The Youth Symphony orchestra is the heart of our programs, providing a seamless artistic and educational experience for our young musicians. This ensemble relies on the hard work of our individual players to build a collaborative group success. Intermediate and advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are encouraged to audition.
Musicians accepted to the Youth Symphony will study and perform a wide range of symphonic repertoire under the leadership of Music Director Nathaniel Berman. Our musicians receive further orchestral training in smaller sectionals, led by professional musicians, to prepare for concerts.
The Youth Symphony was established in 1966 and remains a cornerstone of the Santa Cruz County community, performing several times a year to packed concert halls.
Musicians rehearse weekly and perform concerts in November at the UCSC Recital Hall and May at Cabrillo College’s Samper Hall. In late February/early March the Youth Symphony joins forces with the adult Santa Cruz Symphony to perform the Family Concert at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This same concert is performed several times during the week in Watsonville and Santa Cruz for thousands of 4th- and 5th-graders from throughout the county.
Please see our Auditions page for further details on joining this group.