ABOUT THE NAPA VALLEY YOUTH SYMPHONY
The Napa Valley Youth Symphony (also known as NVYS) is an award winning youth orchestra, providing the highest level of musical training to young musicians and offering them the opportunity to enrich their community by performing seasonal, full-length concerts. In addition to its youth orchestra program, Napa Valley Youth Symphony also trains entry-level student musicians through string and wind ensembles, and provides one-of-a-kind musical experience through summer tours and special events.
Our Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
NVYS is committed to creating an organization that values diversity, equity and inclusion. We offer tuition and lesson scholarships based on financial-need to student musicians accepted into one of our ensembles. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to participation.
Our Programs
NOTES Program - Beginner Level
An introductory group coaching program for beginning strings, brass, and woodwind players. NOTES focuses on building strong foundational music skills, instrument technique, and ensemble readiness.
PREPARATORY STRINGS - Advanced Beginner Level
An introductory orchestral experience for string players at an advanced beginner level. Participants refine technical and musical skills while learning to perform in a large ensemble, fostering collaboration and musical growth through engaging, age-appropriate repertoire. Repertoire will generally fall into grades 1, 1.5 and 2 categories.
PREPARATORY WIND ENSEMBLE - Advanced Beginner Level
An introductory orchestral experience for wind, brass, and percussion players at an advanced beginner level. Participants refine technical and musical skills while learning to perform in a large ensemble, fostering collaboration and musical growth through engaging, age-appropriate repertoire. Repertoire will generally fall into grades 1, 1.5 and 2 categories.
SINFONIA - Intermediate to Advanced Level
A dynamic program designed to support students transitioning from intermediate ensembles (such as Sinfonia) to more advanced groups like the Youth Symphony. With focused repertoire, coaching, and performance opportunities, Bridge strengthens musicianship, ensemble confidence, and prepares students for the demands of advanced orchestral playing. Repertoire will generally consist of grades 3 and 4 level materials.
Youth Symphony - Advanced Level
Our flagship ensemble for advanced student musicians, the Youth Symphony performs challenging collegiate-level orchestral repertoire. Members develop high-level musicianship, leadership skills, and ensemble precision, while experiencing the full artistry of symphonic performance in a professional setting. Repertoire will generally be grade 5 or above.
Chamber Ensembles: Strings, Brass & Woodwinds - Advanced+
These advanced chamber ensemble bring together accomplished strings, brass, and woodwind musicians to perform collegiate-level repertoire in small ensemble settings. The program emphasizes refined musical expression, ensemble leadership, and technical mastery. Through challenging works and close collaboration, students develop the artistry and precision essential for advanced performance and pre-professional training.