Oakland Youth Orchestras is a four-tiered orchestral education program serving students in grades 2 - 12 from numerous counties and communities from throughout southeast Michigan. United by a love for music, more than 350 students across Southeastern Michigan gather weekly to deepen their musical experiences. OYO fosters musical growth in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Our conductors are accomplished musicians with extensive backgrounds in performance and music education. General Information OYO offers 4 levels of orchestras: Studio String Orchestra Advanced beginner string musicians only (Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass) Suzuki books 1 (completed) through generally grades 3 through 7. String Orchestra Intermediate string musicians only (Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass) Suzuki books 4 through 6. Generally grades 3 through 9. Philharmonia Orchestra Advanced Intermediate Strings, Brass, Woodwinds and Percussion Suzuki books 5 through 7 (Strings). Generally grades 7 through 12 Symphony Orchestra Advanced Strings, Brass, Woodwinds and Percussion Generally High School musicians In addition to their orchestra participation, OYO students may elect to participate in the chamber ensembles program. At the conclusion of their semester, students participate in a dedicated Chamber Ensemble’s Concert. Auditions are held annually in April and May for all instruments and again in late August for select instrument openings