Akron Youth Philharmonic
About the Akron Youth Philharmonic
For the past 40 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra with support from Akron Public Schools has sponsored the Akron Youth Philharmonic, which has provided the opportunity for talented students to perform a wide variety of orchestral literature with their peers. The Akron Youth Philharmonic is geared toward sixth through ninth graders, but is open to all qualified middle and high school students from all area school districts, as well as home-schooled students.
The Akron Youth Philharmonic is under the direction of Douglas Bayda, director of orchestras at Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts in the Akron Public School district.
The Akron Youth Philharmonic provides:
- Introduction to orchestral repertoire
- Full orchestra experience with strings, winds, and percussion
- Ensemble performance opportunities
- Enhances school music experiences
- Encourages readiness for future auditions
- Excellent preparation for the Akron Youth Symphony
2025-26 Season Information
The Akron Youth Philharmonic’s schedule for the 2025-26 season includes:
- January 25, 2026 – Akron Youth Orchestras’ Winter Concert, Celestia Theater, 3:00 pm
- February 19, 2026 – Akron Public Schools’ Middle Schools’ String Festival, Miller South School, 7:00 pm
- March 15, 2026 – AYP 40th Anniversary / Akron Youth Orchestras’ Side-by-Side Concert, Tallmadge High School, 3:00 pm
Rehearsals will be held on the following dates and times:
- Wednesdays from Oct 15 through Mar 11 at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts, from 4 to 6 p.m. There will not be rehearsals on November 5, December 17, December 24 and December 31.
- A joint rehearsal with the Akron Youth Symphony on Sunday, March 8, at The University of Akron’s Guzzetta Hall, from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Please note: Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and concerts.
A $50 participation fee will be charged to all students accepted into the Akron Youth Philharmonic.