MUSIC EDUCATION OFFERINGS FOR STUDENTS
Providing opportunities for students in our community to learn about classical music is an important part of the Utah Symphony’s mission. We offer a variety of opportunities for individual students and classes to experience the Utah Symphony.
Salute to Youth Side-by-Side ConcertPERFORMANCE CLASSESHIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBSOther Resources
SALUTE TO YOUTH
Entering its 65th year the Salute to Youth concerto concert is a long-standing Utah Symphony tradition in which Utah’s young musicians in piano, strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, voice, and small ensemble compete for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Utah Symphony. This concerto competition is committed to supporting, fostering, and recognizing extraordinary young musicians in the state of Utah. Auditions are adjudicated by the Utah Symphony’s distinguished panel who look for exceptional technique and musicality. The final competition takes place in September with preliminary auditions in July. Up to two winners from each age division will solo with the Utah Symphony on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Applications, Rules & Repertoire, and dates will be made available on May 1, 2025.
Please email Dr. Wiley at [email protected] with any questions.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Please note there are no exceptions to these deadlines. If you are unable to attend any of these dates you will be disqualified.
- Now-June 6, 2025: Repertoire requests sent to Dr. Wiley at [email protected]
- July 1, 2025: Applications and fees are completed and payed, need-based scholarships available
- July 13, 2025: Submit your preliminary audition recordings
- August 15, 2025: Results of preliminary auditions emailed
- September 8, 2025: Final audition round
- September 11, 2025: Video Interview and Photoshoot, 2PM – 8:00PM
- October 20, 2025: Score reading session, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- November 12, 2025: Salute to Youth Concert with Utah Symphony
APPLICANT DIVISIONS
PIANO | STRINGS | WINDS | BRASS | PERCUSSION | HARP | VOICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elementary Division | Age 8-12 | Age 8-12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Age 8-12 | N/A |
Junior Division | Age 13-15 | Age 13-15 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-17 | Age 13-15 | Age 16-18 |
Senior Division | Age 16-19 | Age 16-19 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 18-21 | Age 16-19 | Age 19-23 |
| ENSEMBLE: Groups are allowed to be mixed in age/division. Students do not need to be in the same division as each other when performing together as an ensemble. |
|---|
SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT
Each year Utah Symphony invites junior and senior high school students to audition to play in a concert side-by-side Utah Symphony musicians. This unique experience gives students valuable mentorship from world-class musicians as well as the opportunity to perform next to them on the Abravanel Hall stage. Students have four rehearsals with Utah Symphony Assistant Conductor, Jessica Rivero Altarriba, and receive sectional coachings with Utah Symphony musicians. Students will then perform side-by-side Utah Symphony under the direction of Jessica Rivero Altarriba on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM.
IMPORTANT DATES
- March 19, 2025 – Applications and Payment Deadline
- March 26, 2025 – Recorded Audition Deadline
- April 9, 2025 – Finalists announced
Should you be selected, you will be expected to attend the following:
- April 23, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM | Rehearsal
- April 30, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Sectionals & Social
- May 7, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM | Rehearsal
- May 14, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM | Rehearsal
- May 20, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Rehearsal & Performance | Abravanel Hall
Applications for the 2024-2025 Side-by-Side Concert are now closed.
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera hosts performance classes with our musicians as well as visiting guest artists. The public is welcome to observe these classes.
Orchestral Excerpt Masterclass with the Flutists of the Utah Symphony: Mercedes Smith, Lisa Byrnes, & Caitlyn Valovick Moore.
Saturday, March 15 | 3:00 PM | Vieve Gore Concert Hall, Westminster University
As part of the Utah Flute Association 2025 Flute Convention, the Utah Symphony flute section will lead a masterclass focusing on three different orchestral excerpts for flute and piccolo. Performers for the masterclass have already been selected, but members of the public are welcome to observe for free. More information on the UFA Flute Convention can be found on their website.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CLUBS
Enjoy great performances at a special low price by organizing a music club in collaboration with Utah Symphony | Utah Opera! There are TWO types of High School Club packages available, so gather your friends and classmates to explore the symphony and opera performances you’d like to attend.
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE:
Symphony Club: attend five (5) US|UO performances
- Select four (4) Utah Symphony concerts and one (1) Opera-Tunities dress rehearsal.
- Public and Charter Schools: $20 per student ($5/symphony; opera is FREE)
- Private and Home Schools: $25 per student ($5/symphony; $5/opera)
Opera Club: attend all four (4) final “Opera-tunity” dress rehearsals
- Public and Charter Schools: all student tickets are FREE
- Private and Home Schools: $20 per student ($5/opera)
Teachers and non-teacher adults are invited to accompany students as chaperones ($5/Opera, $20/Symphony), but students may order tickets and attend on their own. SIGN UP today to register your music club and secure your seats!
Special Offer: Consider scheduling a tour of one of our buildings, or inviting a musician or staff member to speak to your group. Additional interests can be selected on STEP 5 of the online ticket request form.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
