Akron Youth Orchestras
ABOUT THE AKRON YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Akron Youth Symphony is one of the finest youth orchestras in Ohio and is the flagship ensemble of the Akron Youth Orchestra program. The Akron Youth Symphony provides an outstanding pre-professional educational experience for advanced music students.
The Youth Symphony is geared toward high school students, but is open to all qualified middle and high school students. Members generally range from ages 13 to 18 and represent numerous schools, cities and counties in Northeastern Ohio. Musicians include homeschooled students, as well as those who attend public, private and parochial schools. All members participate in their respective school ensembles, and also take private music instruction.
Musicians rehearse weekly under professional direction and receive regular coaching from Akron Symphony Orchestra musicians. Youth Symphony members also may have other opportunities available to them, including the annual concerto competition, chamber music groups and master classes.
The Akron Youth Symphony gives back to the community by performing at special events and mentoring our sister organization, Akron Youth Philharmonic, in Side-By-Side concerts. The most valuable part of the experience is the process of high-caliber concerts in a supportive and energized environment.
2022-23 SEASON INFORMATION
AYS musicians will gather weekly to participate in large ensemble rehearsals, smaller sectionals, and instrument-specific workshops. Guest artists may also present master classes, facilitate small chamber groups, or share other topics of interest.
The AYS will have the opportunity to work with Akron Symphony Orchestra professional musicians in coaching sessions, and there will be additional interactions with the ASO musicians throughout the season.
The season runs from September to May, with most rehearsals on Sunday afternoons. The Akron Youth Symphony performs at least four full concerts each season, in addition to participating in other special events. All performances are at 3 pm, unless otherwise specified.
- Akron Youth Symphony Fall Concert – November 20, 2022
Buchtel High School, 1440 Copley Road, Akron - Akron Youth Orchestra Winter Concert – January 22, 2023
Tallmadge High School, 140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge - Akron Youth Orchestra Side-by-Side Concert – March 19, 2023
E. J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill Street, Akron - Akron Youth Symphony Spring Concert – May 7, 2023
Tallmadge High School, 140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge
Season tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the Akron Symphony office until November 20. Individual tickets are also available for purchase and ticket sales will be at the door prior to each concert. Visit the events page for more info.
2023-2024 AKRON YOUTH SYMPHONY SEASON
The Akron Youth Symphony (AYS) is under the direction of Maestro Eric Benjamin. The 2023-2024 season begins in September and AYS musicians will gather weekly through the final concert in May, and participate in large ensemble rehearsals, smaller sectionals, and instrument-specific workshops.
The AYS will have the opportunity to work with Akron Symphony Orchestra professional musicians, including coaching sessions and other interactions with the ASO musicians throughout the season. Visiting guest artists may also present master classes, facilitate small chamber groups, or share other topics of interest with the Akron Youth Symphony.
AUDITIONS
Auditions are open to all middle school and high school instrumental musicians who play one of the instruments listed below, study privately, actively participate in their school music program, and can commit to the rehearsal and concert schedule.
Students who are homeschooled or attend a school that does not have a music program available to them may be exempt from the School Participation policy.
All auditions are live, in-person, and heard by the AYS Music Director Eric Benjamin.
Auditions will be held at various times and locations to accommodate different schedules. Once the audition application and fee have been submitted and processed, applicants will receive an email with a link to sign up for their preferred audition time.
Please note: These auditions are for the Akron Youth Symphony only. Students not accepted into AYS are eligible to audition in September of 2023 for the Akron Youth
Philharmonic (AYP) at no additional cost.
DATES AND TIMES
| DAYS | DATES | TIMES | LOCATIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | May 15 | Wednesday | The Bath Church, Akron |
| Tuesday | May 16 | 3:30-7pm | The Bath Church, Akron |
| Wednesday | May 17 | 3:30-7pm | Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron |
| Saturday | May 20 | 10am-2pm | Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron |
*For all players, please prepare major and minor scales from C Major/a Minor through three flats and three sharps.
Please note that audition excerpts have been updated for violin, cello, oboe, clarinet and piano. Applicants who have prepared the previous excerpts should simply let the staff know when arriving for the auditions.
- Strings: violin, viola, cello, bass
- Woodwinds: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
- Brass: French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
- Percussion: snare drum, mallets, timpani
- Others: harp, piano
In addition:
- Written recommendations from your current private teacher and current school music director are not required but are encouraged with the application of a new member. (No resumes or recommendations from family members, please).
- A non-refundable $25 audition fee must be submitted with the audition application.
- Auditions are private and not open to the public.
- No accompaniment, please.
- Copies of orchestral excerpts are available for your use. It is strongly recommended that you listen to recordings of the orchestral works while preparing the excerpts.
- Students not accepted to AYS may audition for the Akron Youth Philharmonic in September.
Once the audition application and fee are received, applicants will receive an email with further information about audition times and dates.
Application form, the $25 non-refundable application fee and the optional written recommendations are due before your audition will be scheduled. Please fill out the application and pay online (a handling fee applies) by following this link.
If you have questions about the Akron Youth Symphony or the audition process, please email Orzella Matherson or Sharon Smith at the Akron Symphony Office.
Click here for a video interview about the audition process.