Symphony School is open to youth musicians, grades 4 – 12 (advanced beginner to intermediate skill level). The program offers opportunities designed to help young musicians develop good technique, advanced sound production on their instrument, and music literacy skills in keeping with the national standard repertoire for youth symphonies. Symphony School musicians should be able to read music at a beginner level.
Symphony School offers two performing ensembles, preparing young musicians, step by step, for participation in AYO’s highest level performing group, the Anchorage Youth Symphony, as well as for greater musical achievement in other community and school music programs. Participating musicians receive professional conducting, and supportive coaching on their instrument from highly-qualified music education and performance professionals.
Symphony School ensembles meet for weekly rehearsals in the Fall and Spring. Musicians are encouraged to participate in both sessions, but are welcome to participate in only the Fall or Spring. Rehearsals take place in UAA’s Fine Arts Building on Sunday evenings (4:30 – 5:45 PM or 6:00 – 7:15 PM, depending on ensemble placement).
Ensemble assignment is completed through a required screening. All who screen are placed in an ensemble if they meet the age and skill requirement (advanced beginner and above). Musicians screening in the Fall and returning in the Spring retain their ensemble assignment throughout the year. New musicians entering the ensemble for the Spring session will be screened and placed appropriately at that time.
2026 Spring Session
Rehearsals begin Sunday, March 15, 2026
New musicians must screen to join Symphony School during the Spring session. Musicians who performed in Symphony School in Fall may continue in Spring without additional screening.
All participants retain their ensemble placement (Prelude or Overture) throughout the year. Musicians placed in Prelude in the Fall may request to be considered for participation in Overture in the Spring, as an add-on to their continued participation in Prelude. When appropriate, participation in both ensembles allows young musicians to gain exposure to more challenging music in Overture, while also serving as musical leaders in Prelude. Any Prelude participants requesting consideration for Overture will be required to submit an additional screening for the Spring session.
How to Apply:
Returning Musicians: Please complete the Returning Musicians Form. No additional screening is required.
New Musicians: Screenings for the Spring Session are due March 2, 2026.
Screenings are completed via video submission through GetAcceptd.com (available starting February 1, 2026).
– Visit GetAcceptd.com and signup for an account
– Once logged in, search for “Alaska Youth Orchestras”
– Select Symphony School program and your instrument
– Start your application
(Note: If this is your first time making a GetAcceptd account, and you encounter an Account Verification issue, please submit the Applicant Support Request Form. GetAcceptd’s support team will get back to you within the next business day.
For general assistance with your screening submission, please contact AYO Operations Manager Zach Akins.)
Notes:
– There will be a nonrefundable screening fee of $35
– Screening requirements include a short bio, a solo (approx. 90 seconds), and 2 scales (your choice).
– All who screen are placed in an ensemble if they meet the age and skill requirement (advanced beginner and above).
Tuition:
The Symphony School tuition fee is $250 per session (payable at the start of each session—Fall & Spring). Need-based scholarships are available. Please email ed@alaskayouthorchestras.org to inquire.
2025-26 Calendar
(subject to change)
SPRING Session
Rehearsals take place Sunday evenings:
March 15 – May 10 at UAA
(4:30 – 5:45 pm – Prelude Ensemble)
(6:00 – 7:15 pm – Overture Ensemble)
Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, May 16
(4:00 – 5:00 pm – Prelude Ensemble)
(5:00 – 6:00 pm – Overture Ensemble)
Spring Celebration Concert: Sunday, May 17Â (4:00 pm)