Heralded as “…a prestigious group of young, talented musicians…” by Santa Barbara SEASONS magazine, the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony brings together accomplished student musicians from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire. This advanced ensemble instills the discipline and commitment that budding young professionals need for the next step in their careers, whether in music or another field.
The Santa Barbara Symphony is engaged in a strategic partnership with Westmont College for the purposes of supporting the Youth Ensembles. The partnership brings additional resources and educational opportunities for our students, internship experiences for Westmont students, and perfectly complements our continuum of programs from elementary school, to college and even on to a professional orchestra career.
“The student experience in the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony is totally unique. Where else can my child learn and perform musical masterpieces in a symphony orchestra made up of their peers? The environment is so fun and supportive, rehearsals are the highlight of our week!”
As the only youth orchestra program in the region connected to a professional symphony and a college, the Symphony’s multi-level Youth Ensembles present a unique learning opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills and connect with music and each other.
Students playing oboe, bassoon, brass, or low strings are particularly encouraged to apply — but ALL orchestral instrumentalists in the 3rd to 12th grades are invited to audition!
Rehearsals begin September 10th, 2023. We are currently accepting late applications as space in the orchestras allow. Once we receive your application we will reach out to schedule your audition. To ensure appropriate ensemble placement, all new and returning students are required to audition.
Find your audition requirements here — your teacher can help you prepare!
If you have any questions, please contact us at Education@TheSymphony.org or 805-898-1417.
All-inclusive tuition for the nine-month program $675
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 the Education Programs Manager at 805-898-1417.
Would you like to join our 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!
Your support matters now more than ever!
Please make a donation today.
