Since 1944 both the SSO and Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras have been woven into the fabric of our communities. Throughout the Greater Springfield region we serve, the SSO strives to provide young musicians – and young listeners – with inspiring and educational live performances.
The SSYOs are three merit-based orchestras sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, for talented young musicians (through grade 12) living in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. The SSYO will perform three Sunday afternoon concerts during their performance season. 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, the Solo and Ensemble Festival, and our concerto competition provide an engaging musical environment for young musicians.
Auditions for the Springfield Youth Camerata (an introductory orchestra that develops ensemble skills), Springfield Youth Sinfonia (an intermediate orchestra for students of all ages), the Springfield Youth Orchestra (an advanced orchestra that cultivates standard orchestral repertoire) are accepted by video on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.
Join the SSYO for the 2026-2027 Season!
Auditions for the 2026-2027 Season will be BY VIDEO.
Click the button below to register and read how to make your video.
Online Registration & Audition Video InformationOnline Registration & Audition Video Information
Benefits of Membership in the SSYO
- Challenging and rewarding repertoire
- Side-by-side performance opportunities with the SSO
- Fellowship with other talented musicians
- Complimentary and discounted tickets to SSO concerts
- Sectionals
- Masterclasses and coaching
- Concerto Competitions
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals for SYC, SYS, and SYO are held on Sundays during the academic year (September-May) at Holyoke Community College. SYC begins at 3:30PM weekly, SYS and SYO begin at 5:00PM. Youth Orchestra concerts are held in November, February and May.
Tuition and Scholarship Information
Tuition for participation in SYS/SYO for the 2026-2027 season is $600, with a discounted sibling price of $570. Tuition for SYC is $500, with a discounted sibling price of $470. Partial and full need-based scholarships are available. Contact the Youth Orchestras Team for more information.
Paying Your Tuition: Tuition payments are handled through our ticketing service, AudienceView. After clicking the button below, select the ensemble that your musician will be participating in.
Pay your 2026-2027 Tuition
Youth Orchestra Concerts
The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras perform at least 4 times per year. Three of these concerts are full ticketed programs, with both orchestras performing symphonic repertoire in the spectacular Springfield Symphony Hall. These concerts are enjoyed by all ages, families, and members of the public that prefer Sunday matinee performances.
Extra concerts offer shorter programs and are scheduled in unique spaces around Springfield and across the region. These concerts, free to the public, highlight the SSYO’s chamber groups, or just one orchestra and are designed for a younger audience.
