BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County (YOBC) is preparing for its upcoming 33rd season. YOBC creates opportunities for young musicians to achieve artistic excellence through enriching classical musical experiences. Students in Bucks County and the surrounding areas are invited to audition. Students must be in grades 3-12 and participate in their school instrumental music program to be eligible.
The 2023-2024 YOBC season includes weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals in Newtown, as well as two annual concerts, various workshops, and visits from renowned guest soloists. Based on level of mastery, students are placed in one of YOBC’s seven core ensembles, which includes two full orchestras, two concert bands, and three string orchestras.
Students learn about ensemble skills, teamwork, and improving their own musicianship. YOBC also offers students opportunities for peer mentoring and leadership. YOBC is a great place for students who love to play and who are looking to further their musical experiences.
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Specific highlights of the upcoming season include two masterclasses: the first with Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim, and the second with oboist Andreas Oeste, of the Harrisburg Symphony and Penn State University. The YOBC Symphony Orchestra will have the unique opportunity to interpret a new piece by Princeton University freshman Ian Barnett called In Retrospect. In July of 2024, advanced YOBC students have the opportunity to join the YOBC Tour Ensemble and participate in a four-concert performance tour to Austria.
There is still time to join YOBC! The fun begins with the first rehearsal on September 10th. The Youth Orchestra of Bucks County is accepting applications on a rolling basis for the 2023-2024 season. Students that play a string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument and are in 3rd-12th grade can audition by submitting a pre-recorded video audition. Details about audition guidelines can be found at yobc.org. Tuition Assistance is available.
