When considering a community youth orchestra, it's good to keep in mind:

• Most run along the regional/area school calendar with summers off.
• Kids will be expected to practice regularly between rehearsals.
• Organizations are volunteer-run. Be prepared to lend a hand and assist with fundraising.
• Rehearsals can be up to two hours long and may take place on the weekend.
• Several groups have travel opportunities across the world!
• Scholarships and sibling discounts may be available, if you ask. 

Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras (GBYO) 
Christopher Hisey, Music Director 
Season: September through May. 

GBYO consists of six ensembles based on ability and interest, from String and Wind through Concert, Symphony, and Principal. They also offer a Jazz ensemble. The group pulls from 30 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. They rehearse Saturday mornings at Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield. Three ensemble-wide performances are held at Klein Auditorium.  Open auditions are held in August and September, or by application.

Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) 
Eric Mahl, Music Director
Season:  September through June

Originally called the Ridgefield Youth Orchestra, WCYO serve Western Connecticut and boasts three ensembles with approximately 100 auditioned musicians ages 10 to 18. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays evenings at Scotts Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, CT. Open auditions are in June or by application. 

Norwalk Youth Symphony (NYS)
Jonathan Yates, conductor of the Principal Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra
Season: September through May

Established in 1956, the Norwalk Youth Symphony (NYS) has earned its prestigious reputation. More than 230 students from 30 area towns join its ranks annually. Like other programs, its six ensembles are tiered based on demonstrated abilities at auditions. At NYS, members are expected to be taking private lessons. Rehearsals and performances are held at Norwalk Concert Hall at Norwalk City Hall. Auditions are held in August and September. 

Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra and Strings Ensemble (ECSYO)
Kathleen Anderson, Musical Director
Season: Fall and Spring Semesters

The ECSYO's two ensembles work closely with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony of New London, CT. The String Orchestra is a development ensemble for ages 9 through 13. It rehearses on Mondays at Northeast Academy Elementary School in Mystic, CT. More experienced students audition to play in Youth Orchestra. Rehearsals are also on Mondays at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) in Norwich, CT. For information about auditions, email the organization.

Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestras (SYSOCT)
Susannah Bryan, conductor of SYSO and SYCO
​Season: September through May

"Shoreline" rehearses Wednesday evenings at Daniel Hand High School, Madison, CT. The community organization consists of the Shoreline Youth Concert Orchestra, for middle school aged students. The Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra serves high school music students in the Shoreline area. Auditions for both ensembles are held in September.

Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles
by Neighborhood Music School
Thomas C. Duffy, musical director
Season: September through May

The Greater New Haven Youth Ensemble is organized by Neighborhood Music School and offers four auditioned ensemble groups for middle and high school students: Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and its top tier, Youth Orchestra. The program is part of a much larger arts organization in New Haven, Neighborhood Music School (NMS). In fact, NMS is single largest nonprofit arts organization in CT and one of the 10th largest in the nation.  Its ensembles rehearse on either Mondays or Wednesdays in New Haven. Auditions can be made by appointment.

Hartt School Community Division Ensemble Program
by University of Hartford
Daniel D'Addio, Director
Season: September to May

A part of the University of Hartford, the Hartt School Community Division has offered a youth orchestra in the Hartford area since 1938. The Hartt School has gone on to offer hundreds more arts programs, beyond its auditioned Ensemble Program. The music program is extensive, serving grades one through 12 and adults. Just a few of its music ensembles are: Connecticut Youth Symphony, Guitar Orchestra, Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble, and more. Most rehearsals are held on the University of Hartford campus in West Hartford. An "Audition Festival" is scheduled for June 11, 2017.  

Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic (SYAP)
Christian Capocaccia, Director
Season: September to May

Reaching into lower Fairfield County and the tri-state, SYAP develops approximately 150 students each year in its three programs: The Young String Ensemble, The Young People's Symphony, and The Young Artists' Philharmonic. The ensembles rehearse on Mondays at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, CT. Auditions are offered on a rolling basis and during the summer. 

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Photos courtesy of the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra.