The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), founded in 1974, is a dynamic ensemble for advanced young musicians that have the opportunity to study alongside their talented peers and tackle a challenging season of standard orchestral repertoire and contemporary works. Many graduates from ASYO go on to study music at top conservatories and music schools (The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Brown University, etc.) and pursue careers in music performance, education, and beyond!

Do you want to learn from Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Musicians and Guest Artists? The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra provides all these opportunities and more!

  • Coachings and Sectionals with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Musicians
  • Masterclasses and workshops with ASO Guest Artists and Musicians
  • Concerto Competitions for featured performances with the ASO and ASYO
  • ASYO Chamber Players program, where select members rehearse and perform in chamber groups coached by ASO Coaches
  • Free tickets to select ASO Performances

About Our Season

The typical Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra season runs August - May. Rehearsals occur once a week, typically on Saturday mornings, with some exceptions. The Youth Orchestra performs three classical concerts each season. All rehearsals and performances are in Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center unless otherwise noted.

Applications

Applications are currently open for the 2024/25 ASYO season.

Pre-Screening Application Materials

  1. Recommendation letter from your school’s Music Program Director (ex. band or orchestra). If the student's school does not have a music program that supports their instrument you may submit a recommendation letter from your private instructor. Students may upload their recommendation letter as a PDF to the application or have their school's Music Program Director email your letter of recommendation directly to asyo@atlantasymphony.org
  2. Unlisted YouTube video recording of:
            a. Orchestra excerpt of your choosing
            b. Solo piece of your choosing (2 min max)
                Percussionists do not need a solo piece, only an excerpt for snare, timpani, and mallets
  3. Completion of the Pre-screening form (you will be asked to share material from 1 & 2)

Pre-Screening Application Due Sunday, March 10th, 2024, by 11:59pm

24/25 ASYO Pre-Screening Application Pre-Screening Information & Video Instructions

Live Audition Excerpts

Please choose an instrument below to download (PDF):

Eligibility

  • Students must be a rising 8th - 12th grader to audition.
  • If a student's school program supports the student's instrument, the student must be in good standing with the school's music program in order to be eligible to audition and participate.

Commitment

All students who are accepted into the ASYO must commit to attending weekly rehearsals, having assigned music prepared for each rehearsal, and following expectations found in the ASYO Guidebook.

Projected ASYO 2024-2025 Key Dates

Location: Atlanta Symphony Hall (Woodruff Arts Center)

Regular Rehearsal Schedule:

Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Retreat Weekend

August 24 -25, 2024

Concerts

  1. Overture Concert: Sunday, November 3, 2024
  2. Crescendo Concert: Sunday, February 23, 2025
  3. Finale Concert: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Tuition & Financial Aid

  • Tuition for the 2024/25 ASYO Season is $950.00
  • Need-based financial aid is available for accepted students who complete the scholarship application process.