FOOSA SYMPHONY PROGRAM
Conductor, Charles Latshaw
Repertoire 2026: Alexander Borodin, Symphony No.2
Festival Dates: June 13-29, 2026
Auditions are now open on the Acceptd Platform
Deadline Extended Until April 30, 2026 (All Strings, French horn, and Bassoon Only)
The FOOSA Symphony is designed for middle, high school, and college musicians who are serious about expanding their orchestral experience. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with standard orchestral repertoire while also exploring chamber music.
The FOOSA Symphony will incorporate a full range of orchestral instruments, including winds, brass, harp, and percussion. Musicians will not only play in an orchestra but also enjoy chamber music opportunities. They will perform side by side with faculty members, gaining valuable mentorship and insight.
The program culminates with an exciting concert at the Fresno State Concert Hall, showcasing the talents and hard work of the FOOSA Symphony. This new initiative promises to offer unparalleled growth for participants, both as performers and as mentors in the musical community.
Daily Schedule at FOOSA
Immerse yourself in a full day of orchestral excellence and musical growth! Begin with orchestra rehearsals from 9–11 AM, followed by sectionals and chamber music from 11:15 AM–1 PM to sharpen your ensemble skills. Recharge over lunch from 1–2:30 PM, then return for another orchestra session from 2:30–3:30 PM.
In the afternoon and early evening, enjoy individual practice and chamber rehearsals from 4–6 PM, with the Philharmonic rehearsing during this time, giving students the unique chance to listen and learn. Wrap up the day with student recitals at 7 PM (see the website events page), along with opportunities for masterclasses and a concert at the Fresno State Concert Hall.
Every day blends orchestra rehearsals, sectional lessons, chamber music, and performance opportunities, providing an inspiring, immersive musical journey for every student.
Tuition and Fees
Audition fee: $75
Tuition: $950
Dorm (if applicable): $650
Total tuition + audition = $1,025
Total tuition + audition + dorm = $1,675
Non-refundable registration: $250 (registration fee is applied to tuition)
Audition & Application Information
Instrumentation
Please take note of the following instrumentation requirements: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute/piccolo, oboe/English horn, clarinet/bass clarinet/e-flat clarinet, bassoon/contra, horn, trumpet, trombone/bass trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, and harp. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Please note that the following is required for FOOSA Symphony:
A major or minor scale of your choice, showing the range of your instrument
Two contrasting pieces or movements (no more than 10 minutes)
Auditions do not have to be accompanied.
Merit Scholarships for students
Merit scholarships are available for any student who qualifies for the FOOSA Symphony. These special scholarships are for advanced players with excellent recommendations and compelling audition videos. Scholarship students will mentor the younger players in our FOOSA Chamber Orchestra.
The application deadline for Strings is only April 15, 2026. To be considered for a scholarship, you must include a letter of recommendation from your major teacher or a similarly authoritative source. Scholarship students are eligible for full or partial scholarships per faculty recommendation.
Applications
All applicants must submit audition videos and information via Accceptd.
Click Below to start your application today.
Audition videos
Please remember the following information:
A major or minor scale of your choice showing the range of your instrument
Two contrasting pieces or movements (no more than 10 minutes)
Auditions do not have to be accompanied.
Instructions for doubling instruments are also available. If you encounter any difficulties uploading videos or have additional questions, please get in touch with us at cmarchese@yoofresno.org.
Tuition Assistance
Please be reminded of the following information:
The application deadline for Strings is only April 15, 2026. Submit a completed Tuition Assistance Form along with all required additional materials, and you may be eligible for need-based tuition assistance. Do not submit a partially completed form or a form without the accompanying materials, as incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Please submit tuition assistance forms only after you have been accepted into the program. All other tuition forms must be submitted by April 4, 2026.
FAQs for FOOSA Symphony
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The deadline this year is March 18th for FOOSA Philharmonic and FOOSA Symphony. (The Strings application has been extended to April 15, 2026).
Notifications of acceptance will go out by March 27th
All applications for tuition assistance must be submitted by April 4th
Registration accompanied by a non-refundable $250 deposit must be submitted by April 18th.
May 15th Tuition payments in full
The deadline for Early bird registration for the FOOSA Chamber Orchestra is April 15 with a final deadline of June 1st for all applications.
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March 18 Audition deadline
Sings Application Deadline extended to April 15, 2026!March 27 Acceptance announcements
April 4 Tuition assistance applications are due
April 11 Notices to students of scholarship awards/tuition assistance
April 18 Non-refundable registration fee $250 due
May 15 Tuition balance is due
June 13 Travel Day/Dorms open
June 14 Registration, Seating Auditions and Opening Day Reception