Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) serves more than 230 young musicians from all over Northeast Florida through six levels of ensembles – two full orchestras and four levels of string ensembles – that vary by repertoire and technical advancement. The JSYO season runs from September through May and includes holiday breaks.
Sponsored by:
Joan and Preston Haskell Scholarship Fund
LDJ Excellence in Music Education Fund
VyStar JSYO Scholarship
This four-year college tuition scholarship will empower one student to complete a Bachelor of Science Music Education, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts Administration, commencing Fall 2027. The scholarship covers 120 credit hours at a Florida public college or university and has been achieved in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
JSYO 2026/27 Season at a Glance
- Five JSYO concerts in Jacoby Symphony Hall
- Two Solo Recitals
- Team Building Day
- Nicholas Canellakis Masterclass in collaboration with Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival
- Sectionals coaching with Jacksonville Symphony musicians
- Outreach chamber music performances
- Young Artists Competition
- Program includes F. Schubert Symphony No. 8 in B minor (Unfinished) and P. I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor.
- Perform side-by-side with the JSA musicians during the Major/Minor Concert
- Free tickets for all Classical and Organ Series concerts
- VyStar/JSYO Scholarship
JSYO Concerts
Jacoby Symphony Hall
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Fall Concert
November 8, 2026 5:30 pm
Holiday Concert
December 14, 2026 6:00 pm
Spring Concert
March 7, 2027 6:00 pm
First Solo Recital
February 20, 2027 1:00 pm
Second Solo Recital
April 3, 2027 1:00 pm
Festival of Strings
May 3, 2027 6:00 pm
Major/Minor Concert
May 12, 2027 7:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
About the JSYO
Established in 1993, the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) is a premier program in Northeast Florida offering young musicians ages seven to 21 the opportunity to develop their skills through six structured ensemble experiences. The program serves over 300 students from across the region providing a platform for both beginning and advanced musicians.
The six ensemble levels allow JSYO to meet the needs of all students through individualized, ability-based instruction. In partnership with Communities In Schools, the program also reaches students from Title I schools who receive instruction from Jacksonville Symphony musicians.
JSYO presents several major concerts each season from September through May in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The annual Major/Minor Concert features a side-by-side performance with the Jacksonville Symphony and JSYO’s Repertory and Philharmonic Orchestras. The winner of the JSYO Young Artists Competition also performs as a soloist.
Admission to JSYO is based solely on merit and never on a student’s ability to pay tuition. Scholarships, discounts and no-cost instrument loans are available upon acceptance.
Communities In Schools
In partnership with Communities In Schools, our JSYO Jump Start Strings After School Program serves students attending Title I elementary schools in Duval County.
Students are provided free instruments, music books and instruction by Symphony musicians each week.
Weekly instruction is provided during each afterschool program with the ultimate goal being to prepare these students to perform in our Festival of Strings concert alongside JSYO musicians, and to get them ready to audition for LaVilla School of the Arts.
Testimonials
Andriel McQueen, Double Bass, JSYO Encore Strings"JSYO has been a huge opportunity for me. When my college didn’t have anything classical, JSYO opened their arms to me. I’ve enjoyed playing for Foundation and Encore. I can’t wait to see what happens in the future."
Annemarie Ossi, Violin, JSYO Repertory Orchestra“At JSYO the students are friendly and we help each other. I like that after each rehearsal with Ms. Helen and Dr. E., our orchestra quickly sounds better. They assign challenging but fun music which keeps us motivated. Performing on stage for our family and friends is a very exciting experience!”
“Working with the young musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras is always an inspiring experience. I am a huge advocate of this organization and the positive musical and personal impact it has on its students.”Melissa Barrett, Violin, Jacksonville Symphony Musician & JSYO Coach
Nolan Crews, Trumpet, JSYO Philharmonic“Playing in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra has been an honor and a privilege. This orchestra has presented me with opportunities to perform with like-minded musicians and learn from professionals. While performing with this ensemble, my musicality and technique has improved greatly, and I’m excited to continue to grow musically with this ensemble for years to come.”
Aidan Knight, Viola, JSYO Foundation Strings"Foundation Strings was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from our conductor, Ms. Rose, because she would play her violin to show us techniques to hold our instrument, how to play different note signatures and how to make different kinds of sounds asked for by the music. She is also a kind teacher who made practices engaging, made sure we had breaks during practices and food on concert days."
