Education & Community

Youth Orchestras

Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra
(Grade 9 and up in Fall 2010, NYSSMA Level 5 or higher)

Founded in 1970, the Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra draws its membership from over 25 Central New York School Districts. The musicians are selected through an audition process and rehearse on Sunday afternoons during the academic year.

The orchestra performs works from the orchestral repertoire as well as modern works by American composers. SSYO members participate in sectional rehearsals coached by members of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the SSYO's parent organization. They also perform in a joint Side-By-Side concert with the SSO each March, and occasionally rehearse under the baton of SSO conductors. These talented young musicians continue a long tradition of musical and artistic excellence that is a hallmark of the Central New York community.

Mission: The purpose of the SSYO is to provide outstanding Central New York secondary school musicians in grades 9-12 with the opportunity to rehearse and perform orchestral literature in a highly professional environment.


Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra
(Grade 6 and up in Fall 2010, NYSSMA Level 3 or higher)

Founded in 1995, the Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra provides an opportunity for area string players to gain experience in orchestral playing and explore the string orchestra literature. The musicians are selected through an audition process held in June, and rehearse on Sunday afternoons from September to November and March to May. In 2001, due to the large number of very talented students within the SSYSO, a Chamber Ensemble was formed to provide a more challenging performance opportunity for these outstanding young musicians.

Mission: The purpose of the Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra is to provide outstanding Central New York string players with the opportunity to rehearse and perform string orchestra repertoire and enhance their ensemble skills.


Syracuse Symphony Youth String Chamber Orchestra
(Grade 6 and up in Fall 2010, NYSSMA level 4 or higher)

This group offers the more experienced members of the String Orchestra an opportunity to explore some of the more challenging string literature. In addition to performing as members of the String Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra rehearses during the Winter Cycle and performs on the Winter Concert.