Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) is Alabama's premier youth symphony orchestra — a rigorous, professional-level training ensemble for student musicians ages 12–22. As the official youth orchestra of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, ASYO offers young musicians the chance to perform full orchestral repertoire alongside peers from across the state, mentored directly by professional ASO musicians.
Students in ASYO rehearse weekly under the direction of Daniel Cho, ASO Assistant Conductor and ASYO Music Director, building technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills at a level that prepares them for collegiate and professional performance. Across the season, ASYO performs multiple concerts and special events — giving students real stage experience with a major metropolitan symphony orchestra behind them.
ASYO is open to student musicians ages 12–22 from throughout Alabama. Whether you're a high school student preparing for college auditions or a young musician ready for your first youth symphony experience, ASYO offers the training, community, and performance opportunities to take your playing further.
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
Audition Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Thompson High School Performing Arts Center
100 Warrior Drive
Alabaster, AL 35007
Audition Requirements
All auditionees should be prepared to complete the following three components:
-Two contrasting solo pieces or etudes, each approximately two minutes in length
-Two scales of the student's choice: one major scale and one melodic minor scale
-Sight-reading
Students should select repertoire that best demonstrates their technical proficiency, musicality, and expressive abilities.
Rehearsal Schedule
ASYO rehearses every Sunday from September through May, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Thompson High School Performing Arts Center in Alabaster. Rehearsals follow the academic calendar and do not take place during major holidays and school breaks.
Participation Fees
Students accepted into the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra are responsible for an annual tuition fee based on their enrollment status. Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the season or in two semester installments.
Middle and High School Students
-Annual tuition: $500
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $250 per semester
Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Students
-Annual tuition: $250
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $125 per semester
College Students
-Annual tuition: $250
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $125 per semester
These fees help support student activities throughout the season, including concert-day lunches, ASYO t-shirts, and other ensemble events. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from participating. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for families who demonstrate financial need.
Who Can Audition?
ASYO welcomes auditions from dedicated student musicians who are eager to challenge themselves and perform at a high level. Students ages 12–22 who have not yet completed an undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply.
Why Join ASYO?
-Perform outstanding orchestral repertoire throughout the season
-Work alongside and learn from professional Alabama Symphony Orchestra musicians
-Develop ensemble, leadership, and performance skills
-Connect with talented young musicians from across Alabama
-Participate in concerts and special events, including opportunities to perform alongside members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Apply for the ASYO today!
Youth Orchestra Handbook Coming Soon!
Rehearsal Schedule
The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra rehearses every Sunday from September through May, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Thompson High School Performing Arts Center in Alabaster, Alabama.
Rehearsals follow the academic calendar and do not take place during major holidays, school breaks, or other scheduled closures. Members are expected to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to contribute to a positive and productive rehearsal environment.
Participation Fees
Students accepted into the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra are responsible for an annual tuition fee based on their enrollment status. Tuition may be paid in full at the beginning of the season or in two semester installments.
Middle and High School Students
-Annual tuition: $500
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $250 per semester
Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Students
-Annual tuition: $250
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $125 per semester
College Students
-Annual tuition: $250
-Tuition may be paid in two installments of $125 per semester
These fees help support student activities throughout the season, including concert-day lunches, ASYO t-shirts, and other ensemble events. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from participating. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for families who demonstrate financial need.
Tuition Due Dates
For families utilizing the semester payment option, tuition payments are due on the following dates:
-September 13, 2026
-January 24, 2027
Families choosing to pay the full annual tuition amount should submit payment by September 13, 2026.
Tuition helps support educational programming, coaching, administrative costs, concert-day lunches, ASYO t-shirts, and other student activities throughout the season.
Financial Assistance
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from participating. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for families who demonstrate financial need. Families are encouraged to contact ASYO staff for additional information regarding assistance programs.
Apply for financial assistance here
Private Instruction
All ASYO members are required to take regular private lessons on their ASYO instrument with a qualified instructor, at a minimum of two lessons per month. Private instruction is essential to developing and maintaining the technical and musical skills necessary for successful participation in a high-level youth orchestra. ASYO staff may communicate with private instructors regarding a student's participation and progress when appropriate.
School Music Program Participation
Public school, private school, and college music programs are essential partners in the success of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. ASYO strongly encourages all members to actively participate in their school music programs whenever possible.
