Billings Youth Orchestra
About Billings Youth Orchestra
Billings Youth Orchestra gives young musicians in Billings a place to build real ensemble skills, week after week. Students rehearse with experienced conductors, perform seasonal concerts in the fall and spring, and can move into settings that ask for more, from auditioned orchestras to chamber music and the Youth Chorale. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is a local pipeline where students can start with first notes and keep growing all the way through college age.
What sets this program apart is how many doors it keeps open for students at different stages. A young player can start in Preludio Strings, move through auditioned orchestras, join chamber training, or sing in the Youth Chorale, while repertory players can even perform side-by-side with the Billings Symphony. It is especially broad in who it serves, including preschool through college-age students, home-schooled students, and students from rural communities.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Preludio Strings
No audition required. Members generally have about one year of playing experience and limited note-reading proficiency, and the program introduces foundational orchestral performance skills.
Concert Orchestra
Audition required. Members generally have around two years of playing experience and strong note-reading skills, with repertoire primarily in first position and some parts in higher positions.
Young Artists
Audition required. Members have two or more years of experience and work on more advanced note reading, vibrato, key signatures, rhythms, and repertoire in first, second, and third positions.
Repertory Orchestra
Audition required. Members perform standard orchestral repertoire and the audition requirements align with those of the Montana All-State Orchestra. Members also have the opportunity to perform side-by-side with the Billings Symphony during the season.
Youth Chorale
An advanced small ensemble of approximately 25 to 35 singers in grade 9 and up, dedicated to high-level choral performance.
Youth Chamber Project
An intensive 5-week training program for student musicians of all ages focused on chamber music skills, with each session culminating in a special chamber performance.
Side-by-side concerts
Young musicians in the repertory orchestra have the opportunity to perform alongside the Billings Symphony during the season.
Weekly rehearsals
Students rehearse weekly with experienced conductors.
Guest artist workshops
Students take part in workshops with guest artists and Billings Symphony musicians.
Seasonal concerts
The youth orchestra presents concerts each fall and spring.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Who they serve
Students from preschool through college, including home-schooled students and students from rural communities, plus grade 9 and up singers for the Youth Chorale.
How your donation helps
- Fund performances, including classical concerts and special presentations
- Support outreach efforts
- Offset musician honoraria
- Cover facility rental
- Cover stage crew and production costs
- Cover guest artist fees
- Support the endowment for ongoing sustainability
- Support musicians through the Sponsor-A-Chair program
Our story
Founded in 2006 as the Billings Youth Orchestra, the program later became the Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra. It is now in its 19th season and its fourth year as part of the Billings Symphony family.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Billings Youth Orchestra’s services.
Students can join by audition for the appropriate ensemble. Preludio Strings does not require an audition. Concert Orchestra and Young Artists use recorded auditions, with materials and submissions due by August 31, 2026. Repertory Orchestra requires a mandatory live audition day for new members on August 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Youth Chorale is audition required for singers in grade 9 and up. Questions can be directed to youthorchestra@billingssymphony.org or Samantha Inez at (406) 606-1042.
Events
Season concerts
fall and springYouth orchestra concerts presented in the fall and spring.
Side-by-side concerts
during the seasonRepertory Orchestra members perform with the Billings Symphony during the season.
Youth Chamber Project performance
each sessionEach 5-week chamber session ends with a special chamber performance.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Billings Youth Orchestra has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer at education programs
- Volunteer at Symphony in the Park
- Volunteer in the Billings Symphony office
Recognition & press
In the media
- Laurel Outlook, coverage of Billings Symphony's festive concert that could warm the heart of Scrooge
- Laurel Outlook, coverage of Sleeping Beauty at the Alberta Bair Theater
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Which ensemble does not require an audition?
Preludio Strings is the one that does not require an audition.
How do students audition for Concert Orchestra and Young Artists?
They submit recorded auditions by August 31, 2026.
What is required for Repertory Orchestra?
New members need to attend a mandatory live audition day on August 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Who can join the Youth Chorale?
The Youth Chorale is open to singers in grade 9 and up.
Who can participate in the Youth Chamber Project?
Student musicians of all ages can participate, and both BSYO and non-BSYO students are welcome.