General Information

Launching at the start of the 2026-27 season, the OSYO String Orchestra serves motivated string players ages 10-22, but exceptional younger students may also be admitted. This program prepares intermediate- and advanced-intermediate-level musicians for the demands of our flagship ensemble, the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO), through focused, high-level orchestral training. Students are expected to be enrolled in and actively participate in their school’s music programs when available, and to receive private instrument instruction.

Students will study and prepare inclusive and thoughtful repertoire – as well as standard works from the classical canon.

Benefits

Membership in OSYO String Orchestra includes:

Three performance opportunities per year
Sectional rehearsals and masterclasses coached by professional performing musicians
Side-by-Side performance opportunity with the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons from 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm at Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton.

Concerts

Three Saturday evening concerts per season at Valley Center for the Performing Arts in Oakland at 7:30 pm. Dress Rehearsal/Sound Check precedes the Concert.

2026-27 Season – Concert Dates

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Saturday, February 6, 2027
Saturday, May 8, 2027

Parents’ Obligations

Parents’ obligations include helping students fulfill their musical responsibilities to the Orchestra by encouraging at-home practice, 100% attendance, and promptness and courtesy at all times. Each Youth Orchestra family will be asked to volunteer for activities and donate 10 hours each year to the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra’s parent committees. Parents are also expected to participate in the Youth Orchestra fundraising activities.

Annual Cost

Tuition in full (or completed financial aid application) is due upon acceptance, and tuition is not refundable. Note that tuition covers only a portion of our operating budget.

Financial Assistance

No qualified musician will be excluded because of financial need. Financial assistance is available in the form of outright scholarship grants, deferred payment plans, or fundraising opportunities. If you are a returning musician who has received assistance in the past, you must reapply.

Audition Info & Prerequisites

Membership in the OSYO String Orchestra is open to highly qualified players of orchestral instruments from Bay Area schools through the annual audition process.

Students are expected to receive private instruction on their instrument or are currently enrolled in a school music or afterschool music program. Our goal is to work in partnership with local schools to provide students with additional high-level ensemble experience that builds upon the excellent work music teachers are doing in the classroom. Private lessons are an ongoing condition of their participation.

Learn more

Apply Now

To register for an audition, please complete the Audition Application. There is a non-refundable $35 application fee. Candidates auditioning on multiple instruments must complete a new audition application for each instrument and pay the non-refundable fee. Payments are processed through PayPal.

Note: While this application form allows users to save and return to the form within 30 days, entries are not stored in the system until the application is paid.

Financial circumstances should not be a barrier to joining OSYO. We offer need-based aid for all program costs, including audition fee waivers. To request a free application or discuss financial assistance, please contact our office directly.