Santa Barbara Youth Symphony Programs

Youth Symphony • Junior Strings • String Workshop

The Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, reorganized into a performance group in 1974, is a 65-70 member youth orchestra that rehearses weekly under the leadership of Music Director Andy Radford. They present 3 concerts each season. The Youth Symphony also sponsors the Junior Strings Orchestra, directed by Marisa McLeod, for young musicians who have had at least two years of lessons. The goal of the Junior Strings Orchestra is preparation for admission to the Youth Symphony.

The Youth Symphony also provides weekly after-school String Workshops at local public schools to introduce young students to the study of string instruments.The Youth Symphony, in existence for 32 years, is in essence the de facto provider of classical musical education for many of the Santa Barbara public middle and elementary school students through this outreach program. Approximately 12 professional teachers give 20 to 30 workshops per week throughout the school year to more than 120 students.