A youth orchestra is an organization that trains young musicians, usually aged eight to eighteen, in a setting that resembles that of a professional orchestra. Youth orchestras are most popular in the United States and Europe, but they are also found in other countries. Youth orchestra programs are most commonly found in large cities, but they can also be found in smaller towns. Orchestra membership can range from competitive to inclusive, and program funding and student costs can vary depending on the orchestra.
Within a single organization, some cities have several orchestras with varying levels of competitiveness. There could be one all-inclusive orchestra that all interested students can join regardless of their experience or skill level, one or more orchestras that require an audition, or several orchestras divided age or years of experience. Some organizations also offer instrument-training programs for students from the inner city or who are low-income.
Some youth orchestra rehearsals are structured similarly to professional rehearsals on the competitive end of the spectrum. Members of a high-end youth orchestra are often expected to teach themselves the music to a large extent before beginning rehearsal for a particular program, just as they are in a professional setting. Rather than a music teacher, a professional conductor frequently leads the orchestra. Because full orchestra rehearsals tend to focus on unity of performance rather than individual musician training, students are expected to receive the majority of their basic musical instruction outside of those sessions. The goal of this type of orchestra is to actively prepare students for careers in orchestras.
The majority of youth orchestras are supported a combination of fundraising, concert ticket sales, and tuition fees. While most orchestras charge a fee, some produce a full season of concerts that cover the majority of the costs. Others have even held benefit concerts to raise funds for other non-profit organizations.
Involvement in orchestra, regardless of level, provides an additional opportunity for students to hone their musical skills outside of the classroom. Young people who are interested in pursuing musical careers can gain valuable experience participating in a competitive youth orchestra. However, all willing students may benefit from the teamwork and self-discipline required of members of a youth orchestra.