Unless specified, these concerts are free and open to family and friends. Additional information is available by contacting Sarasota Orchestra Education Department at (941) 487-2731.
Dates
November 18, 2024 | Symphonic Winds, Youth Symphony and Youth Philharmonic Concert |
November 19, 2024 | String Orchestras Concert |
December 21, 2024 | Alumni Concert |
February 9, 2025 | Thrill of a Lifetime - Buy Tickets! |
February 10, 2025 | Symphonic Winds and Youth Symphony Concert |
February 11, 2025 | String Orchestras Concert |
April 21, 2025 | Symphonic Winds, Youth Symphony, Youth Philharmonic Showcase Concert |
April 22, 2025 | String Orchestras Showcase Concert |
Apply Today!
The Youth Orchestra program has taught thousands of young people to become better musicians. Many become performers with the Sarasota Orchestra or major symphony orchestras throughout the country.
Eight different orchestras rehearse weekly from September through April. Students progress through the program from string ensembles up to full orchestras. Auditions are held every year.
Tuition
Each participant in the Youth Orchestra program pays $330 tuition. This is in addition to the $25 application fee and is due upon invoice. The $330 tuition is only a fraction of the actual cost to Sarasota Orchestra per student. We are grateful to the Sarasota Orchestra Friends and the generosity of donors and granting organizations that help keep the costs to students reasonable.
Recruitment Incentive
Do you know a student that would enjoy being a part of our program? Help us spread the word and receive $25 off your tuition for each new student. Example: Talk with 4 new students that meet the requirements below and receive $100 off your tuition.
Scholarships
The Sarasota Orchestra is fortunate to be able to offer several types of scholarships. Through the generosity of many donors and numerous foundations, we are able to off-set tuition expenses. We also strongly believe in the benefit of private lessons and are able to help subsidize students’ lesson expenses. In addition, we offer scholarships for summer music camps and college music majors.
Tuition Scholarships
Need-based tuition scholarships are awarded to cover a portion of program cost (between 10% and 75%). Please include a letter of explanation. These letters can greatly help the committee with their decisions.
Sibling Scholarships
The Sarasota Orchestra understands that many families have more than one child in our program. To help off-set these expenses, we offer a reduced tuition rate to families with more than one student participating in the Youth Orchestra Program. Often these are 50% scholarships. For example, $330 for the first child, $165 for each additional child. You must request this scholarship on
the application.
Fellowships
FULL TUITION scholarships (excluding application fee) are awarded based on family need. To be considered for a full tuition scholarship, you must provide full income disclosure (IRS 1040 Form, page one, front and back) and an explanation of scholarship need. Full scholarships cannot be granted without this documentation.
Private Lesson Scholarships
These are awarded to Youth Orchestra participants to help defray a percentage of the cost of private lessons (38 lesson maximum Sept.-June).