The Youth Orchestra is an ensemble of some of the finest young musicians in our region. The YO 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.
High school or extremely advanced middle school string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are welcome in the YO. Students are drawn from communities throughout the region, including: Horseheads, Corning, Elmira, Ithaca, Wellsboro, Sayre, and beyond.
The Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (YO), conducted by Margaret Matthews and Melissa Moore, offers area students an opportunity to be part of a symphonic orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp) right here locally.
Youth Orchestra 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.
Create lifelong friendships.
Melissa Moore and Margaret Matthews are the conducting team for the Youth Orchestra. Mrs. Moore’s expertise in band instruments perfectly complements the skills of Mrs. Matthews who specializes in string instruments.
Mrs. Matthews is the assistant principal second violin in the OSFL, and Mrs. Moore plays flute and piccolo in the OSFL. Melissa Moore is an alum of the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.
Together, they create a well-rounded, dynamic environment for YO students to thrive musically.
Interested in joining?
Upcoming Youth Orchestra Performances
Folk Songs & Legends
Sunday, November 15 at 4:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church, Horseheads
Journey through a world of adventure, folklore, and timeless legends with the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in Folk Songs & Legends.
From the swashbuckling excitement of Pirates of the Caribbean to the spirited rhythms of Hungarian Air and Dance, this vibrant program features music from Slane: Impressions on an Irish Folk Tune, Italian Masters Suite, and more, performed by some of our region’s finest young musicians.
This is a FREE concert! No tickets required!
2943 Westinghouse Rd, Horseheads, NY 14845
Youth orchestra students also perform concerts in various senior living centers to spread the holiday cheer each December.
For more information on this season's full concert lineup, check out the full calendar of events here.
Thank you to our season sponsors!
A special thanks to the parents and teachers of these budding young musicians and to all the individuals who have donated to and supported the youth programs.
Anderson Foundation, Inc.
Bonnie & Gary Chollet
Corning Incorporated
Horseheads First Presbyterian Church
The Tripp Foundation
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
