Beyond MISD orchestra, student musicians can try out for area youth orchestras to perform with peers at their musical level. All area orchestras require participation in school orchestras unless granted a waiver.
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1942, SYSO is one of the leading youth orchestra organizations in the United States. We provide outstanding music education to more than 1,670 students a year and thrilling concerts for the public.
5 levels of orchestras
Auditions: Fourth week of August – days and times vary
Rehearsals: Saturday mornings – times vary
Shorecrest High School OR University of Washington
Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra
Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the artistic and personal growth of young symphonic musicians, ages 6 to 19, through fun and rewarding educational experiences and concert performance.
Auditions: Early September, December and March
Rehearsals: Monday evenings – time and locale vary
Ensembles
The Seattle Conservatory’s Chamber Music program offers public performance opportunities and professional coaching sessions led by outstanding faculty coaches. Individual chamber music groups are formed to match every age and skill level.
August, December
Rehearsals: Saturday or Monday evening
Seattle Collaborative Orchestra
We are an ensemble made up of diverse student and emerging musicians, who perform with experienced professionals from premier Seattle-area ensembles, such as the Skyros String Quartet and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. We are specially dedicated to promoting new music. We regularly program world premieres by composers from the Pacific Northwest and female composers across the country. We provide a free educational opportunity for highly committed students in order to promote a diverse outstanding progressive musical performance experience.
What does the SCO look like?
Student musicians – 50-60%
Community musicians – 10-20%
Professional coaching Staff – 10%
Professional Musicians – 15-20%
Auditions: mid-September, online
Rehearsals: Monday evenings – Roosevelt High School Band room from 7-9:30 pm
Cascade Youth Orchestra
The Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestras form an organization (the CYSO) which provides a wholesome and stimulating environment for talented and gifted young musicians. An emphasis is placed on creating an atmosphere that encourages, challenges and develops their fullest potential in the art of performance. Participants benefit from a year-long program designed to nurture their enjoyment of music as well as develop their musical skills and self-confidence. This program consists of a balance of rehearsals, sectional coaching sessions, retreats, and concerts.