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Founded in 1994, the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra (JSYO) enrolls more than 200 young musicians between the ages of 7 and 22, who are admitted through competitive auditions. The JSYO has six levels of ensemble, plus a Chamber Music Program: Jump Start Strings , 1st year beginning string students Foundations Strings , 2nd year beginning string students Junior Strings - young string students Premiere Strings - advancing string students Repertory Orchestra - intermediate full symphony orchestra Philharmonic - advanced full symphony orchestra Chamber Music Program , available to qualified Philharmonic musicians These ensembles enable the JSYO to serve the needs of all our talented musicians with individualized, ability-level specific instruction. As music programs are scaled back in the public schools, the JSYO has filled the void by offering the orchestral instruction missing from the majority of First Coast schools. The JSYO is privileged to have a team of professional conductors and coaches that guide the young musicians with quality musical instruction, improving their skills and maintaining high standards. Scott Gregg, Music Director and Principal Conductor, leads this team. He is now in his twelfth season with the JSYO. The JSYO offers the following opportunities: In-depth study of classical repertoire Direction by professional conductors Exposure to nationally recognized soloists through their affiliation with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Coaching sessions with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra musicians Outreach performances in the community Chamber ensemble training and performances Young Artists Competition Performances in the nationally renowned Jacoby Symphony Hall The season culminates with a joint performance with JSO at the Major/Minor Concert, bringing teachers and students to the stage together for a side by side performance. Winners of the JSYO Young Artists Competition have the honor of soloing at this concert. Participating in the JSYO teaches discipline and teamwork. Young musicians also learn the value of hard work and gain self-confidence through the polished performances they give. The JSYO not only enriches the lives of their musicians, but also enriches the cultural life of the First Coast community through their many performances and outreach to children's hospitals, schools, museums and other community organizations and events.