For Students
Opportunities to Connect
We believe that music has the power to bring families and communities together. The YSO is pleased to offer a variety of ways for youth, families, and the community to share experiences, learn and connect and develop a lifelong relationship with live orchestral music.
For Enthusiasts
Master Class
Come watch the YSO’s world-renowned guest artists directly teach their skills to some of York’s brightest and most talented young student musicians. Admission is free for all attendees. Master Classes take place at York College of Pennsylvania’s Demeester Recital Hall (441 Country Club Road, York, PA, 17403).
If you are interested in performing, please contact Jeff Phelps at jphelps@yorksymphony.org. Experience the master at work with the York Symphony that evening!
Featuring Guest Artists:
Ken Osowski & Gretchen Dekker, Piano: October 5, 2024 at 1:30–3 PM
Sara Male, Cello: November 9, 2024 at 1:30–3 PM
Rachel Barton Pine, Violin: January 18, 2025 at 1:30–3 PM
Vocal Master Class: March 8, 2025 at 1:30–3 PM
Branford Marsalis, Saxophone: April 12, 2025 at 1:30–3PM
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
For Youth
Education Programs
$11 Under 18 Tickets
Any available seat in the theater for any performance. 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. Small groups of York Symphony musicians perform in selected schools for students. Each year the YSO arranges for these opportunities throughout the county. Interested in having the musicians perform at your school? Contact info@yorksymphony.org.
Petting Zoo
A chance for children to learn and play the instruments of the orchestra with the help of a professional musician. This is a great introductory experience that is included before some concerts and may be expanded to other venues. Hosted by our friends at the York Youth Symphony Orchestra.
York Youth Symphony Orchestra
To learn more about the York Youth Symphony Orchestra (YYSO) grades 9-12, follow the link below.
York Junior Symphony Orchestra
To learn more about the York Junior Symphony Orchestra (YJSO) grades 5-8, follow the link below.
Young Person’s Concert
This concert was developed by our music director, Lawrence Golan, and inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s famous Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic.Â
York Summer Music Academy 2025
York Symphony Orchestra & York College of PA
Open to Middle School and High School StudentsÂ
Featuring Academy Concert, Large & Small Ensembles, and Enrichment Courses
Accepting All Band and Orchestral Instruments, including Piano
Who: Open to students entering grades 7-12 in Fall of 2025.
When: June 16-21, 2025
Location: York College of Pennsylvania (441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403)
The York Summer Music Academy is a high school and middle school instrumental experience designed to complement the school music experiences of students in the greater York county region. Rebekah O’Brien, Assistant Conductor of the York Symphony Orchestra, and Matthew Inkster, Director of Instrumental Studies at York College will conduct the Academy ensembles. Other instructors are members of the York Symphony Orchestra and/or the faculty of York College.
Student musicians will play in one of two groups daily as well as an All-Academy group. These three groups will perform in our final concert. Students will also have the opportunity to play in a smaller chamber group, work with a master teacher who is a member of the York Symphony, sing in a choir, and participate in various enrichment activities. All of these opportunities are meant to further the students musical learning in a supportive environment with outstanding teachers and conductors. We hope you will join us.
We offer three concerts that are open to the public and are free of charge.
Faculty Recital: June 16, 2025
Chamber Concert: June 19, 2025
Academy Final Concert: June 20, 2025
Make Music Day: June 21, 2025
Deadline: Welcoming Applicants until May 1, 2025
Tuition: $300 (via check or credit card)
Application: Submit via the online application.
Video for Ensemble Placement: Please be prepared to submit a video(s) in the application showing 2 contrasting pieces representative of the student’s playing. Solo repertoire, etudes, and school orchestra pieces are acceptable audition material. Each video should not exceed 2 minutes of time. The video will help us get to know you and place you appropriately in our chamber and larger ensembles. It will also help us see how we can further your learning during the week.
Financial Assistance: Apply by emailing Leah Crowne at lcrowne@yorksymphony.org
Questions: Contact at Leah Crowne at lcrowne@yorksymphony.orgÂ
Apply today!