Longmont Youth Symphony

About the LYS

Founded in 1996, the LYS has grown from a single symphony orchestra into a multi-ensemble honors music program serving students across Northern Colorado.

The LYS currently operates three ensembles:

• Symphony Orchestra (LYSO) — auditioned, full symphony orchestra for advanced student musicians
• Strings Ensemble (LYSE) — a auditioned ensemble designed for intermediate string players founded 2002
• Symphonic Band (LYSB) — a non-auditioned, wind and percussion ensemble added in 2009
• Prelude Strings Ensemble (LPSE) - a non-auditioned ensemble for developing string players, added in 2025

Educational Impact

The LYS provides a rigorous, performance-focused music education that prepares students for collegiate study and lifelong engagement with music. Program highlights include:

• Weekly rehearsals of challenging orchestral repertoire
• Multiple public concerts per season, including integrated performances across all three ensembles
• Section coaching by experienced professional musicians
• Collaborations with the Longmont Concert Band, Longmont Symphony, and Boulder Symphony
• Senior solo performances with full orchestral accompaniment
• A Finale Concert featuring chamber music ensembles

LYS alumni have gone on to study music at institutions including the Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University), Interlochen Center for the Arts, New England Conservatory of Music, the National Youth Orchestra, and the University of Colorado Boulder, among others.

Access & Equity: Spreading the Harmony Program

The LYS is committed to removing financial barriers to participation. The Spreading the Harmony (STH) Program provides need-based financial assistance to qualified student musicians, including:

• Tuition scholarships for any LYS ensemble (typically 50% or 100% of season tuition)
• Private lesson assistance of up to 50% of weekly lesson costs (up to $30/lesson), paid directly to the lesson provider

Eligibility is based on the student’s Federal Poverty Level percentage and documented extraordinary circumstances. The LYS also welcomes students via video audition, accepts honor orchestra/band nominees without re-audition, and provides accommodations for students with disabilities.