Founded in 1955 between Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico, Dr. Kurt Frederick was the very first conductor of the Youth Symphony,[2] which included students of grades 7–12.

Several years later, due to the popularity of the group, the program divided the symphony into two groups: the Albuquerque Junior Orchestra, which was for grades 7–9, and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony for older students grades 10–12.

The Program's premier ensemble, Youth Symphony (YS) contains students in high school (grades 9–12).

The Albuquerque Youth Symphony has toured Brazil, the Czech Republic and, in the summer of 2009, went to Australia and New Zealand.

In the summer of 2012, AYS traveled to Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic.

This group requires an audition with scales and a solo of the student's choice and sightreading.

The only elementary school group, the Preparatory Orchestra (PSO) does not require an audition.

A tradition of New Mexico, luminarias are sold by the Albuquerque Youth Symphony to raise money for each individual musician to pay for their tour.

Though this is a small fundraiser, the Youth Symphony still benefits from the profits of the shirt commerce.