The Youth Orchestra (YO) is an advanced, full symphonic orchestra comprised of 70-90 talented and dedicated string, woodwind, brass and percussion players from across the Albuquerque area. Youth Orchestra students have the opportunity to advance their skills while performing a variety of orchestral repertoire as well as works by contemporary composers.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS: Mondays 6:15-9:00pm (unless otherwise noted) at the AYSP Facility.

SECTIONALS: Youth Orchestra students participate in sectionals, during which each section works with a professional musician to assist them in preparing season repertoire and addressing instrument specific issues. Sectionals are held several times each semester during the regular rehearsal time with a variety of professional musicians from our community.

CONCERTS: The Youth Orchestra gives two performances each season – one in the fall at an outstanding Albuquerque-area venue to be determined and a second in the spring at the University of New Mexico’s Popejoy Hall. These two performances, along with associated dress rehearsals, are mandatory for all members of the Youth Orchestra. Members of the Youth Orchestra also may perform a community outreach concert in December at a community venue, with rehearsals leading up to the concert during the regular time on Monday evenings.

SCHOOL TOUR: The Youth Orchestra performs annually in November at a public school in the Albuquerque area as part of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program’s School Tours. The host school offers one or more assemblies in the morning (usually between 7am-12pm) for their students, during which the Youth Orchestra performs several pieces and students at the host school learn about classical and symphonic music. Youth Orchestra students enrolled in APS schools are excused from classes on the morning of their School Tour. Parents bring their students to the host school and pick them up.