Summer Conservatory

July 13-24, 2026
Register Now

Registration deadline EXTENDED: JUNE 19, 2026

Location: Union Presbyterian Church, 858 University Ave, Los Altos

[My child] really enjoys participating in such a collaborative orchestra and is very passionate about the music camp, where she can explore different genres of music. Through attending this summer program and receiving feedback from the conductor, Ms. Webster, her technique and musical understanding has improved immensely.

Kathy Liu

Parent

Recommended for musicians ages 6-14.

Golden State Youth Orchestra invites members and non-members to participate in the GSYO Summer Music Conservatory Program. All workshops require an entry audition.

Beginning Strings: Young players will play some arrangements of well-known classical pieces (for example: a Bach Prelude and Fugue, Ode to Joy, Mozart's String Quartet), as well as some original and exciting works for string orchestra. Recommended for incoming Chamber Players musicians and string players with years of private lessons or participation in their school music program; Camerata-level violinists who are switching to viola are also encouraged to participate. Students will perform in an evening concert at the end of the second week.

Intermediate Chamber Orchestra: Musicians will learn some really nice arrangements of well-known classical pieces (for example: Brandenburg Concerto, a Mozart Symphony, "Jupiter" from The Planets), as well as some original and exciting works for string orchestra. Additionally, players will join with the Chamber Winds to perform a full orchestra piece at the evening concert at the end of the second week. Recommended for incoming Camerata Orchestra musicians, and Galbraith Honor Strings-level players and string musicians with years of private lessons or participation in their school music program.

Summer Winds: All woodwinds and brass will learn chamber and/or wind band music repertoire appropriate for their level and instrumentation. They will combine with the intermediate chamber orchestra for a full orchestra piece at the evening concert at the end of the second week. Recommended for Camerata and El Camino Wind Orchestra-level musicians and wind players with years of private lessons or participation in their school music program.

Director
Colyn Fischer

Conductor
Kyoko Yamamoto

Workshops

Beginning StringS
  • July 13-24, 2026
  • 9:00 am - Noon; Monday - Friday
  • Performance and student social on the evening of 7/24.
  • $675 fee
  • Musicians are required to participate in both weeks

For string players, an introduction to orchestra performance. 

Intermediate Chamber Orchestra
  • July 13-24, 2026
  • 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday
  • Performance and student social on the evening of 7/24
  • $675 fee
  • Musicians are required to participate in both weeks

For intermediate strings.

Summer Winds
  • July 13-24, 2026
  • 2:00 - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday
  • Performance and student social the evening of 7/24
  • $675 fee
  • Musicians are required to participate in both weeks

 

Fee Policies

  • Program cost: $675
  • Full fee is due with the application.
  • Fees are partially (75%) refundable until June 15, 2026. No refunds will be given after 6/15.
Register Now

Audition Requirements

Below are the audition requirements for non-GSYO members.

Current GSYO members, please prepare your promotion audition as outlined in the email instructions.

Beginning Strings
  • Minimum 1 year of lessons
  • Musicians must be reading notes
  • Prepared solo or étude
  • Play the assigned major scale and an (optional) related arpeggio, ascending and descending, slurred; Played twice, for example: first time is slower 2 or 4 notes per bow, second time is faster with more notes per bow (see scale requirement for your instrument):
    • VIOLIN: one or two-octave A major scale; optional: A major arpeggio.
    • VIOLA/CELLO: one or two-octave D major scale; optional: D major arpeggio
    • DOUBLE BASS: one or two-octave scale of your choice; optional: one arpeggio (musician's choice).
  • Prepared solo or étude (no more than 2 minutes); Please bring a copy of your music for the conductor
  • Required excerpt: Farandole
Intermediate Chamber Orchestra
  • Previous ensemble experience preferred
  • 2-3 years of lessons
  • Play the assigned major scale and (optional) the major and minor related arpeggios; played twice, ascending and descending: the first time is slower with 3 or 4 notes per bow, second time is faster with 6 or 8 notes per bow (see scale requirements for each instrument):
    • VIOLIN: 2-octave E major scale; optional: E major and E minor arpeggios.
    • VIOLA/CELLO/DOUBLE BASS:  2-octave A major scale; optional A major and A minor arpeggios.
  • Prepared solo or étude (no more than 2 minutes);
  • Required excerpt: Bacchanale
Summer Winds
  • Previous ensemble experience preferred
  • 2-3 years of lessons; horn players may need more experience and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Chromatic scale from your lowest to highest note, ascending and descending
  • Major scales through four sharps and four flats, at least two octaves if possible, ascending and descending. Memorization encouraged
  • Prepared solo or étude that best demonstrates your current playing level
  • Optional excerpt: Spanish Dance No. 3 (skip rests longer than two measures)
Apply for Audition

 

Not sure which class is the appropriate level?

Call the office for more information at (650) 665-9046. To ensure proper placement, an audition is required.

Non-members please register for the workshop and submit an audition application.

Auditions will be heard in the Spring.

Pin It on Pinterest