Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra offers a rigorous program that includes weekly rehearsals and extensive coaching with leading Bay Area professionals. Participants take part in performance opportunities throughout the region and the world.

• Schedule: Weekly rehearsals

Classical and symphonic music in Oakland have a history dating back over 90 years from the original Oakland Symphony, which operated from 1933 to 1986. Oakland Symphony Chorus and Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra were formed 60 years ago, later becoming independent organizations after the original Symphony closed in 1986. In 2010, the Symphony, the Youth Orchestra, and the Chorus merged to establish one organization, which operated under the name Oakland East Bay Symphony for 26 years before being known again as the Oakland Symphony. The Youth Orchestra is part of an organization whose programs, including the MUSE (Music for Excellence) program and Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, have introduced over 100,000 young people to symphonic music and reach over 60,000 people annually. The organization’s mission states that the Oakland Symphony, Youth Orchestra and Chorus bring together orchestral music, choral music and youth education to strengthen the Oakland/East Bay community by providing quality live performances, education for lifetime enrichment and the perpetuation of the performing arts. The Symphony works with schools and in the community and has fostered collaborations with local arts organizations, including children’s choruses and jazz ensembles. Leadership connected to the Youth Orchestra includes Kedrick Armstrong, Music Director and Conductor, and Omid Zoufonoun, Youth Orchestra Director.

Last updated June 21, 2026.