The Union Symphony Youth Orchestra is a division of the Union Symphony Society, Inc., the sponsoring body of the Union Symphony Orchestra.  Its mission is to provide students with a quality ensemble for the rehearsal and performance of orchestral music.

Union Symphony Youth Orchestra will accept new members by audition. Membership will be drawn from Union and the surrounding counties. Students with two or more years of formal music instruction may apply. Sixty or more students may be accepted and principal positions will be assigned. Students accepted into USYO are required an annual membership fee of $125 which includes the cost of the music camp and a USYO tee shirt. Fees will be utilized to purchase music and acquire venues and pay for expenses for our camp and performances.

Private music instruction for members of USYO is highly recommended. Students can realize greater promise with the focus that an engaged music professional will provide. There are many good private instructors available in the greater Union County area.

Our music camp, all scheduled rehearsals and concerts are mandatory. Good attendance is strongly encouraged for the benefit of all students participating in USYO. If a student has an unavoidable conflict or in the case of illness, an excused absence must be reported in writing to the USYO conductor or managing director. More than three excused absences will result in a review and possible reassignment of the student by the youth orchestra staff.

Rehearsals will be on scheduled Sunday afternoons from 2–5 PM at Sun Valley Middle School. Students may arrive at 1:30 for warm up. Students must be prepared to begin rehearsal by 2 PM. DO NOT BE LATE to rehearsals. More than three tardies will result in a review of student commitment. Rehearsals will include sectionals and related activities as well as full orchestra interaction. Rehearsals will end promptly at 5 PM.

USYO members and parents are encouraged to participate in the Union Symphony Junior Guild. The function of the Junior Guild is to offer support to USYO and USCHAP. Monthly meetings will provide the opportunity for the exchange of ideas, planned activities and fundraising. Junior Guild members may also participate in volunteer activities for Union Symphony events. USYO and USCHAP Members may run for office and have opportunities to exercise leadership within the organization. 

Membership in USYO will provide music students with formal training in orchestral repertoire as well opportunities to interact with like minded individuals. They will perform three concerts and have occasions for chamber music venues. They will have unique exposure to the musicians of Union Symphony Orchestra. The USYO staff will be closely involved in the training and advancement of its young members. Members of this first 2009–2010 season will have the distinction of charter member status.