Oakland Youth Orchestras

OYO - Youth Making Music

Oakland Youth Orchestra is a parent-run nonprofit organization. It is our goal to provide students with an enriching musical education beyond their school experience. OYO attracts nearly 300 elementary through high school students from southeastern Michigan.

Our four tier orchestra system is grouped by following criteria:

Studio String*
Advanced Beginner
String musicians only
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
Suzuki books 1(completed) through 3
In general, grades 3 through 7
Rehearses Thursdays 7pm-8:30pm at University Presbyterian Church (Adams Rd S of Avon)
Strings
Intermediate Level
String musicians only
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
Suzuki books 4 through 6
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
Suzuki books 5-7 (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
*Studio String Orchestra
The Studio String Orchestra focuses on building reading and ensemble skills.

Tuition and Membership

Each student pays the following fees:

These fees only partially cover operating expenses: salaries, music purchase and rental, concert expenses, 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 tuition scholarships based on financial need. Additional cash awards which may be used towards the student’s music education can be earned through the annual Concerto Competition or the Merit Scholarships.


OYO is supported in part by the MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS