Registration Instructions
Participation in Junior Orchestra is limited to students who were placed in the ensemble during auditions. Parents/Guardians of 2026-27 Junior Orchestra musicians should have received an email with registration instructions for your student.
If your student:
- Registered/Attended during the 2025-26 Season or 2026 Summer Camp: Please make sure to log in using the same credentials you used to create your original account.
- Did not register/attend in 2025-26 Season or 2026 Summer Camp: Please follow the registration instructions to create your account.
Regular registration deadline: 9-18-26
Late registration deadline: 10-9-26 (+$25 late registration fee; last date for students to join)
Registration Process. Registration is a 3-step process:
- Registration/Payment. Create your account, add the ensemble to the cart, complete any information needed and review/sign agreements, then check out.
- Pre-Season Questionnaire. A questionnaire will be emailed to the Parent/Guardian, which should be completed before the parent meeting.
- Parent Meeting. At least one Parent/Guardian is required to attend the Season Kickoff Meeting.
REQUIRED PARENT MEETING: 10-5-26 @ 6:30 PM (Cascade Middle School)
About Junior Orchestra
Junior Orchestra (JO) serves as a vital stepping stone for aspiring musicians, bridging the gap between foundational skills and the advanced demands of Youth Symphony. This full symphony orchestra, focuses on developing advanced ensemble skills by performing challenging orchestral repertoire that includes original and arranged compositions.
For over 60 years, our annual Junior Orchestra Outreach Concerts have invited schoolchildren from across Springfield to experience the joy of live orchestral music. These concerts offer young audiences a fun and engaging introduction to music, while also giving our youth orchestra members a special opportunity to contribute to the community.
Junior Orchestra is proudly led by Christopher Noel, a distinguished violinist and ESYO alumnus. As an enthusiastic and passionate conductor and musician, he’s devoted to sharing his expertise and experience with students. For more about Christopher Noel, click here.
Program Eligibility
Joining Junior Orchestra requires an audition, which takes place during the summer before the start of each season. We welcome dedicated student musicians proficient in the following instruments:
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
- Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
- Brass: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba
- Percussion
Class Schedules and Locations (2026-27 Season)
For the 2026-27 season, rehearsals will begin September 28th. Rehearsals will be held every Monday (Please note that this has changed from last season) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the band room at Cascade Middle School (1525 Echo Hollow Road). Students are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a prompt 6:30 PM start.
A parent or guardian must report all absences and tardies by emailing your registrar. We require one week’s notice for planned absences. Remember to check the Google Calendar below for the latest rehearsal and concert updates.
Program Costs & Financial Assistance
- Registration Fee: $75
- Tuition for JO: $550 for the full season (September-May).
- ESYO Instrument Rentals: Students who need an instrument can rent one from ESYO for $15/month.
We are committed to making music accessible: Financial aid is available to any family based on income for tuition, instrument rentals, and/or private lessons. Financial Aid applications can be found here.
ESYO is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to providing a welcoming, safe community for young musicians of all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and abilities. Students will join other youth musicians from throughout the area to learn, grow, lead and PLAY!
