Youth Symphony

Youth Symphony consists of the most experienced orchestral musicians in the HPYS, generally including high school and advanced middle school students on all orchestral instruments (winds, brass, percussion, and strings).

Students with previous orchestral experience can hone their musical, technical, and ensemble skills in the orchestra while performing both standard orchestral repertoire and new works.

Led by Artistic Director Matthew Sheppard, the Youth Symphony performs three to five concerts each year in some of the finest venues on the South Side, including Rockefeller Chapel, Mandel Hall, the South Shore Cultural Center, and Logan Center for the Arts.

Each week, Youth Symphony musicians explore a sampling of great orchestral music, delving in deeply to the musical content beyond the notes and rhythms.

By learning to think and talk about the music at a deep level, they create context for meaningful performances.

Youth Symphony frequently collaborates with other organizations and artists, including recent performances with the Chicago Children’s Choir, Rockefeller Chapel Choir, the Hyde Park School of Dance, and performers from the UChicago Woodlawn Charter School.