Programs
The Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia currently offers four after-school music education and enrichment programs.
All programs run September – May of every academic year. Participating students are required to commit to a full season of weekly rehearsals. Each season includes a variety of student performance opportunities, work with guest artists, and access to community events!
Program Overview
Youth Symphony
(advanced full symphony orchestra) Mondays from 6:15-8:30pm
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Evans Orchestra
(intermediate full symphony orchestra) Mondays from 6:30-8:00pm
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Junior Strings
(beginner/intermediate string orchestra) Mondays from 6:15pm-7:30pm
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Chamber Music Club
(mixed instruments and levels)
Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Youth Symphony
Rehearsal Day & Time: Mondays from 6:15 – 8:30pm
Location: MLK Performing Arts Center Stage, 1400 Melbourne Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901.
25/26 Season Program Start: September 8, 2025
25/26 Season Program End: Monday, May 18, 2026
Description: Youth Symphony is our advanced full-symphony orchestra founded in 1978. The ensemble consists of approximately 50-60 advanced youth musicians performing original orchestral masterworks. Audition required.
Instructors:
Matthew Mainella, Youth Symphony Conductor
Annual Tuition Fee: $700.
Rita M. Evans Orchestra
Rehearsal Day & Time: Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Location: Charlottesville High School, Orchestra and Band Room
Program Start: September 8, 2025
Program End: Monday, May 18, 2026
Description: Evans is our intermediate full-symphony orchestra founded in 1978. The ensemble consists of approximately 50-60 middle and high school musicians performing original and adapted orchestral masterworks. Evans is a full season commitment including weekly rehearsals throughout the academic year. Audition required.
Instructors:
Alicia Tobin, Conductor
Michael Allen, Assistant Conductor
Annual Tuition Fee: $675.
Junior Strings
Rehearsal Day & Time: Mondays from 6:15 – 7:30pm
Location: Charlottesville High School, Choir Classroom.
Program Start: September 8, 2025
Program End: Monday, May 18, 2026
Description: Junior Strings serves as YOCVA’s preparatory string orchestra. It develops beginning strings players and prepares them for future membership in the Evans Orchestra and Youth Symphony. Junior Strings is a full season commitment including weekly rehearsals throughout the academic year. No audition required.
Instructor:
Emily Thomas Waters, Conductor
Annual Tuition Fee: $500
Chamber Music Club
Rehearsal Day & Time: Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00pm
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2416 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Program Start: September 17, 2024.
Program End: Tuesday, May 19, 2025
Description: The chamber music program at YOCVA is an opportunity for students to make music with their friends in a small group setting guided by a professional musician coach. Different from Orchestra and Band, musicians in chamber groups play one-to-a-part. Our program is flexible and student-guided. Weekly activities include rehearsals with your long-term coach, work with guest musicians, masterclasses, workshops and recitals by guest artists, and student performances.
No audition required. *(Minimum enrollment requirement is 3 students per group).
Instructor(s):
Megan Gray, Program Coordinator
Full coach roster TBA.
Annual Tuition Fee: $700
Need financial assistance? Click HERE to complete an application.
Rolling Admission. Email megan.gray@yocva.org for more information.
