Orchestra Extracurriculars

Established in 1974, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra provides Atlanta’s most talented and dedicated students an outlet to perform masterworks.

Each year, more than three hundred rising 8th to 12th-grade instrumentalists audition for seats in the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO). The ASYO presents a three-concert series each year and members have exclusive invitations to participate in readings and master classes with the top artists in the instrumental music industry.

The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school sophomores and juniors. GHP offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

GHP is held in mid-summer (mid-June to mid-July) as a residential educational experience on a college or university campus. Students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study, and they participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities every evening. Meals and rooms are provided by the program. The only required and expected costs to the students are: travel expenses to and from the semifinalist event and host campus; a few basic supplies for classes and dorm rooms; and spending money as desired during the program.

The Georgia Youth Symphony Youth Orchestra (GYSO)'s mission is to inspire young people to discover their full potential through creativity and performance. We empower and support students in developing the discipline required to accomplish musical goals. Further, GYSO endeavors to provide artistic opportunities for all people and enhance the quality of cultural life in our community.

The Metropolitian Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) is committed to developing the educational opportunities of Atlanta’s most talented young musicians by offering public performances, sectional coaching, solo performance opportunities, chamber music ensemble training, and scholarship awards for continuing music education. Currently in its 32nd season in Atlanta, MYSO continues to be a fundamental part of the regional youth music community.