Philharmonia Orchestra
Philharmonia Orchestra
The Intermediate Step
The intermediate step in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Ensembles program, the Philharmonia Orchestra is designed to hone the technical skills and student musicianship required for the advanced challenges of the Youth Symphony. To provide targeted training with varied repertoire, students perform as a full orchestra and string ensemble under the baton of Marisa McLeod, and as a symphonic wind band under winds coach Karen Dutton. Philharmonia Orchestra students have two or more years of study on their chosen instrument.
“Orchestra is a great opportunity to build leadership skills and play music with others. I enjoy listening and working together as a team, it’s amazing to see how everyone’s part comes together to create beautiful music.”
“Going to rehearsal each Sunday is our child’s favorite part of the week. When we pick her up, she’s bubbling with joy about how much she learned and her time with her orchestra friends. The sense of belonging she has gained as a musician is priceless and a core part of her identity that she is so proud of!”
Program Highlights
- Be part of a fun, inspiring community of young musicians collaborating together in weekly rehearsals.
- Expand musical skills through nine months of coaching by a team of expert and supportive faculty including conductor Marisa McLeod, winds coach Karen Dutton, and local professional musicians for instrument-specific sectionals.
- Play fun and challenging music with all instruments together as a full symphonic orchestra, and also as a string ensemble or concert band.
- Perform three public concerts each season.
- Interact with and learn from the Santa Barbara Symphony’s extraordinary professional musicians and visiting guest artists in masterclasses and open rehearsals.
- Receive two free tickets to every concert in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s subscription series, and access to reduced-price tickets for additional family members.
- Participate in collaborations and enrichment opportunities with community partners such as Music Academy of the West, State Street Ballet, CAMA, Westmont College, UCSB, SBCC, and local school music programs.
- Volunteer as a student mentor to earn community service hours.
- Receive an official Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles T-Shirt.
Participant Guidelines
- Attend weekly Sunday rehearsals from 3-5pm. Students rehearse during the school year from September through May and must be on time for all rehearsals and performances.
- Students are expected to further their musical education outside of rehearsals by:
- Practicing their instruments and assigned material on a daily basis
- Participating in their school music program
- Attending at least 5 Santa Barbara Symphony concerts
- Taking private lessons is highly recommended
- Families are expected to:
- Help students keep a regular practice schedule
- Volunteer for and participate in social events and fundraising activities.
Audition Information & Requirements
Upcoming Concerts
Meet the Conductors
2025-2026 Tuition
All-inclusive tuition for the nine-month program $640
As a non-profit, generous annual donations from Symphony supporters enable us to keep tuition fees to a minimum. Need-based tuition assistance, payment plans, and sibling discounts are available and admitted musicians will not be turned away due to finances. If tuition fees pose a challenge, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 805-898-1417.
Support this program!
Would you like to join The Symphony’s family of donors and support this program? Annual donations at any level have a big impact. They can fund scholarships, help pay our faculty, provide instruments and more!
