Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

About OUr Programs

BSYO is dedicated to providing an enriched ensemble experience for a wide range of ages and skill levels, beginning with young developing students in elementary school and extending to advanced high school seniors preparing to pursue degrees in music. Our five orchestras include the String Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra and Youth Orchestra. All orchestras rehearse on Sunday afternoons at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall or Towson University’s Center for Fine Arts.

Regular Touring: BSYO tours regularly and is currently planning a Summer 2027 tour. Previous tours include Portugal (Lisbon Music Festival) and a 2023 European tour with performances in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

BSYO performing at the Lisbon Music Festival in July 2025

National Appearances: Featured performances at the 2025 MMEA Conference and the Opening Session of the 2026 League of American Orchestras National Conference.
Fellowship Chamber and Outreach Performances: Appearances at the Governor’s Mansion, Maryland State House, Baltimore Sun Hall of Fame, and community events throughout the greater Baltimore area.
Side-by-Side with the BSO: Annual performance opportunities alongside musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Jonathon Heyward.
Performances with Renowned Artists: Participation in previous BSO concerts featuring artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Colin Currie, Time for Three, Lang Lang, and more!

Listen to the BSYO performing on our YouTube Channel.

History

In 1977, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra clarinetist Chris Wolfe founded the Greater Baltimore Youth Orchestras (GBYO). Over the decades that followed, GBYO grew into a multi-ensemble organization providing advanced orchestral training for young musicians throughout the Baltimore region.  On September 1, 2012, GBYO transitioned underneath the umbrella of the BSO and was renamed the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras (BSYO). Carrying forward GBYO's 35-year legacy as an official program of the BSO, today, that legacy continues as BSYO welcomes a new generation of young musicians from across Maryland. 

Visit Our Alumni Page

Mission and goals

The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra program strives to create a supportive, inclusive, collaborative performance environment that enhances the musical, emotional and intellectual growth of our students. We perform standard orchestral repertoire as well as music by unrepresented and living composers, offering each student individualized attention and a supportive, inclusive, collaborative performance environment.

Ensembles

Youth Orchestra

The Youth Orchestra (YO) is the most advanced BSYO full orchestra. YO students are typically high school aged* and are dedicated to their instruments, receive private lessons, and participate in their school ensembles. The YO performs 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, including Fellowship Chamber Ensembles which receive performance opportunities throughout MD. The YO receives additional coaching from musicians of the Baltimore Symphony orchestra, as well as two Side-by-Side rehearsals with the BSO throughout the season. All orchestras rehearse on Sundays at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall or Towson University’s Center for Fine Arts.

*exceptional younger musicians will be considered at the discretion of the Artistic Director and with the endorsement of the student’s private teacher

Rehearsals for the Youth Orchestra (YO) take place on Sunday afternoons from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
Tuition for the Youth Orchestra (YO) is $1,020.
Financial assistance is available, and students interested in applying for aid will be prompted to submit a Financial Aid Application.

The Youth Orchestra is conducted by BSYO Principal Conductor Dr. Christopher Cicconi, Director of Bands at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

In 2027, YO students will have the opportunity to travel abroad on an international tour with BSYO.

Recent repertoire has included standard works such as Mahler’s 1st Symphony, Debussy’s La Mer, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and pieces by contemporary composers such as An-lun Huang’s Saibei Dances, Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral, Jonathan Leshnoff’s Dancing Blue Crabs, Omar Thomas’ Of Our New Day Begun, and premieres by James Lee III and other composers in residence at the BSO.

Listen to the Youth Orchestra performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade here!

Concert Orchestra

The Concert Orchestra (CO) is a full orchestra designed for intermediate/ advanced high school aged musicians*. The CO performs both original classic and contemporary works. Students in CO also participate in chamber music ensembles, and receive coaching by musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Students also receive the opportunity to perform in an annual concerto competition adjudicated by members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, with the winner receiving an opportunity to perform their concerto with the full orchestra. Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons.

*exceptional younger musicians will be considered at the discretion of the Artistic Director and with the endorsement of the student’s private teacher

Rehearsals for the Concert Orchestra (CO) take place on Sunday afternoons from 4:30pm - 7:00pm.
Tuition for the Concert Orchestra (CO) is $970.
Financial assistance is available, and students interested in applying for aid will be prompted to submit a Financial Aid Application.

The Concert Orchestra is conducted by James Woomert, Director of Orchestras at Marriotts Ridge High School. CO students will also participate in the 2027 BSYO Tour alongside YO students.

