Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra
2026–2027 SEASON
Join
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.
| Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
| Join | Book your audition for Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings |
| Schedule | The 2025-2026 Schedule |
| Scholars Program | Become a Bassoon or Oboe Scholar! |
| Donate | Help support this organizaton |
| About | About the TBSYO |
| Board Members | Memebers of the Board |
Concerts
In the Spirit!
Date TBD
Hilldale Lutheran Church
Admission by Donation
Grand Finale
Apr 25th, 2026 — 4:00 pm
Hilldale Lutheran Church
Admission by Donation
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 13, 2026 |
| Auditions | Tuesday, September 15, 2026 |
| First Rehearsal & Registration | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 |
| Late Auditions | Tuesday, October 13, 2026 |
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 2026–2027 Google form. Deadline to book is September 20.
Regular Auditions take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 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.
Late Auditions take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 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.
Schedule & Information
- Schedule (web) | TBSYO 2026–2027 Schedule.pdf (PDF) | Google Calendar
- TBSYO 2026–2027 Policies & Expectations.pdf
Schedule
2026–2027 SEASON
Rehearsals take place at Trinity United church on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (Junior Strings finish at 6:00 pm) unless otherwise indicated. Students are expected to arrive at 4:45 pm to set up chairs and stands, and to get tuned and warmed up. Students are also expected to help reset the room following rehearsals.
| First Semester | |
|---|---|
| Sept 13 | Deadline to Book Your Audition |
| Sept 15 | Auditions |
| Sept 22 | First Rehearsal & Registration Day |
| Oct 6 | Rehearsal & Late Auditions |
| Oct 13 | |
| Oct 20 | |
| Oct 27 | |
| Nov 3 | |
| Nov 10 | |
| Nov 17 | |
| Nov 24 | |
| Dec 1 | |
| Dec 8 | |
| Dec 15 |
TENTATIVE CONCERT
Hilldale Lutheran Church:
Sat, Dec 5, 9:30–12:00 pm — Dress Rehearsal
Sun, Dec 6, 1:00–3:30 pm — Rehearsal
♫ Sunday, Dec 6, 4:00 pm — Concert: In the Spirit!
admission by donation
| Second Semester | |
|---|---|
| Jan 12 | |
| Jan 19 | |
| Jan 26 | |
| Feb 2 | |
| Feb 7 | ♫ Concerto Competition — 2:00 - 4:00 pm |
| Feb 9 | |
| Feb 16 | |
| Feb 23 | |
| Mar 10 | |
| (No Rehearsal, March Break) | |
| Mar 23 | |
| Mar 30 | |
| Apr 6 | (No Rehearsal) |
| Apr 13 | |
| Apr 20 | |
| Apr 27 |
CONCERT
Hilldale Lutheran Church:
Sat, Apr 24 1-4 pm — Dress Rehearsal
Sun, Apr 25, 1:00-3:30 pm — Rehearsal
♫ Sunday, Apr 25, 4:00 pm — Concert
collaboration with Community Orchestra
admission by donation
Scholars Program
Oboe & Bassoon Scholars
The Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra is endeavouring to help young students get started on double reed instruments. Through our Oboe and Bassoon Scholars programmes we help young students get started on Oboe and Bassoon by providing instruments and connecting them with private instructors. Students interested in starting on Oboe or Bassoon should contact us to apply.
Donate
We couldn’t keep offering the high quality and affordable programming that we love without the generous support of our patrons. If you are able to support us, donations can be made online through Canada Helps, in the mail to the address below, and in person at any TBSYO event. Thank you for helping us do what we do!
Donate online through Canada Helps.
About the TBSYO
Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra
P.O. Box 33044, Red River P.O.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 0B1
Charitable Registration:
#89177 5918 RR 001