Educating, inspiring, and promoting young musicians since 2001

The Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra (LSYO) provides an opportunity for varying levels of young musicians to play in a large ensemble outside of an academic setting.  Full orchestra ensembles are uncommon in our area, so the LSYO is ideal for students wishing to expand their musical experience and learn repertoire intended for the symphonic stage.  Home school students are welcome.  LSYO musicians are encouraged to support and participate in their school orchestra, band, or strings program where available.  Joining LSYO provides a complimentary experience to your school program, with more opportunities to play a variety of music and make new friends from all over Central Virginia who share a passion for the arts.

LSYO rehearsals take place weekly from September – May.  Three concerts are held each season.

LSYO Ensembles

The String Orchestra (formerly Junior Strings) ensemble is a strings-only ensemble focused on helping string musicians develop orchestral skills, gain confidence playing in a larger ensemble setting, and enhance right-hand and left-hand string-specific techniques that will prepare them for more advanced and varied ensembles.  This group is appropriate for string musicians with note-reading capabilities and at least one year of experience on their instrument.  All ages are welcome.

The Symphonic Orchestra ensemble is intended for more advanced musicians who wish to perform in a full symphony ensemble and are interested in being challenged with repertoire.  Most of these student musicians have had previous ensemble experience, participating in their string orchestra or school band.  Symphonic Orchestra string musicians are encouraged to develop their mentoring skills by assisting String Orchestra and coaching String Orchestra sectionals.  During the 2021-2022 season, Symphonic Orchestra musicians were invited to perform side-by-side with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra as part of the Lynchburg’s Finest concert and as small groups in the lobby before selected concerts.

For information about auditions and other LSYO-related questions, please contact LSYO Coordinator Heather Laurence.