, so we encourage students to audition during the June audition cycle. Current YOP students may only audition into a higher ensemble during June auditions.
YOP General FAQs
Parent Representatives
Parent Representatives are a vital ingredient for the success of YOP. Parent representatives are present at every rehearsal to assist with set-up and to supervise check-in and dismissal. Tuition assistance will be granted for one child per parent representative in YOP for the current year. Applications are reviewed at the beginning of each season.
Are students required to be in the school orchestra/band?
Yes! The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program is very proud to support music education at all levels, and our policy has always been that Youth Orchestra musicians must participate in their school’s band and/or orchestra program, if class instruction is offered for their instrument. A Teacher’s signature is required during the enrollment period.
Does the Youth Orchestra Program have age restrictions?
Some YOP ensembles do have age restrictions. All YOP students must be enrolled in Public, Private, or Home school. College students are not eligible to join YOP.
- String Sinfonietta: No age restriction.
- Camerata Strings: No age restriction. Students should have prior ensemble experience.
- Percussion Ensemble: Rising 5th grade or higher
- Youth Concert Orchestra: Rising 5th grade or higher.
- Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra: Rising 7th grade or higher
How many performances do the ensembles present each season?
String Sinfonietta, Camerata Strings, and Youth Concert Orchestra present two concerts each season.
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra presents three performances each season.
Most youth orchestra concerts take place in Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center. We also work to provide additional performance opportunities for all ensembles in the community throughout the season.
Is there any financial assistance available?
Yes! In an effort to ensure that participation in YOP is accessible to all students regardless of their ability to pay, we are proud to offer tuition assistance programs: Need-based Financial Aid, tuition assistance for Parent Representatives, and payment plans upon request.
Are students required to take private lessons?
Private lessons are not required, however they are strongly encouraged for all of our students to help advance their skills.