All five ensembles meet weekly and participate in coaching and masterclasses by Richmond Symphony musicians, mentoring, and other activities.
The orchestras are the top orchestral training ensembles of central Virginia.
The String Sinfonietta is an all-string ensemble for young musicians, originally conducted by Joseph Wargo from 1983 to 2004.
Camerata Strings: "Camerata" was created specifically as an intermediate strings-intensive group to fill a gap between Sinfonietta and the upper level groups, and was done so purposely for Joseph Wargo in 2004, whereupon he left his former founding group (where current conductor Christie-Jo Adams was an early Sinfonietta player) and served as founding conductor of Camerata Strings from 2004 to the time of his retirement from formal pedagogy in 2008; at which time the group responsibilities were undertaken by current conductor Rebecca Jilcott.
Wind Ensemble our newest ensemble in the Youth Orchestra Program and helps to bridge the gap for beginning wind players who are looking to join our youth orchestras.
Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO): Conducted by Sandy Goldie.
Ability to play a roll (pp-ff) on snare drum Viola players should be prepared to read in treble clef.
Cello, bassoon, and trombone players should be prepared to read in tenor clef
Audition dates for the 20-21 YOP season are scheduled for: Halbruner, Aimee.