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 advanced 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 four to five concerts per year. In the winter season, the Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony combines with the Santa Cruz Symphony for outreach concerts in Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
NOTE: After shifting its program online last season, the Youth Symphony hopes to return to in-person rehearsals and performances beginning in fall 2021. As of this writing, in early June 2021, details are still being worked out. If you’d like to join us, please begin by filling out your application. We’ll add you to our email list and update you this summer as our plans for fall take shape.
Please see our Auditions page for further details on joining this group.