2024 - 25 YOP Season audition sign ups are open!

Auditions for the 2024-2025 Youth Orchestra season will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

Sign-ups and updated Audition Packets are posted on each ensembles' page. Auditions will be held at Virginia Commonwealth University at the James W. Black Music Center (1015 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA 23284)

RICHMOND SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA PROGRAM (RSYOP)

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.

Ensembles

Sinfonietta Ensemble Photo

String Sinfonietta

In this ensemble, students learn the basics of playing in an orchestra. 

Camerata Ensemble Photo

Camerata Strings

The intermediate-level string ensemble of the Youth Orchestra Program

RVA Symphony Youth playing instruments

Youth Concert Orchestra

A full-orchestra experience (the first of its kind for many students in the group)

youth-orchestra-violinist

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra

A pre-college orchestra experience for the serious student musician

Percussion Ensemble Photo

Percussion

Dynamic Orchestral Training Program in Central Virginia

youth-orchestra
Join RSYOP! Virtual Auditions June 15 & June 22