Discover all the ways for young musicians to get involved with SYSO! From orchestras and chamber music to summer festivals and beyond, this is your hub for student opportunities to grow, perform, and connect through music.
PARTICIPATE
Applications for SYSO’s 2026-27 season are now open! Click the photos below to learn more about each program and to apply.
ACADEMIC YEAR ORCHESTRAS
ACADEMIC YEAR ORCHESTRAS
Academic Year Orchestras
Auditions for the 2026-27 season are closed.
The Academic Year Orchestra Program offers five different orchestras varying in experience level. Rehearsals take place every Saturday and culminate in at least three public concerts each year.
Seattle Conservatory of Music
Seattle Conservatory of Music
Seattle Conservatory of Music
Applications are open!
The Conservatory offers a series of exploratory and challenging classes in both academic and performance music study. These classes are complementary to traditional orchestra participation and in-school education.
MY SOUTHEAST
MY SOUTHEAST
MY Southeast
Registration is open!
MY Southeast is an after-school orchestral ensemble co-created with the South Seattle community. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays and culminate in multiple public performances.
CADENZA
CADENZA
Cadenza
Registration is open!
Cadenza is an after-school ensemble based in Southeast Seattle for 4th- and 5th-grade students who play string instruments. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays and culminate in public performances.
SYSO ON TOUR
SYSO ON TOUR
SYSO on Tour: Japan 2027
Applications are open!
SYSO on Tour gives musicians the opportunity to travel and perform with an orchestra for new audiences in new cities!
CONCERTO COMPETITION
CONCERTO COMPETITION
Concerto Competition
Concerto Competition 2026 applications are closed.
The Concerto Competition offers an exciting experience for musicians to compete to perform as soloists of their concerto with one of SYSO’s orchestras.
YOUNG COMPOSERS AWARD
YOUNG COMPOSERS AWARD
Young Composers Award
Young Composer Award 2026 applications are closed.
Young composers are invited to submit works for chamber ensemble, string orchestra, or full symphony. Annual award recipients will hear their music performed as part of SYSO’s concert season.
Marrowstone Music Festival
Marrowstone Music Festival
Marrowstone Music Festival
Marrowstone 2026 applications are closed.
Marrowstone Music Festival is a long-running summer music intensive for advanced young musicians, including the opportunity to study with our world-class faculty in daily coachings and masterclasses.
SYSO Summer Music
SYSO Summer Music
SYSO Summer Music
SYSO Summer Music 2026 registration is closed.
SYSO Summer Music is the ultimate summer camp adventure for young musicians! Whether you’re just starting your orchestral journey or ready to tackle an exciting challenge, this camp is designed to inspire and elevate your playing.
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
