Youth Symphony is the premier full symphony orchestra of Salem Youth Symphony, conducted by Musical Director Jon Harris-Clippinger. Composed of the most talented and dedicated student musicians, Youth Symphony performs professional-level symphonic repertoire, providing a rigorous and rewarding orchestral experience.
Welcoming students up to age 22, Youth Symphony brings together musicians from public and private schools, homeschool communities, and colleges across the Mid-Willamette Valley. Members develop advanced technical skills, ensemble cohesion, and artistic interpretation while exploring the staples of symphonic literature.
A prospective Youth Symphony musician should demonstrate the following abilities:
- Advanced technical proficiency and mastery of their instrument.
- Strong sight-reading skills, capable of handling complex rhythms and fast passages.
- Fluency in all key signatures and comfort with transposition (winds and brass).
- Experience in chamber or large ensemble settings.
- Musical maturity, including dynamic control, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation.
- High level of personal responsibility, preparation, and commitment to ensemble excellence.
- Audition required (Audition Music).
Participation in Youth Symphony provides young musicians with the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated peers, perform great orchestral masterworks, and prepare for future musical endeavors in collegiate, professional, and lifelong performance settings.
“I am constantly in awe of the talent and dedication of our musicians in every group. I am grateful that these young artists, students, athletes, volunteers, and friends give of their time and energy to pursue making music together. Their passion is infectious and keeps me coming back for more every week.”
—Jon Harris-Clippinger, conductor
Larry Garrett Concerto Competition
The annual Larry Garrett Concerto Competition is open to musicians participating in the Youth Symphony. Five professional musicians serve as the jury. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and will perform with the Youth Symphony at one of the two season concerts. Family and friends are welcome to hear the contestants share their musicianship. (Prior winners may not participate to give others this yearly opportunity.)
Larry Garrett served as conductor of the Salem Youth Symphony for 20 years and is the orchestra director at North Salem High School. Before moving to Salem in 1997, Mr. Garrett taught band/orchestra at the secondary level in Lubbock, Texas, for sixteen years. Under his direction, the Hutchinson Junior High Symphony Orchestra was selected as Texas’ top junior high orchestra in 1984, 1986, and 1988 by the Texas Music Educators Association.
As a French hornist, Mr. Garrett performed in the El Paso and Lubbock Symphony Orchestras and served as the brass coach for the Lubbock Youth Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Garrett and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Benjamin and Barry, both Salem Youth Symphony alumni.
Visit our History Page for a list of past Concerto Competition Winners.
2025 Youth Symphony Concerto Competition Performance Application form
Enroll in Youth Symphony
Audition material can be found on the Audition Music page.
Fill out the 2024-2025 online Audition Application form to apply for Youth Symphony.
For more information please visit the Audition Information page.
REHEARSAL TIMES & LOCATIONS
Rehearsals take place at North Salem High School on Mondays from 7:00-9:00 pm, unless indicated otherwise. Visit the Youth Symphony Calendar or the Full Calendar Page for more information.
TUITION FOR 2023-2024
Tuition for Youth Symphony is $420. Tuition may be paid in full in the fall (preferred) or in two or four installments.
NOTE: Volunteer Opt-Out is an additional $50 per musician per year.
TUITION DUE DATES:
In Full $420 (preferred) – Oct 15
2 Installments $210 – Oct 15 & Feb 15
4 Installments $105 – Oct 15, Nov 15, Feb 15, & Mar 15
TUITION ASSISTANCE: Limited Tuition Assistance is available. Forms are due on or before the first rehearsal. Please apply for tuition assistance only if needed. Aid awarded as funds permit. Musicians applying for tuition assistance should expect to pay a minimum of $50 in tuition to participate in SYS.
The Application for Tuition Assistance can be found on our website in both English and Spanish.
Consider donating a tax-deductible contribution to the Joyce Epp Tuition Assistance Scholarship Fund to ensure everyone can participate in Salem Youth Symphony Association!