Education & Community
General YOP FAQ
How many performances do the ensembles present each season?
(NOTICE: Due to COVID-19 and a virtual fall semester, the information below is not be accurate for this season.)
In the 2020/21 season our YOP students worked together to create a combined final recording project. Final projects are presented in during an end of semester Virtual Concert for students, friends, and family to attend.
In a normal season, String Sinfonietta, Camerata Strings, and YCO present two performances in the Carpenter Theatre each season (December and May)
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra presents three performances in the Carpenter Theatre each season (November, February and May).
All ensembles will typically present one concert in the community during the season.
Is there any financial assistance available?
Yes! In an effort to ensure that participation in YOP is accessible to all students regardless of their ability to pay, we are proud to offer a number of tuition assistance programs:
1. Financial Aid
Financial Aid will be applied based on a sliding scale; families may be eligible for 25%, 50%, 75% or 90%
tuition assistance. Click here to download the Financial Aid Application.
2. Work Study
(NOTICE: Due to COVID-19 and a virtual fall semester, the information below is not be accurate for the Fall 2020 season. We are currently re-envisioning what the role of a Work Study student will be during our Virtual Fall semester.)
Work study opportunities are available for students participating in the Richmond Symphony Youth
Orchestra (RSYO). The work study program offers students to volunteer as assistants in the RSO offices in
exchange for a tuition waiver for the current YOP season. Applications are reviewed at the beginning of
each season.
3. Parent Representatives
(NOTICE: Due to COVID-19 and a virtual fall semester, the information below is not be accurate for the Fall 2020 season. We are currently re-envisioning what the roles of Parent Reps will be during our Virtual Fall semester.)
Parent Representatives are a vital ingredient for the success of YOP. Parent representatives are present at
every rehearsal to supervise check-in, set-up, announcements, and dismissal. A tuition waiver will be
granted for one child of the parent representative in YOP for the current year. Applications are reviewed at
the beginning of each season. Apply to be a parent rep here.
Are students required to take private lessons?
Private lessons are not required, however they are strongly encouraged for all of our students to help
advance their skills.
Are students required to be in the school orchestra/band?
Yes! The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program is very proud to support music education at all levels, and
our policy has always been that Youth Orchestra musicians must participate in their school’s band and/or orchestra
program, if class instruction is offered for their instrument. A Teacher’s signature required during enrollment period.
Find your School Participation form here.
ALUMNI
Calling all alumni! We would love to hear what you are up to now. Stay in touch by emailing education@richmondsymphony.com