Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras

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The BSYO is comprised of three ensembles tailored to specific age groups and skill levels, offering each student individualized attention and a supportive, inclusive, collaborative performance environment. Ensembles include:

  • Pre-professional, full orchestra for students grades 9-12 (*exceptional younger musicians will be considered at the discretion of the Artistic Director and with the endorsement of the student’s private teacher)
  • Performs standard orchestral repertoire as well as music by unrepresented and living composers
  • Led by BSYO Artistic Director, Jonathan Rush – beginning 21-22 season!

The YO is the most advanced orchestra of BSYO. It provides the most talented and dedicated students the opportunity to perform symphonic masterworks as well as exciting new repertoire by living composers. In addition to the regular concert season, students may participate in the annual concerto competition and regular chamber music opportunities. The YO is conducted by Jonathan Rush and receives additional coaching from musicians of the BSO, as well as occasional guest conductors. Rehearsals are on Sundays and membership is by audition.

Auditions

Audition Process

Auditions for the 23-24 BSYO season will be conducted by video submission only. BSYO will not be holding live auditions.

    • Excerpts will be available on March 15
    • Video Audition materials must be submitted before 11:59 pm on Friday May 26th

Results will be announced late June-early July

  • Instructions on how to submit your video can be found HERE
  • Current and students new to the program should complete the audition application
Submit Auditions Recordings Here

BSYO Audition Requirements

Acceptance into BSYO is by audition. Auditions for all three orchestras will include the following:

  • Solo work of the student’s choice (please limit to about 2-5 minutes, WITHOUT accompaniment)
  • Required orchestral excerpts, provided by BSYO
  • Please record in the printed order

Percussion Requirements*

Youth Orchestra (YO)

  • Mallet solo
  • Required orchestral excerpts, provided by BSYO
  • Please record in the printed order

Concert Orchestra (CO)

  • Mallet solo
  • Snare solo
  • Required orchestral excerpts, provided by BSYO
  • Please record in the printed order

*If you have an extenuating circumstance (e.g. you do not have access to your instrument or equipment to make a video), please email sanderson@bsomusic.org

BSYO Fees
Audition fee - $50 if you are new to the BSYO program.
(if any of the audition fees are a hardship, please contact sanderson@bsomusic.org for financial assistance)

Yearly Tuition:
String Orchestra - $500
Concert Orchestra (intermediate) - $850
Youth Orchestra (advanced) - $900

Financial Assistance is available for students who qualify based on need.

Additionally, the Marin Alsop Fellowship, made possible by the Baltimore Symphony Associates, will support young musicians from under-resourced communities in their musical studies by providing full scholarship BSYO tuition and a cash award of $300-500 for supporting expenses such as instrument lessons, rentals, music, and other musical needs. The intention is to support the participation of students of color (BIPOC) from under-resourced communities in the BSYO. The fellowship will be available annually to one or more students who qualify.