About
The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra includes two full-orchestra groups where young musicians take part in workshops, side-by-side performances, and clinics. Both ensembles perform a three-concert series at the Gallo Center for the Arts, and members participate in community outreach performances, MSO events, fundraisers, and numerous other performing opportunities. The program also offers touring experiences, including past tours to San Francisco, Sacramento, the Central Valley, and international performances by the Symphony Orchestra in England, France, Japan, Eastern Europe, Canada, and China.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm; the first rehearsal for the 2025–26 season is Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Founded in 1976, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra serves over 100 young musicians and their families from more than 40 public and private schools in the Central Valley. It is made up of the MSYO Concert Orchestra (Grades 5–9) and the MSYO Symphony Orchestra (Grades 9–12). The Chamber Ensembles Program offers more challenging musical repertoire in small ensemble settings and serves as a showcase group for community outreach, MSO events, fundraisers, and other performing opportunities.
Each spring, the Concert Orchestra tours local elementary schools to provide free performances and advocate for the importance of music education. Upcoming MSYO performances include the Sierra Youth Orchestra Festival at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm, the MSYO Spring Concert on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm, and the MSYO Season Finale Concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The leadership team includes Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director; Stephanie Rawls, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor; Ella Webb, MSYO Brass Coach; and Joel Maki, MSYO Percussion Coach. The program’s stated mission is: “In the conviction that music nourishes the mind, body and spirit of the individual and enriches the community, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra provides a rigorous and inspiring orchestral experience for young musicians.”
Last updated March 2, 2026.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm; the first rehearsal for the 2025–26 season is Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Founded in 1976, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra serves over 100 young musicians and their families from more than 40 public and private schools in the Central Valley. It is made up of the MSYO Concert Orchestra (Grades 5–9) and the MSYO Symphony Orchestra (Grades 9–12). The Chamber Ensembles Program offers more challenging musical repertoire in small ensemble settings and serves as a showcase group for community outreach, MSO events, fundraisers, and other performing opportunities.
Each spring, the Concert Orchestra tours local elementary schools to provide free performances and advocate for the importance of music education. Upcoming MSYO performances include the Sierra Youth Orchestra Festival at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm, the MSYO Spring Concert on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm, and the MSYO Season Finale Concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The leadership team includes Elisha Wells, MSYO Music Director; Stephanie Rawls, MSYO Concert Orchestra Conductor; Ella Webb, MSYO Brass Coach; and Joel Maki, MSYO Percussion Coach. The program’s stated mission is: “In the conviction that music nourishes the mind, body and spirit of the individual and enriches the community, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra provides a rigorous and inspiring orchestral experience for young musicians.”
Last updated March 2, 2026.
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