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Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra

The Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra is an Education program of the Amarillo Symphony and serves as a performance-based experience for young instrumentalists throughout the Texas Panhandle. ASYO focuses on the continued training and development of young musicians.

The four ensembles – Preparatory Strings, Sinfonia, Philharmonic, and Youth Symphony – offer a unique musical experience to young musicians ages 8 to 19 of different skill levels. Students participate in small group coachings with Amarillo Symphony musicians, WTAMU & AC music faculty, and Amarillo ISD educators. Each ensemble performs two concerts per season at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Amarillo with additional social and performance opportunities throughout the season.

In the 2025-26 season, we look forward to a Youth Symphony side-by-side with the Amarillo Symphony at the March 2026 Prokofiev’s Hymn to Freedom concert, where our top ensemble will rehearse, learn from, and perform with the Amarillo Symphony and Music Director, George Jackson. We can’t wait!.

ASYO Preparatory Strings

ASYO’s youngest ensemble, develops skillful music reading ability – fluid note recognition, rhythmic coordination, and basic instrumental technique.

ASYO Sinfonia

Designed for musicians who generally have had (at least) one year of experience with a school string ensemble.

ASYO Philharmonic

This ensemble is designed for string players who are learning to master bow control, vibrato, and shifting into higher positions.

ASYO Youth Symphony

This group performs music selected from the standard orchestral repertoire.

2025 – 2026 Rehearsal Schedule (En Español)

Required Signatures (En Español)

ASYO Members

  • Work in small groups with Amarillo Symphony musicians and other area educators.

  • Dramatically improve their playing level & learn orchestra masterworks.

  • Learn preparation, personal responsibility, respect for others, and build team skills.

  • Meet & socialize with musicians from other schools and other cultural backgrounds

  • Students involved with ASYO are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in private lessons. For information on recommended private instructors in the area, call the Amarillo Symphony office – 806.376.8782.

Member musicians are expected to be active in their school instrumental music programs, provided one is available. We aim to enhance, not replace, the school programs our area has to offer; involvement in multiple ensembles makes for a well-rounded musician.

More About Youth Orchestra

Youth Orchestra Violinist
ASYO Auditions
ASYO Registration
Schedules & Forms
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Education Programs

Learn More About Our Youth Programs

Greater Southwest Music Festival

Learn More About Our Music Festival