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.

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.

AUDITIONS

AYS Audition Information for 2025-2026 Season 

Auditions will be held for middle and high school students who play one of the instruments listed below.  View the requirements and excerpts by clicking on the instrument name. All players should prepare a performance-ready solo, without accompaniment.  This can be a piece of your choice and does not need to be memorized.  However, it should represent your technical and artistic ability.

All players should be prepared to play any of the following major scales:

C, G, D, A, F, Bb and Eb.

Please note: You may be asked to stop playing before you reach the end of your prepared piece, or asked to play only a particular section. This is solely in the interest of time and is not a reflection of your playing.  If there is a particular portion of your piece that you definitely want the director to hear, be sure to play it! 

View the requirements and excerpts by clicking on the instrument name*

• 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

Mon, May 19   3:30 – 7:00 pm    Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron (157 E. Buchtel Ave, Akron)

Tue, May 20     3:30 – 7:00 pm    Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron (157 E. Buchtel Ave, Akron)

Wed, May 21   3:30 – 7:00 pm    Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron (157 E. Buchtel Ave, Akron)

Thu, May 22    3:30 – 7:00 pm    Guzzetta Hall, The University of Akron (157 E. Buchtel Ave, Akron)

AYS musicians in their first year must re-audition, but those who have been in AYS for 2 or more years are not required to audition again.  

THOSE INTERESTED OUTSIDE OF AUDITION TIMES SHOULD CONTACT: omatherson@akronsymphony.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 16th

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.