Join
Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra
2025–2026 SEASON
Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra! The Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings are Thunder Bay’s premier classical music development programs for children and youth in Thunder Bay. We are looking for experienced school-aged and youth musicians to join our programs which run from late September to early May.
The Youth Orchestra, directed by Thomas Cosbey, offers a venue for talented young musicians to expand their knowledge, collaborate with their peers, contribute to our cultural community, and build life-long friendships. It is geared at students age twelve to twenty-four. The orchestra performs in two main concerts per year, one in December and one in early May. Weekly rehearsals take place at Trinity United Church on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
The Junior Strings, directed by Michelle Zapf-Bélanger offers a first orchestral experience to young violinists, violists, and cellists. Students work on the fundamentals of ensemble playing and etiquette. It is geared at students eight to fourteen who are taking lessons and who have acquired basic music reading skills. Weekly rehearsals take place at Trinity United Church on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
| Important Dates | |
|---|---|
| Book Your Audition | Deadline: September 20, 2025 |
| Auditions | Tuesday, September 23, 2025 |
| First Rehearsal & Registration | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 |
How to Join
To join either Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings, students perform a brief audition.
Book your audition by filling out the TBSYO Audition Booking 2025-2026 Google form. Deadline to book is September 20.
Regular Auditions take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 4:00–7:00 pm at Trinity United Church. Students are asked to present one scale and one piece of their choice. We recommend selecting something that you know well and feels comfortable to play, but also is representative of current playing abilities. You can check the Audition Schedule to see what time slots are available.
Late Auditions take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 4:00–5:00 pm at Trinity United Church. Contact director Thomas Cosbey, at 807-251-5877, to book an audition or for more information.
Who Should Join
Youth Orchestra
- Ages: 12–24
- Instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, & harp
- Level: Recommended Level 5 RCM or equivalent.
- Lessons: We strongly recommend that Youth Orchestra members take private music lessons. We are happy to help connect students with local teachers.
Junior Strings
- Ages: 8–14
- Instruments: violin, viola, & cello.
- Level: Suzuki book 2 or equivalent. Basic music reading skills.
Fees
- Youth Orchestra tuition: $300
- Junior Strings tuition: $250
We are proud to offer financial support to cover the tuition of students with financial need. To apply, please contact Graham Matheson at counciloftrees@gmail.com.