Members are encouraged to:
-Enroll in school ensemble classes
-Participate in school-sponsored music activities
-Support and contribute to their local music programs
ASYO works closely with schools and educational institutions to minimize scheduling conflicts whenever possible. If conflicts arise, ASYO staff are available to assist students, families, and educators in finding reasonable solutions.
Seating Auditions
All ASYO members are required to participate in seating auditions at the beginning of both the fall and spring semesters.
Fall Seating Auditions
August 29–30, 2026
Information regarding spring seating auditions will be announced later in the season. Seating auditions are conducted anonymously whenever possible and are used to determine:
-Seating placement
-Part assignments
-Principal and section leadership positions
All seating assignments remain subject to change until designated final by the Music Director.
Commitment to Excellence
Membership in the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra is both an honor and a responsibility. Through consistent attendance, dedicated practice, private study, and active participation, students contribute to an environment of artistic excellence and mutual respect.
We are excited to welcome another season of exceptional music-making and look forward to helping each student grow as a musician, collaborator, and leader. Together, we continue the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's mission of inspiring, educating, and enriching communities through the power of music.
Daniel Cho
Alabama Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor
Daniel Cho is a Korean American conductor who proudly serves as the Associate Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. The 2025/2026 season included two subscription weeks with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, a debut with the Alabama Ballet in their production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, and his conducting debut with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina. Daniel has previously held positions as Assistant Conductor of the Eugene Symphony in Oregon and the Yakima Symphony in Washington state, and has had engagements with some of the top orchestras in the United States, including the Dallas Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and North Carolina Symphony.
Daniel’s journey as a conductor and a musician has been guided by values stemming from his joyful curiosity for his craft and his determined optimism for classical music’s future. Passionate about discovering new and bold works, Daniel attended the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in 2023 as one of six Fellows, premiering music by classical music’s next generation of composers and receiving instruction from acclaimed conductor Cristian Măcelaru. In 2021, he attended the Atlantic Music Festival as Conducting Fellow, working extensively with the Festival Orchestra and premiering fifteen new works over the course of four weeks with the festival’s Contemporary Ensemble.
A lover of collaboration, Daniel has received opportunities to work with other music forms and genres of music. In 2024, he made his debut with the Nashville Symphony, leading the orchestra in Nashville Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. He also served as Conducting Fellow of Eugene Ballet from 2021-2023 and from 2019-2022, held the position of Assistant Conductor of Eugene Opera. Daniel was also featured as a violinist on the 2025 release of the Grammy award-nominated blues band, The War and Treaty.
When not making music, Daniel can be found walking along the Vulcan Trail, reading essay collections, and taking photographs of his two perfect cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I audition for the ASYO?
The ASYO holds new member auditions each fall and spring, and there is a non-refundable audition fee of $25. Please visit the audition tab for dates and audition requirements.
When and where are rehearsals?
Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons from 2:30-5:30, September through May at Thompson High School Performing Arts Center.
Is there a fee to participate?
Members pay an annual tuition fee of $450, and a $50 Parent Organization fee that goes to help provide lunches on concert days, t-shirts, etc. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those in need.
Who is eligible to participate in the ASYO?
To be eligible for ASYO all students must be between 12-22 years old and have not yet completed their undergraduate degree. ASYO students must have a private instructor and take regular lessons at the time of their ASYO membership.
Don't have a private instructor?
No worries! We can help you find a good match. Please contact the ASO education staff.
How often does the ASYO perform?
The ASYO gives two full orchestra concerts in the fall and spring at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. In addition, holiday pops concerts, and other special performances are a regular part of the season.
Is the ASYO part of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra?
The ASYO is the official youth orchestra of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and is under the artistic and administrative leadership of the ASO. ASYO members work regularly in sections with ASO musicians and receive free or discounted admission to all ASO concerts and events.
Will ASYO conflict with my school band?
The ASYO strongly encourages students to participate in their school music programs, and will work with area Music Educators to avoid rehearsal and performance conflicts.
Do I have to audition each year if I am accepted?
Returning members do not have to re-audition to maintain their membership in the ASYO, but are required to participate in seating auditions in the Fall.
Pay Tuition Online
Still have questions?
Jordan Ford
jford@alabamasymphony.org