Overview

Musicians learn to paint with even more color in Vermont Youth Philharmonia. With the addition of winds and brass players, the opportunities for orchestral repertoire expand, and this ensemble offers many young musicians their first experience playing in a full symphony orchestra. Dr. Yutaka Kono challenges this ensemble with music selections that are relevant to their lives, including contemporary, diverse composers and exciting selections from movies and other media, in preparation for several concerts, school, and community performances.

Auditions

Auditions for new and current musicians are held annually in May at the Elley-Long Music Center. Audition requirements are posted by February 1. Musicians must prepare 2 minutes of a solo, a scale and arpeggio, and an orchestra excerpt from that year’s list. Each musician will also be asked to sight read.

Audition Information

Schedule

Rehearsals (2025-2026)

  • Sundays 3:45pm-6:15pm at Elley-Long Music Center

Concerts

  • Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5:30pm, Elley-Long Music Center
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026, 4:00pm, OrchestraPalooza Concert at The Flynn
  • Sunday, April 11, 2027, 5:00pm, Elley-Long Music Center

Attendance Policy

The VYOA believes that full participation by all members of each ensemble leads to greater success and better camaraderie!  Musicians are allowed two rehearsal absences per concert cycle for illness or an unavoidable schedule conflict. If musicians must miss more than two rehearsals, they will be asked to meet with the conductor as a check-in to make sure they are progressing sufficiently.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2025–2026 Vermont Youth Philharmonia Tuition: $1620

Annual tuition fees for participation in the VYOA vary. Please note that tuition is non-refundable after the first rehearsal.

Financial Aid

The VYOA is committed to ensuring that no child is discouraged from participating due to financial circumstances. Need-based financial aid is available to all qualifying families demonstrating an adjusted gross income up to $120,000. You can find the 2025-2026 online financial aid application here. Financial aid applications should be submitted by June 27, 2025.

Apply

Questions

Contact Art DeQuasie with any questions about registration.

What excites me most about Vermont Youth Philharmonia isn’t just the music—it’s you! I love watching this group take on challenges, connect through ensemble playing, and bring music to life in a way that only they can. This orchestra is about collaboration, growth, expression, and joy, and I can’t wait to see what we create together every year.

Dr. Yutaka Kono, Conductor