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 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. Seventy or more students may be accepted and principal positions will be assigned. Students accepted into USYO are required an annual nonrefundable membership fee of $175 which includes the cost of the music camp. Fees will be utilized to purchase music and acquire venues and pay for expenses for our camp and performances.

Students will purchase their USYO Tee Shirt at Orchestra Camp. The shirts will be worn for Camp on Sunday, all dress rehearsals and other events. The cost of the shirt is $12 for youth/adult sizes. Adult XL and XXL costs $14. USYO tote bags will also available for sale. USYO makes a percentage of the profits.

In order for a student to audition for and participate in the Union Symphony Youth Orchestra, the student must be a currently enrolled full-time member of his/her school orchestra or band program, if one exists. Students who attend a school that has a four (4) period day, must be enrolled and receive one (1) full credit. If there is no orchestra or band program in the student’s school, or if the student is home schooled, then the student must have a private music instructor in order to participate in the Union Symphony Youth Orchestra. Extenuating circumstances can allow a waiver of this policy if and only if approved by both the USYO conductor and Union Symphony Board Director, Youth Programming.

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 mandatory 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 by email to USYO Director. More than two excused absences will result in a review and possible reassignment of the student by the youth orchestra staff.

Dress code for concerts (for USYO and USCHAP) is concert black. Males wear black dress shoes, black slacks and jacket with white dress shirt and USYO issued black bow ties and cummerbunds. Females wear all black dresses or blouses (with three quarter length sleeves) with floor length skirts or dress slacks and dress shoes. Wear black dress socks, tights or hose. Please do not wear jewelry or hair accessories that stand out.

USYO members are encouraged to participate in the The Guild. The function of The Guild is to offer leadership to USYO Members and support to USYO and USCHAP. Meetings will provide the opportunity for the exchange of ideas, planned activities and fundraising. 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 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.