Each May, about 300 middle to high school instrumentalists go through one or more auditions for places in the ASYO (the minimum age requirement is 13, though exceptions are made).
At least one concert each season features Youth Orchestra soloists selected through an annual Concerto Competition.
The ASYO has hosted or exchanged visits with youth orchestras from Great Britain, Australia, and Berlin, Germany.
In April 2005, the Youth Orchestra performed and recorded two live concerts with Atlanta rock band Collective Soul.
They are showcased in the DVD Home: A Live Concert Recording With The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Other guest artists including Jennifer Larmore, Jami Rogers, and Andrés Díaz have performed with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.