RSSoM Honors Program

The RSSoM Honors Program is a merit scholarship program designed to provide serious music students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for the successful pursuit of a college music career, and ultimately, a professional career in music, should they so choose.

This program began its pilot year with the 2021-22 season. It is entirely merit-based and eligibility and acceptance is assessed through the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra audition process and a 250-word application essay.

RSYO students selected for inclusion in the Honors Program will participate in a portfolio of activities designed to complement their experience as a member of RSYO, and to best prepare them to meet their career aspirations.

2023-24 RSSoM Honors Students receive - at no cost to the student/family - the following:

• Participation in Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) for the entire 2023-2024
  season.
• Participation in RSSoM Chamber Music ensemble for both Fall and Spring Semesters(pending sufficient instrumentation).
• Participation in RSSoM Music Theory class for both Fall and Spring semesters, unless the student's demonstrated knowledge of music theory qualifies the student to be exempt from this requirement (by examination and permission of the instructor).
• Attendance for a minimum of four (4) Richmond Symphony Symphony Series concerts during the 2023-24 season, and submitting a written report about each one to the program administrator.

Additionally, RSSoM Honors Program participants serve as ambassadors and student leaders for the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program at rehearsals, performances, classes, and beyond. This may also include occasional performances for community service or fundraising events, volunteering at community concerts, as well as assistance during YOP rehearsals over the course of the 2023-24 season. This requirement will not exceed a total of 20 community service hours.