Youth Orchestras of the Bay Area, Part 2

Hi Everyone,

This article is the second in a series about youth orchestras in the Bay Area. If you haven't read the first article about some of the more well-known and prestigious orchestras in the Bay Area, go check it out!

San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra

With three levels of orchestras, (preparatory, intermediate, and senior), the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra is a wonderful option for musicians of all ages. The senior orchestra has the opportunity to travel to New York every few years, and is connected with professional musicians and composers. In addition to the three levels of orchestras in San Jose, there is also an orchestra based in Santa Cruz. This orchestra gathers with the orchestras based in San Jose to perform at concerts a few times each year. To learn more about the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra, visit https://sjco.org/youth/.

California Youth Symphony

With over 400 students, the California Youth Symphony is an excellent program that offers "musical instruction and performance opportunities on all symphonic instruments for young musicians of beginning through advanced levels." Through eight programs comprised of multiple string ensembles, advanced orchestras, and wind ensembles, the California Youth Symphony has developed a reputation as one of the most advanced youth orchestras. To read more, visit the California Youth Symphony's website.

"Offers musical instruction and performance opportunities on all symphonic instruments for young musicians of beginning through advanced levels."

Peninsula Youth Orchestra

Located in San Mateo County, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra includes more than 450 students through a main orchestra, three preparatory orchestras, and several chamber music groups. For ages 6-18, the Peninsula Youth Orchestra offers many opportunities and programs for musicians, regardless of their levels. The Peninsula Youth Orchestra has also gone on tours in previous years to places such as the Baltics, Italy, Germany, France, and more. To learn more, visit the Peninsula Youth Orchestra's website.

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra

The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra is a tight community of strings musicians, many of whom begin at the lowest level orchestra and advance through the years to the top orchestra in the program. The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra has 5 strings-only ensembles, where students grow and surround themselves in a community of strings musicians. The five orchestras, from least difficulty to most difficulty are SuperStrings, Preparatory, Debut, Sinfonia, and Senior. Due to the small group sizes and tight knit community, each student's experience is highly personalized. To learn more about the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, click here.

Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra

The Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra provides musicians ages 12-18 an opportunity to participate in an orchestral community that performs advanced orchestral repertoire. Members of the youth orchestra also have the opportunity to participate in the Chamber Music Program, which is open by audition. To learn more about the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra, click here.