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:
education@richmondsymphony.com.