Membership in the youth orchestras is by audition on May 30 and 31, 2008 or when seats are vacant. Entry is based solely on proficiency and not age.

Please contact Renato Wendel,
Youth Orchestras Manager
at 413-733-0636 ext. 19 or rwendel@SpringfieldSymphony.org
to request a brochure and application.
You may also open the application by clicking here, print it, and mail it to:
Renato Wendel
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 (in triplets).
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).

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 2008-2009 season, SSYO will perform in three concerts: Season Premiere in November: Winter Concert in February: and Season Finale in May.

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
• guest conducting by the SSO Maestro Kevin Rhodes
• 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 rehearsals
• Commit to full season participation

Fees/Tuition ~

Audition Fee - $25
Annual Registration Fee - $10
Annual Tuition - $275 for 1st family member
$175 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 Renato Wendel, Youth Orchestras Manager, at 413-733-0636, ext. 19 or by email Renato Wendel

2007 -2008 Concerts -

Season Premiere
Sunday, November 18, 2007 3:00 PM Belchertown High School

Barnes & Noble Fundraiser
Saturday, December 1, 2007  11:00 – 4:00 Barnes and Noble Bookseller, Holyoke

Valentines/Winter Concert
Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:00 PM Location: T.B.A.

Music For Peace
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 7pm at
The Academy of Music, Northampton, MA

Season Finale
Sunday, May 18, 2008 3:00 PM Springfield Symphony Hall

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