St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra

# St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (YO) is the region's premier student orchestra: an auditioned ensemble of 100 accomplished young musicians operated by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1970 by SLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin, the YO rehearses and performs at Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, giving students a season inside one of the country's major professional orchestras. ## What You'll Do - Audition each spring - preliminary rounds are submitted digitally as audio recordings, with final auditions held in June at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center - Rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire across a full season at Powell Hall - Play alongside 99 other top student musicians from across the St. Louis region - Continue performing with your school ensemble, a membership requirement that keeps school programs strong ## Who Should Apply Musicians must be no younger than 12 and no older than 22 on September 1 of the season year, and must participate in their applicable school music program (a violinist in their school orchestra, a flutist in their school band, etc.). Applications for the 2026/27 season have closed; auditions for the following season typically open in the spring. ## Outcomes YO members gain professional-caliber ensemble training inside a major American orchestra's home hall - strong preparation for collegiate music study. Annual tuition is $660 for full-time members, with payment options, merit-based scholarships, and need-based financial aid available.