Akron Youth Symphony
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.
The Akron Youth Symphony is under the direction of Eric Benjamin, Associate Conductor of the Akron Symphony Orchestra.
2024-25 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, 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.
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.
- Akron Youth Symphony Fall Concert on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Barberton High School at 3:00 P.M.
- Akron Youth Orchestras’ Winter Concert TBA
- Akron Youth Orchestras’ Side-By-Side Concert on Saturday, March 16, 2025 at E.J. Thomas Hall at 3:00 P.M.
- Akron Youth Symphony Spring Concert on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Garfield High School at 3:00 P.M.
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. Students may audition at any time.
Students not accepted into AYS are eligible to audition in the Fall for the Akron Youth Philharmonic (AYP) at no additional cost.
Application form, the $25 non-refundable application fee and the optional written recommendations are due before your audition will be scheduled.
Musicians who have been in AYS for two full seasons will not need to re-audition. Please use the “2+ Year Members Application” to indicate the intent to return to AYS for the upcoming season.
Prospective AYS members and Current Musicians who are completing their FIRST season with AYS will need to audition again, and should click on the “0-1 Year Members Application” below.
View the requirements and excerpts by clicking on the instrument name*:
*For all players, please prepare major and minor scales from C Major/a Minor through three flats and three sharps.
- 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 for new students.
- 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.
DATES
AUDITIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR THE 24/25 SEASON.
THOSE INTERESTED OUTSIDE OF AUDITION TIMES SHOULD CONTACT: omatherson@akronsymphony.org
All auditions will be held at Guzzetta Hall from 3:00 – 7:00 pm each afternoon/evening
228 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325
NEW STUDENTS
Please fill out the application by clicking here or the button below and pay online (a handling fee applies)
EXISTING MEMBERS
Please fill out this application by clicking here or the button below, free of application fee
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.