Scott Parkman, Music Director
Peggy Neilson, Manager

The Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra has had a significant impact on the region's student musicians for more than 35 years. The Youth Orchestra consists of nearly 100 talented young performers, ranging in age from 12 to 22. The group rehearses weekly during the school year and presents three programs each season in Powell Symphony Hall under the leadership of Scott Parkman, the Symphony's Assistant Conductor.

Members of the Youth Orchestra represent more than three dozen schools throughout the St. Louis area, and some from as far away as Springfield, IL, Rolla, Columbia and Jefferson City. For many of these students, being a part of the Youth Orchestra also means getting valuable insight and coaching from the professional musicians of the Symphony in regular sectional rehearsals.

Founded in 1970 by Leonard Slatkin, the SLS Youth Orchestra has been a springboard for many young musicians seeking a career in orchestral music - including current members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. There are more than 1,000 alumni now playing and teaching all across the nation.

In 2006, the YO performed in the Capitol Building in Jefferson City and spoke to state legislators about the importance of arts education.

Admission to the Youth Orchestra is by annual auditions. Preliminary auditions are held in May.

For general information on Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra auditions please contact Peggy Neilson, Youth Orchestra Manager, at (314) 286-4407, or peggy@slso.org.

Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra 2008-2009 Season
Audition Guide REQUIREMENTS 

2007-2008 Youth Orchestra Concerts:

Friday, May 2, 2008 at 8 pm
Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
Scott Parkman, conductor
Andrew George, clarinet

FAURE   Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80
MOZART   Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A major, K. 622
R. STRAUSS   Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration)
J. STRAUSS, Jr.   Emperor Waltzes