Recent repertoire has included standard works such as Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Borodin’s Symphony no. 2, Rachmaninov’s Symphony no. 2, Mussorgsky’s Night on the Bare Mountain, as well as pieces by contemporary composers such as Jordan Jinoskos’ Three Sketches of Unblemished Earth, Karel Butz’ Three Metallic Spires, Arturo Marquez’ Conga del Fuego Nuevo, John Williams’ Flying Theme from E.T., and J. Powell’s How to Train Your Dragon Medley. .

Listen to the Concert Orchestra performing John Williams’ Flying Theme from E.T. here!

Philharmonia Orchestra

The Philharmonia Orchestra (PO) is a full orchestra designed for developing/ intermediate middle and high school aged students. The Philharmonia Orchestra is often the first opportunity for young string players to participate in a full orchestra experience, and for young woodwind and brass instrumentalists to play in an orchestral rather than band setting. The PO performs original and arrangements of classical works as well as commissioned pieces by contemporary composers. PO students also receive opportunities to participate in chamber ensembles, an annual concerto competition, and sectionals led by members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. All orchestras rehearse on Sundays at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall or Towson University’s Center for Fine Arts.

Rehearsals for the Philharmonia Orchestra (PO) take place on Sunday afternoons from 1:15pm - 3:15pm.
Tuition for the Philharmonia Orchestra (PO) is $870.
Financial assistance is available, and students interested in applying for aid will be prompted to submit a Financial Aid Application.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is conducted by Liam Cunningham, String Ensembles Director with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra OrchKids program.

The Philharmonia Orchestra was founded in 2024 to allow BSYO to better serve developing young instrumentalists in Maryland! Highlights of their founding season include a performance of Brian Balmages’ Arabian Dances, conducted at their inaugural concert on November 17th, 2024 by the composer himself! At the final concert of their 2024-25 season, PO performed Mark Lortz’ Heart of Madness, inspired by Baltimore legend Edgar Allan Poe and arranged by the composer Mark Lortz especially for the Philharmonia Orchestra, and in the 25-26 Season performed music by Mozart, Newbold, and Borodin. Select students from the PO will also be participating in the 2027 BSYO Tour.

Listen to the Philharmonia Orchestra performing Bizet’s Farandole from Le’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 here!

Repertory Orchestra

The Repertory Orchestra (RO) is BSYO’s advanced string ensemble for talented string players. As the name suggests, the goal of the RO is to build upon existing technique and ensemble skills by studying, preserving, and growing the repertoire. This means that RO musicians will not only be exposed to classic, original works written expressly for a professional string orchestra, but they will also collaborate to bring modern and lesser-known works representing a wide variety of genres to the stage. The RO receives additional support and coaching from area professionals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the chamber music program and the annual RO concerto competition. All orchestras rehearse on Sundays at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall or Towson University’s Center for Fine Arts.

Rehearsals for the Repertory Orchestra (RO) take place on Sunday afternoons from 12:30pm – 2:30pm.
Tuition for the Repertory Orchestra (RO) is $770.
Financial assistance is available, and students interested in applying for aid will be prompted to submit a Financial Aid Application.

The Repertory Orchestra is led by Wesley Thompson, Howard County Public Schools Orchestra Director, and the Executive Director of Bass Works.

String Orchestra

The String Orchestra (SO) remains BSYO’s foundational ensemble for talented young string players. Through the performance of diverse repertoire selected to challenge and inspire students in new ways, being a member of the SO means focusing on teamwork, listening skills, and building the strong musicianship and technique that is needed for advanced orchestral playing. The SO receives additional support and coaching from area professionals. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the chamber music program and the annual SO concerto competition. All orchestras rehearse on Sundays at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall or Towson University’s Center for Fine Arts.

Rehearsals for the String Orchestra (SO) take place on Sunday afternoons from 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Tuition for the String Orchestra (SO) is $670.
Financial assistance is available, and students interested in applying for aid will be prompted to submit a Financial Aid Application.

The String Orchestra is led by Wesley Thompson, Howard County Public Schools Orchestra Director, and the Executive Director of Bass Works. Recent repertoire has included Brian Balmages’ Golden Gateway, Florence Price’s Adoration, Kirt Mosier’s Green Rhythmico, and Grieg’s Holberg Suite.

Check out the String Orchestra performing the Rondo from Kirt Mosier’s Green Rhythmico here!

Contact

Questions about BSYO? Email education@bsomusic.org.