SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Youth Symphony, Springfield Youth Chamber Orchestra, Springfield Youth String Ensemble and Springfield Children’s Chorus, all educational components of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), will have auditions for the 2017-2018 season, Aug. 19.

The auditions will be in the John Legend Theater, 700 S. Limestone St., Springfield. All orchestral instruments are welcome to audition for the orchestras and the Children’s Chorus is seeking vocalists in the third through eighth grades or with unchanged voices. The instrumental groups are in need of string bass players and there are opportunities for free private instruction. The Youth Symphony is in need of high school brass players.

Under the direction of Music Director Carlos Elias, the Springfield Youth Symphony (SYS) provides ensemble and solo performance opportunities in a full orchestra setting through concerts and outreach activities. The Youth String Ensemble and Youth Chamber Orchestra serve beginning and intermediate string players in a group performance experience that introduces members to string literature with a focus on ensemble skills. The Children’s Chorus, led by conductor Jennifer Wightman, offers vocalists an opportunity to sing in a traditional children’s chorus setting with many performance opportunities. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from August to March.

The Springfield Youth Orchestra program features opportunities for chamber music, professional coaching and instruction from SSO members, and a side-by-side concert with the SSO. As part of the orchestra’s Project Protege program, select SYS students may also perform with the Springfield Symphony on a subscription concert. The LiveWire program also offers SYS and Youth Chamber Orchestra members the opportunity to perform in a chamber ensemble setting on real gigs in the Springfield community.

The Children’s Chorus program features opportunities for students to perform in a side-by-side concert with the SSO, participate in holiday caroling at local nursing homes, an annual choral invitational event, and multiple other performance opportunities throughout the season.

For information or to obtain an application, call 937-325-8100 or email [email protected] or visit www.springfieldsym.org.