# St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra

The SLSO's auditioned training orchestra of 100 young musicians ages 12-22, founded in 1970 by Leonard Slatkin. Members perform at Powell Hall; annual tuition is $660 with aid and payment plans available.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | St. Louis Symphony Orchestra |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | $660 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 7–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | St. Louis, MO |
| Apply | https://slso.org/community-education/youth-orchestra/youth-orchestra-auditions/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra cost?

St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra costs $660. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra?

St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra is open to students in grades 7–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra online or in person?

St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra is an in-person program based in St. Louis, MO.

### How do I apply to St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra?

Apply directly through St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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