Student

Programs

The YSO provides an opportunity for students to work with musicians and discover a love for music. Through our student programs, the YSO touches many lives!
For Students

Opportunities to Connect

We believe that music has the power to bring families and communities together. The YSO is pleased to offer a variety of ways for youth, families, and the community to share experiences, learn and connect and develop a lifelong relationship with live orchestral music.

For Enthusiasts

Master Class

Come watch the YSO’s world-renowned guest artists directly teach their skills to some of York’s brightest and most talented young student musicians. If you are interested in performing, please contact info@yorksymphony.org. Admission is free for all attendees. Master Classes take place at the Appell Center in various locations (50 N George Street, York, PA 17401). Experience the master at work with the York Symphony that evening!


Featuring Guest Artists:

$

Heather Hill, Soprano: February 10, 2024 at 1:30–3 PM in Studio (Please enter through the N. Philadelphia Street entrance.)

$

Sydney Anderson, Soprano and Spencer Hamlin, Tenor: May 18, 2024 at 1:30–3PM in Studio (Please enter through the N. Philadelphia Street entrance.)

For Youth

Education Programs

$11 Under 18 Tickets

Any available seat in the theater for any performance. Special Student price subscriptions are also available.

In-School Performances

The YSO provides an opportunity for students to work with musicians and discover a love for music. Small groups of York Symphony musicians perform in selected schools for students. Each year the YSO arranges for these opportunities throughout the county. Interested in having the musicians perform at your school? Contact info@yorksymphony.org.

Petting Zoo

A chance for children to learn and play the instruments of the orchestra with the help of a professional musician. This is a great introductory experience that is included before some concerts and may be expanded to other venues. Hosted by our friends at the York Youth Symphony Orchestra.

York Youth Symphony Orchestra

To learn more about the York Youth Symphony Orchestra (YYSO) grades 9-12, follow the link below.

York Junior Symphony Orchestra

To learn more about the York Junior Symphony Orchestra (YJSO) grades 5-8, follow the link below.

Young Person’s Concert

This concert was developed by our music director, Lawrence Golan, and inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s famous Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic. 

York Summer Music Academy 2024

York Symphony Orchestra & York College of PA

NEW! Now open to Middle School Students in addition to High School

Featuring Academy Concert, Large & Small Ensembles, and Enrichment Courses

Accepting All Band and Orchestral Instruments, including Piano

The York Summer Music Academy is a high school and middle school instrumental experience designed to complement the school music experiences of students in the greater York county region. Rebekah O’Brien, Assistant Conductor of the York Symphony Orchestra, and Matthew Inkster, Director of Instrumental Studies at York College will conduct the Academy ensembles. Other instructors are members of the York Symphony Orchestra and/or the faculty of York College.

Student musicians will play in one of two groups daily as well as an All-Academy group. These three groups will perform in our final concert on Friday, June 28. Students will also have the opportunity to play in a smaller chamber group, work with a master teacher who is a member of the York Symphony, sing in a choir, and participate in various enrichment activities. All of these opportunities are meant to further the students musical learning in a supportive environment with outstanding teachers and conductors. We hope you will join us.

We hold two concerts that are open to the public and are free of charge.
Faculty Recital: Sunday, June 23
Academy Final Concert: Friday, June 28

Who: Open to students entering grades 7-12 in Fall of 2024.
When: June 23-28, 2024
Location: York College of Pennsylvania (441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403)

Deadline: May 1, 2024
Tuition:
$300 (via check or credit card)
Application
: Submit via the online application.
Video for Ensemble Placement: Please be prepared to submit a video(s) in the application showing 2 contrasting pieces representative of the student’s playing. Solo repertoire, etudes, and school orchestra pieces are acceptable audition material. Each video should not exceed 2 minutes of time. The video will help us get to know you and place you appropriately in our chamber and larger ensembles. It will also help us see how we can further your learning during the week.
Financial Assistance: Apply by emailing Jeffrey Phelps at jphelps@yorksymphony.org

Questions: Contact  at Jeffrey Phelps jphelps@yorksymphony.org or 717-825-2237.

Apply today!

Sample Daily Schedule (Band/Orchestra)
8:30am Arrival
8:45-10:45am Ensemble Rehearsals
11-12pm Choir Rehearsal (All participants receive vocal training as a group to improve overall musicality away from their main instrument)
Lunch Bring your own
1-2pm Chamber Music (Participants are assigned to small groups based on level. *Please let us know if you have repertoire ideas or a preformed group of your peers you would like to bring to YSMA.)
2-3pm Master Classes with Guest Artists, YSO Musicians, or York College faculty.
3-3:30pm Stretches/Guided Musician Wellness Break
3:30-5pm Enrichment Activities/Rehearsals that may include Theory, Rhythmic Training, Repertoire Development, Secondary Instrument, Music History, Conducting, Guest Artist Recital, and more

Sample Daily Schedule (Piano)
8:30am Arrival
8:45-10:45am Guided Warm-up and Technique Class / Rhythmic Training / Repertoire Classes / Master Classes (Students will play for their peers and learn to offer and accept constructive criticism)
11-12pm Choir Rehearsal (All participants receive vocal training as a group to improve overall musicality away from their main instrument.)
Lunch Bring your own
1-2pm Chamber Music (Participants are assigned to small groups based on level.) Pianists may be invited to collaborate in small groups, with another instrumental soloist, or with another pianist with four-hands repertoire, or assigned to additional private study with a coach as appropriate.
2-3pm Master Classes with Guest Artists (Nicolas Bourdoncle, piano), YSO Musicians, and/or York College faculty.
3-3:30pm Stretches/Guided Musician Wellness Break
3:30-5pm Enrichment Activities/Rehearsals that may include Theory, Rhythmic Training, Repertoire Development, Secondary Instrument, and more

All activity is subject to enrollment.

*Please note that the faculty will work to curate a program that is specific to your best interests.

Do you already have a small ensemble you perform with regularly? YSMA is the place for you to have dedicated rehearsals, coachings, and performance opportunities! Let us know!