OAKLAND
YOUTH
ORCHESTRA

Oakland Youth Orchestra began in 1975, as the Oakland Youth Symphony, under the baton of Ervin Monroe, principal flutist of the Detroit Symphony and Lawrence Simmons, Associate Conductor.

Today the guiding principles and long-standing mission of Oakland Youth Orchestra remain intact as evidenced through the challenging musical selections embraced by our student members.

“The idea from the beginning was to provide a quality orchestral experience for students who had no such opportunity in their home schools; to provide an advanced performance medium for high school orchestra students in addition to that which they received in their home schools; and to do everything possible to strengthen the public and private school orchestra programs in existence.”

As a recognized music education resource for 30 years, and in collaboration with Oakland University, OYO continues to uphold its original mission. Today we remain an independent, non-profit, 501-C3 corporation that is run through the efforts of our very involved parent community. OYO again welcomes an expanded roster of approximately 285 students 9-18 yrs old, representing 45 communities in Southeastern Michigan. We proudly maintain three levels of orchestra: Strings, Philharmonia, and Symphony in the pursuit of kinship, education, and musical excellence!

Our three tier orchestra system is grouped by following criteria:

Strings
Intermediate Level
String musicians only
(Violin, Cello, Double Bass)
Completed Suzuki books 3 through 5
In general, grades 3 through 9
Rehearses Thursdays 7pm-8:45pm at University Presbyterian Church (Adams Rd S of Avon) 		Philharmonia
Advanced Intermediate
Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion
Completed Suzuki books 4-7 (Strings)
In general, grades 7 through 12
Rehearses Thursdays 7:15pm-9:15pm at Oakland University Varner Hall 		Symphony*
Advanced Level
Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion
In general, High School musicians
Rehearses Thursdays 7:15pm-9:15pm at Oakland University Varner Hall

*Chamber Orchestra
Select members of the Symphony Orchestra.
Students must be regular members of the OYO Symphony Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses in addition to the Symphony Orchestra. Selections will be made through the Spring Auditions.
Participation will provide students an opportunity to explore chamber repertoire thus adding a deeper dimension to their orchestral experiences. Students will perform literature from the Baroque through Romantic periods and beyond. The students will meet for two 10- week semesters culminating in a concert each semester. The first semester’s group will consist of approximately 22 string players. During the second semester the group will add wind and percussion.
Rehearses Thursdays 5:30pm-6:45pm at Oakland University Varner Hall.
See the Chamber Orchestra page for more details.


Tuition and Membership

Each student pays the following fees:

These fees only partially cover operating expenses: salaries, music purchase and rental, concert expenses, awards, etc. Parents and families are expected to participate in orchestra fundraisers, such as program advertising, and to volunteer their time and talents to the operation of the Orchestra.

OYO provides various scholarship opportunities based on financial need, as well as merit competitions, as funds are available. These cash awards may be used towards the student’s music education. Merit-based scholarships are awarded annually in the spring.