YOUTH ORCHESTRA
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Play orchestral music, learn, and have fun!​​
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​The Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra (PVSYO), founded in 2013, includes school-age musicians from across Franklin and Hampshire Counties, and Southern Vermont. The ensemble is led by Youth Orchestra Director Hannah Smeltz and supported by Registrar Lily Ruderman and the larger network of musicians and music lovers that make up the PVS.
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The Youth Orchestra performs in an independent concert each semester, tours local schools in April, and plays alongside the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra in the annual Holiday Pops celebration.
REHEARSALS
Sunday Evenings, 4–6PM
Greenfield High School
21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA
2025-26 PVSYO CONCERTS
FALL CONCERT WITH
STRINGS FOR KIDS
Sunday, November 9, 2025 4PM
Greenfield High School
21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA
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HOLIDAY POPS
Saturday, Dec 14, 2025 4PM
Greenfield High School
21 Barr Avenue, Greenfield, MA
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SPRING COLLAB CONCERT
April 2026, Date/Time TBD
AUDITIONS
Auditions for the 2025-26 school year will take place in May & August.
Currently scheduled times:
August 25 & 26 at 3-6PM
Sept 6 at 9AM-1PM
PVS Main Office
239R Main Street. Greenfield, MA
Register for a 15-minute slot at the link below:
Students with at least 3 years’ experience on their instrument are encouraged to audition! There is a non-refundable $25 audition fee.
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OPEN REHEARSALS: the first two rehearsals of each semester are OPEN to interested students. New students will be asked to schedule an audition following their first rehearsal. Please notify us if you plan to attend so we can have music prepared.
Questions? Contact Lily Ruderman at youth@pvso.org or call 413-773-3664‬
Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh/@westernmaphoto
Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh/@westernmaphoto
TUITION & FEES
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We strive to ensure accessibility of our programs to all members of the community. Families can choose either a one-time payment for the year or 8 monthly payments from September through April on the following sliding scale:
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$480/year, $60/month. EQUITABLE: Help us keep PVS programs accessible to all.
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$400/year, $50/month. SUSTAINABLE: The per-student cost to sustain this program.
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$320/year, $40/month. ACCESSIBLE: Discounted tuition to support access to music for all.
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No student is turned away for lack of funds. Financial aid is available through the Mary Kay Hoffman Fund.
PVSYO 2025-26
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
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RECENT CONCERT
RECORDINGS
Chris Johnson, Orchestra Parent
“We are so thankful that there is this chance to get to know other young musicians in our community and for the privilege of playing under a professional conductor.”
Nick Bagley, Orchestra Parent
“If you have a young musician in your household, visit the orchestra on a [Sunday] afternoon to observe first-hand the camaraderie
and the music!”