The Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
& 
​The Junior String Ensemble

The Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, sponsored by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and conducted by OSFL concertmaster, Augusto Diemecke, is an ensemble of some of the finest young musicians in our region. The Youth Orchestra provides advanced challenges and opportunities for young people who are enthusiastic about music.
The OSFL also sponsors the Junior String Ensemble. This group, conducted by violinist and educator Gary Chollet, encourages the development of young string players. It provides a training opportunity for young musicians to eventually join the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.

Interested in joining the Youth Ensembles?
Click here for information about auditions.

Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble Members:

• Are recognized as key players and leaders in their school music programs.
• Are a cross-section of our schools' top academic achievers.
• Learn teamwork, creativity, and pursuit of perfection.
• Make smart decisions about higher education and careers

​Both ensembles will rehearse weekly throughout the school year to prepare for three public concerts, including a side-by-side performance with the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in the March concert.
Concerts and rehearsals take place at various locations in the Elmira-Corning area.
​
Click here to see a copy of the YOSFL Handbook
Click here to see a copy of the JSE Handbook 
​​
Click here to see the concert schedule for the Youth Orchestra and Junior String Ensemble.

---

In our Youth Orchestra, we welcome string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Members are of advanced high school and extremely advanced middle school ability. Students are drawn from communities throughout the region.
​
The Youth Orchestra offers an opportunity for our talented local youth to grow as musicians and make friends that share similar interests. Being involved in this program is a great learning experience that many students say helped them to have a true appreciation for working with a group as well as music in general.

Youth Orchestra members are eligible to audition for the annual Concerto Competition.  The winner will perform one movement of a concerto with the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes during the current season.

---

For the Junior String Ensemble, string players are welcome to audition. Members will be of advanced elementary, middle and high school ability. Students will be drawn from communities throughout the region.
​
Along with the Youth Orchestra, the new Junior String Ensemble will present another way in which the region's youth can get involved in their community while strengthening their musical abilities and improving the quality of their lives. The Junior String Ensemble will be a way in which the younger members of our community can get involved, and this ensemble will also be another avenue through which those players who aren't old enough or whose abilities aren't mature enough can gain experience on their instruments and eventually progress to the Youth Orchestra.