The Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) Program is a year-round program that consists of both advanced and intermediate level ensembles. Members of all ensembles will learn to rehearse and perform, like the Cape Symphony, exploring the beauty and intricacy of history’s greatest compositions while continuing to grow their musicianship and technical ability. We welcome all young musicians from ages 12 to 21 who play orchestral instruments to audition for placement. It is our mission to inspire joy and we achieve that goal by sharing our love for music performance and education with the next generation of Cape Cod musicians.
Spring Auditions
January 21, 2023
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Cape Symphony Falmouth Campus
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Cape Symphony Barnstable Campus
Sign up for an audition slot here.
Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO)
Saturdays, 11:00 AM to 1:15 PM
An advanced ensemble geared toward high school and college students. In this ensemble, members will rehearse together as a full symphony orchestra and prepare repertoire that a professional orchestra would perform. Our conductor, Mark Miller, has more than 30 years of experience working with talented youth orchestra musicians and is motivated to grow CSYO into an ensemble that will inspire and train the next generation of Cape Symphony musicians.
Repertory Ensemble (REP): Strings, Woodwinds, and Percussion (Brass coming soon!)
Saturdays. Start times vary depending on location (see Program Calendar for details).
This ensemble serves as the training ground for students who aspire to play in the Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra, but need a bit more experience. REP is a modular group that will allow winds, brass, strings, and percussion to break off into smaller chamber ensembles (pending on available instrumentation) as well as combine together as an orchestra. Most of the rehearsals are shorter than CSYO and focus on building musicianship and technique to prepare members for the challenge of playing more advanced repertoire in the future.
Placement and New Member Auditions
Current CSYO members are automatically accepted but need to re-audition each season for placement within the CSYO. All new members must audition. This not only helps us place students in the appropriate ensembles, but also helps us choose the repertoire for the season. Auditions are held three times a year: fall, winter, and spring, but we are happy to hear individual auditions throughout the season. Interested students are encouraged to reach out directly to set up an audition: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tuition: $550* **
*Cape Symphony private music lesson students receive free tuition into the CSYO program!
**Special rate for Martha's Vineyard students: $275.
Financial aid is available for qualified students.
Cape Symphony Youth Orchestra Faculty
CSYO Program faculty includes professional chamber, orchestra, and solo musicians who have dedicated their careers to music performance and teaching. Instructors and frequent guests from the Cape Symphony will guide students in sectionals and provide support in rehearsals, often playing side-by-side with students while they learn to navigate the technical challenges of orchestral playing.
Mark Miller, CSYO Conductor & Music Director
Kyle Spraker, Cape Symphony Educational Outreach Programs Manager
Stacy Callahan, CSYO Personnel Manager
David Gable, CSYO Program Strings Coordinator/Instructor
Betsy Doriss, CSYO Program Winds Coordinator/Instructor
Mark Prall, CSYO Program Percussion Coordinator/Instructor
Contact
For general questions about the program, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Important Links
CSYO Program Student Handbook: Includes all details about the CSYO Program, including audition requirements, rehearsal locations, and student expectations.
2022/23 CSYO Program Calendar: Rehearsal locations, dates/times, and special events.
Auditions: Use this form to sign up for a live audition.
CSYO Facebook Page: Like and follow us on social media!
