Little Symphony

Registration Instructions


Participation in Little Symphony is limited to students who were placed in the ensemble during auditions. Parents/Guardians of 2026-27 Little Symphony 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: 10-5-26 (+$25 late registration fee; last date for students to join)

Registration Process. Registration is a 3-step process:

  1. Registration/Payment. Create your account, add the ensemble to the cart, complete any information needed and review/sign agreements, then check out.
  2. Pre-Season Questionnaire. A questionnaire will be emailed to the Parent/Guardian, which should be completed before the parent meeting.
  3. Parent Meeting. At least one Parent/Guardian is required to attend the Season Kickoff Meeting.
    REQUIRED PARENT MEETING: 9-22-26 @ 5:30 PM (Valley Covenant Church • Library)

Little Symphony (LS) serves as a vital bridge for young string musicians with 2+ years of experience, marking their first step into an auditioned orchestral setting. By focusing on developing essential ensemble skills and fostering a deeper understanding of orchestral performance, LS prepares students for the challenges and rewards of progressing to Junior Orchestra and ultimately, Youth Symphony.

Little Symphony is proudly led by Dale Bradley, a distinguished a distinguished cellist and composer. He is a Springfield native, ESYO alumnus, and longtime member of Eugene Symphony and Oregon Mozart Players. He’s devoted to sharing his expertise and experience with students, having taught for ESYO since 2009. For more about Dale Bradley, click here.

Joining Little Symphony requires an audition, which takes place during the summer before the start of each season.

This ensemble is an all-strings orchestra, welcoming students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass. To be eligible, students should have at least 2-3 years of instrument instruction and some prior orchestra or ensemble experience.

For the 2026-27 season, rehearsals will begin September 22nd. Rehearsals will take place at on Tuesdays at Valley Covenant Church (3636 W 18th Ave) from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Students are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a prompt 4:30 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.

  • Registration Fee: $75
  • Tuition for LS: $475 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!