ABOUT US
MISSION
The Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) strives to nurture and empower young musicians by providing professional mentorship and enhance the existing musical community within our region through the shared goal of achieving musical excellence through collaboration, education, and the enjoyment of music.
WHY MSYO
- Personalized mentorship from professional musicians
- Play under the baton of a professional conductor
- Create musical connections
- Enhance the region’s musical excellence
CORE VALUES
- We value providing a high-quality musical education to our students through individual attention and various performance opportunities
- We aspire to cultivate a supportive environment built upon mutual respect, dedication, and a love of music
- We value the collaboration between professional musicians and youth orchestra members
- We aspire to enhance musicians’ confidence on and off the stage
- We strive to provide scholarships and audition fee waivers to uplift the pursuit of musical excellence regardless of a family’s financial status
- We embody the values of the MSO to educate and entertain while serving all members of our region
AUDITIONS
The Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra is an auditioned program that runs from approximately September to June each year. MSYO participants are typically high school students who have a passion for Orchestral music and have several years of playing experience. This program is not intended for those over the age of 19.
Auditions for the 2026-27 season are now open!
The Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra, launched in 2025, is a cornerstone of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to music education and youth development in the region. Bringing together dedicated student musicians from across the community, the program offers meaningful opportunities to study and perform orchestral music at a high level while learning directly from professional artists.
Under the direction of Dr. Britney Alcine, students engage in a season of rehearsals, mentorship, and performance that builds technical skill, confidence, and a strong sense of collaboration. Just as importantly, the experience fosters discipline, mutual respect, and a lasting connection to music.
Through this work, the Maryland Symphony Youth Orchestra not only supports the next generation of musicians but also strengthens the cultural life of the community, reflecting a belief that access to high-quality arts education should be both meaningful and widely available.
Tuition Overview
Total Tuition: $800
2026/27 Tuition Discount: –$150
Made possible by a generous gift from an anonymous donor
Adjusted Tuition: $650
What you pay upfront:
- Application Fee
- $25 if submitted before July 1, 2026 *
- $50 if submitted on or after July 1, 2026
- Deposit: $100
Remaining Balance: $500
This means your total tuition still equals $700, with $150 paid upfront and $550 remaining.
*Early application discount: Students who apply before July 1 will pay a reduced $25 application fee, but the full $50 application fee is still credited toward tuition. This ensures the remaining balance is $500 regardless of when the application is submitted.
Payment Options
Flexible payment plans are available for the remaining balance. Plans can be arranged after acceptance and deposit are received.
Scholarships
We believe every student should have access to music, regardless of financial circumstances.
Need-based scholarships and flexible payment options are available to support families and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
To learn more or request assistance, please contact Brooke Evers, Education Director, at bevers@marylandsymphony.org.
Cost in Perspective
Tuition breaks down to approximately $21.43 per rehearsal, supporting a high-quality experience with professional musicians, personalized instruction, and ensemble performance opportunities.
For more information about the MSYO or any of our education programs, please contact our education department.