education-youthEducation Opportunities

York Symphony Orchestra educational programs expose children, parents and grandparents to the legacy of beautiful symphonic music through the annual Saturday Family Concert and Young Persons’ Concerts. Other educational opportunities also include:

YSO’s Instrument Petting Zoo

The York Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo gives young people the opportunity to touch, learn about and even play various musical instruments. Children will enjoy a unique hands on experience with string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments all demonstrated by YSO musicians who will assist with the proper techniques for holding and playing. (Instruments courtesy of Menchey Music).

Song Writing Contest

The 39th Year!
Students from grades 3-12 are invited to participate. Songs will be judged in three age-appropriate categories (elementary, middle school, and senior high school). Info about the 2017 Song Writing Contest will be announced in summer 2017.

The Youth  Concerto Competition

The York Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition will not take place this year. Instead the York Symphony Orchestra will present NPR’s From the Top. Talented classically trained youth musicians from the area and across the country will be invited to audition. More information coming soon.

Open Dress Rehearsal

Open Dress Rehearsal for the 2016-2017 Classical Series Concerts takes place at 10:00 AM on the morning of each Concert Performance.  Click here for current concert schedule. There is no Open Dress Rehearsal for Pops or family programming. There is no cost to attend and no registration required. Not all Dress Rehearsals are open – some conductors or guest artists prefer a closed rehearsal. This is a rare occurrence, however it is suggested that attendees check the YSO website on the home page if you plan to attend. A news article will appear if Dress Rehearsal will be closed. You may also call the office at 812-0717 to confirm. The following are some open Dress Rehearsal procedures and etiquette:  Please enter through the doors on Philadelphia Street opposite the parking garage. Try to arrive shortly after 9:30 AM. Remember to sit quietly so as not to disturb the musicians and the Conductor.  If you leave before the end of rehearsal choose a time when the orchestra is changing pieces or at their break which usually occurs around 11:00 AM. The rehearsal will last from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Rest rooms are available at the Philadelphia Street entrance. All other areas of the SCPAC complex are off limits.

Sultner-Wells Scholarship

The Sultner-Wells Scholarship is open to a college sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student majoring in music performance and/or music education at an accredited college or university. Click for more info and application- YSO Sultner Memorial Scholarship Info and Application.

YSO Summer Music Camp: My Opus Magnum

YSO’s music composition camp is the only one of its kind in the Central Pennsylvania region and is for students in grades 3-12. Camp is held at  Logos Academy in York. The 2017 Summer Camp is the week of July 10th. More info can be found here.

$5 Student Tickets

Any available seat in the theater for any performance except the Family Concert Series. 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. Many of our guest artists conduct master classes or residencies in selected schools for students the day before their performance with the YSO. Each year the YSO arranges for these or other opportunities throughout the county.

YJSO and YYSO

To learn more about the York Junior Symphony Orchestra (YJSO) grades 5 through 8 and the York Youth Symphony Orchestra (YYSO) grades 9 through 12 follow the links below.