Membership in the youth orchestras is by audition.  Entry is based solely on proficiency. 

Auditions for the 2010-2011 Season will be held on August 24, 2010 (and if seats become available during the season) by appointment for the following instruments:

Strings, Trombone, French Horn, Bassoon. 

Age limit:  19 by September 1, 2010.

Please contact Hillarie O'Toole ,
Youth Orchestras Manager
at 413-733-0636 ext. 19 or ssyo@SpringfieldSymphony.org
to request a brochure and application.
You may also open the application by clicking here, print it, and mail it to:
Hillarie O'Toole
Springfield Symphony Orchestra
1350 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Or fax your application to:
413-781-4129

Audition requirements are:

Springfield Youth Sinfonia (SYS)

~Two pieces, contrasting in style and tempo, demonstrating current level of development
~ Sight -reading
~ Major Scales: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb

Violins - 2 octave scales (all)

Violas - 2 octave scales for C, G, D, F, Eb; 1 octave scale for A &: Bb

Cellos - 2 octave scales for C, G, D, F, Eb;
1 octave scale for A &: Bb

Basses - 1 octave scales (all)

Winds - 2 octave major and 2 octave chromatic

Percussion - 1 octave scale. Must play a keyboard percussion instrument (i.e. bells, marimba, xylophone) and a membranophone (i.e. snare, bass, and/or timpani).           

Springfield Youth Orchestra (SYO)

~Two pieces, contrasting in style and tempo, demonstrating current level of development
~ Sight -reading
~ All Major Scales

Violins - 3 octave scales in triplets
Tempo MM quarter = 60
proficient in the upper register of the instrument

Violas - 3 octave scales in triplets
Tempo MM quarter = 60
proficient in the upper register of the instrument

Cellos - 3 octave scales in triplets.
Tempo MM quarter = 60
must know tenor clef and thumb position

Basses - 3 octave scales in triplets.
Tempo MM quarter = 60
must be able to do l/2 through 6th position

Winds- 2 or 3 octave scales, as appropriate to instrument range, and 2 octave chromatic.  Tempo MM quarter=60.

Percussion - 1 octave scale. Must play a keyboard percussion instrument (i.e. bells, marimba, xylophone) and a membranophone (i.e. snare, bass, and/or timpani).

For the SSYO Member
Policy Handbook
2010-2011, click here.

Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras

Orchestras ~

Founded in 1944, the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO) are two merit-based orchestral ensembles sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) for talented young musicians from over 40 area communities.
The Springfield Youth Sinfonia, an introductory orchestra, develops ensemble skills; the Springfield Youth Orchestra, an advanced orchestra, cultivates standard orchestral repertoire.

Conductors ~

Marsha Hassett, a music educator, cellist, and violin-maker, has been the conductor of the Springfield Youth Sinfonia since 1998.


Jonathan Lam, a violinist and private music teacher, has been the conductor of the Springfield Youth Orchestra since 2007.

Rehearsals ~

The youth orchestras rehearse on most Sunday evenings during the school year at Holyoke Community College. Through weekly rehearsals and their own private lessons, musicians master challenging orchestral repertoire.

Concerts ~

During the 2010-2011 Season, SSYO will perform in three concerts: Season Premiere in November, Winter Concert in February, and Season Finale in May.

SSYO Concert Ticket Information:  Tickets are $10 Adults /$5 Seniors (age 65 and up) & Youth (age 17 and under). *does not include special events.

Season Premiere:
Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 3:00pm - Belchertown High School

Click here for directions.

Winter Concert: 
Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 3:00pm - Chicopee Comprehensive High School

Click here for directions

Season Finale:
Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 3:00pm- Springfield Symphony Hall

Benefits of Membership in SSYO ~

Youth orchestra musicians and their families enjoy many benefits, such as:

• great repertoire
• fellowship with other talented young musicians
• complimentary tickets and discounted tickets to SSO concerts
• concerto competition
• educational retreats or trips
• sectionals/coaching sessions with members of the SSO
• master classes

Musicians' Responsibilities ~

In order to strive for and attain musical excellence in rehearsals and concerts, each musician is expected to:

• Take private weekly lessons
• Practice diligently
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality at rehearsal
• Commit to full season participation
• Participate in school music programs (where offered)
  

Fees/Tuition ~

Audition Fee - $25
Annual Registration Fee - $10
Annual Tuition - $285 for 1st family member
$185 for each additional member

SSYO Scholarships/Internships ~

Limited financial assistance is available through full or partial scholarships or Student Internships (stagehands and music librarians) which involve a stipend worth 50% of the tuition.

Looking for more information?
For more information or an audition appointment, call Hillarie O'Toole, Youth Orchestras Manager, at 413-733-0636, ext. 19 or by email Hillarie O'Toole

Official sponsor of the Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras

MassMutual Financial Group is the official season sponsor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.  The SSYO is funded in part by the Amherst Cultural Council, Belchertown Cultural Council, Deerfield Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.