Middle and High School Symphony Orchestra

Symphony is the full orchestra experience — strings, winds, brass, and percussion performing together, the way the great repertoire was written to be heard. For many students, playing in a real symphony orchestra for the first time is a moment they don't forget. The Symphony Orchestra performs standard orchestral works — the actual pieces, as originally written. It's a meaningful step up, and students feel it.

Supporting that challenge is a team of specialist section coaches, each a dedicated teacher with deep expertise in their instrument. They understand the particular demands and difficulties each section faces, and they bring that knowledge directly into rehearsals. The orchestra is led by a director who is both highly experienced and genuinely beloved by students — the kind of conductor who gets the best out of young musicians because they want to give it.

For string players who have come up through CYOSC, Symphony is the culmination of that journey. For wind, brass, and percussion players joining from middle school onward, it's where their ensemble life begins.

When: Friday evenings (exact slot TBC)
Where: TBC (will be in the Irvine / Tustin area)

Apply to Participate

Symphony Director, Joseph Kaye

Conductor Joseph Kaye is Director of Orchestras at Santa Ana High School and a faculty member at Santa Ana College. An experienced conductor, violin performer, and music educator, he earned his Master of Education degree from Lesley University where his thesis focused on Equity in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts, and has taught ensemble music in grades 5-12 in public schools since 2005. In addition to his teaching endeavors, Joseph is an avid chamber music and orchestral musician. He is a current member of Symphony Irvine, Bellflower Symphony Orchestra, and La Mirada Symphony Orchestra.