YSU Youth Orchestra

2024-2025 Youth Orchestra

The Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra is open to all area students, ages 13-18, by audition and presents two concerts annually. Dr. Michael S. Butler, Youth Orchestra Music Director and Richard Smrek, Assistant Director, are retained by the Youngstown State University to provide artistic leadership.

The Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra program consists of two groups: the Symphony Orchestra featuring woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments, and Symponette, which is a string-only group primarily designed for middle school-aged students. While the Symphony Orchestra is primarily intended for high school-aged students, we do occasionally admit younger students with the passion and talent to participate. Our groups are open to all area students and each ensemble presents two concerts annually.

The Symphony Orchestra meets on Monday evenings at Bliss Hall on the campus of YSU from 6:00-8:30 PM. The Symphonette meets on Tuesday evenings at Boardman High School from 5:30-7:00 PM. If you have any questions about participating in Symphonette, please contact Mrs. Prokop.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

All musicians must perform 3-5 minutes from a concerto or piece for their primary instrument, which demonstrates contrasting styles.

To audition for the 2024-25 season of the high school symphony orchestra, you have two options listed below. Regardless of which method you choose, please fill out this Google Form providing us with your information.

1. Submit a video audition link using the Google Form below by the end of day on September 11, 2024. Make sure the video shows you in the frame and that the audio does not sound distorted before submitting.
2. Sign up to audition in person on September 14, 2024, at Bliss Hall on the campus of YSU from 12:00 – 5:00 PM. To schedule an audition, please email Dr. Butler at mbutler03@ysu.edu.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Butler.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“From the first notes of the William Tell overture I was blown away by the sound of strings for the first time, and I was so interested in the sound of an ensemble where everyone cared. My high school is small, and few people play with excellence, so in that room, I realized music could be so much more than I had already known. A couple of weeks into rehearsals I sat down with my parents, and I told them I knew what I wanted to do, and that I would be a performer and educator.”

“The Youth Orchestra has done so much to increase my confidence and self-esteem as a musician and most importantly as a human being. It has shown me teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, values that I can apply to other parts of my life. I see now that loving music means striving for beauty not only through your instrument but in whatever you do.”

“The Youth Orchestra has taught me skills that will be useful in my secondary education, given me the opportunity to play repertoire that I may not play anywhere else, and has made me a better musician, overall.”

“The Youth Orchestra gave me the chance to meet other young musicians outside of my school. It is very encouraging to see so many others, my age, as enthusiastic about music as I am.”

“The Youth Orchestra will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life and I hope all of the incoming musicians will have an amazing experience like I did.”

“YSUYO is nothing short of amazing connections and interactions with other talented and determined students from the area.”

“The YSUYO makes me feel like I matter, that my sound is needed and wanted, and I could not have asked for anything more than that.”

2024-2025 Tentative Rehearsal Schedule