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The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO)

Since 1944 both the SSO and Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras have been woven into the fabric of our communities. Throughout the area we serve, the SSO strives to provide young musicians – and young listeners – with exposure to classical music and live performances that can educate and inspire.

The SSYOs are two merit-based orchestras sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, for talented young musicians (up to age 19) living in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. The SSYO will perform three Sunday afternoon concerts and two free concerts for young children. These events offer the perfect family-friendly way to introduce your children to the magic of live orchestral music. Additional opportunities such as sectionals with members of the SSO, an annual field trip, and our concerto competition provide an engaging musical environment for young musicians.

Auditions for both the Springfield Youth Sinfonia (an introductory orchestra that develops ensemble skills), and the Springfield Youth Orchestra (an advanced orchestra that cultivates standard orchestral repertoire) are held several times during the calendar year.

2019-2020 SSYO Season Continues Virtually

Though the season was suspended to the pandemic, the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras continue to meet virtually!

  • Students attend weekly events called “Live-Listen-INs”
  • Our conductors lead discussions and listening sessions on the groups’ repertoire
  • Other Listen-INs include special guests, music trivia, and student performances
  • Students also participate in online master classes, private lessons and music theory classes with members of the SSO, and SSYO staff.

Join the SSYO for the 2020-2021 Season!

Openings in both Ensembles! Scholarships available! Auditions for the 2020-21 Season will be BY VIDEO.

Click the button below to register and read how to make your video.

Click the screenshot above to watch SSO Education Director Kirsten Lipkens on WWLP’s Mass Appeal

Youth Orchestra Concerts

Come be inspired by these talented young musicians! Tickets are available at the door. For more information, by call 413.733.0636 Ext. 116.

Season Premiere
Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 3:00pm
Location TBA

Winter Concert
Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 3:00pm
Snow date: February 21, 2021
Springfield Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA

FREE Children’s Concert
FAMILY MUSICAL FIESTA 2021
Date TBA
2nd Floor of Tower Square,
by the YMCA, Springfield, MA

FREE Children’s Concert
HOOPS & HARMONY 2021
Date TBA
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Theater, Springfield, MA

Season Finale
Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 3:00pm
Springfield Symphony Hall
Springfield, MA

Benefits of Membership in the SSYO

  • PERFORM IN SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY HALL!
  • Great repertoire, fellowship with other talented musicians
  • Complimentary and discounted tickets to SSO concerts
  • Concerto Competitions, sectionals, masterclasses, and coaching

Rehearsals:
The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras rehearse most Sunday evenings during the school year at Holyoke Community College from 5:00-7:45pm. The fine arts building provides ample space for parents to sit and relax during rehearsals and there is plenty of parking.

Tuition:
Annual Tuition $475
Additional family member $450
Full and partial need-based scholarships available
Work study positions are available with 50% tuition scholarship

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