The Richmond Symphony’s flagship educational program, founded in 1962, consists of five youth orchestras providing beginning to advanced musical training. As the premier orchestral training program of central Virginia, students participate in weekly rehearsals, coaching and masterclasses by Richmond Symphony musicians, chamber music performances, mentoring and other musical and social activities. The Youth Orchestra Program is open to violin, viola, cello, bass, flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp and percussion students in elementary through high school.
YOP is able to support student participation by supplying carpool lists each season, offering financial assistance and providing large or uncommon instruments when needed.
Percussion
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.
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) offers a pre-college orchestra experience for the serious student musician.
Youth Concert Orchestra
Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO) is a full-orchestra experience (the first of its kind for many students in the group).
Camerata Strings
Camerata Strings is the intermediate-level string ensemble of the Youth Orchestra Program.
String Sinfonietta
String Sinfonietta is the entry-level string ensemble of the Youth Orchestra Program. Unlike the other ensembles in the YOP, there is no audition requirement for Sinfonietta.