FOOSA SYMPHONY PROGRAM
Conductor, Charles Latshaw
Repertoire 2027:
Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasia (Version 3, 1880)
Vocal competition arias, TBD
Ginastera - Dances from Estancia
Festival Dates: June 13-27, 2027
(June 12 and June 28 are travel days for out of town students)
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 and chamber practice and Showcase rehearsals from 4–6 PM. 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 and chamber rehearsals, sectional lessons, and performance opportunities, providing an inspiring, immersive musical journey for every student.
Tuition and Fees
Audition fee: $75
Tuition: $950
Dorm (if applicable): $700 (includes lunch)
Total tuition + audition = $1,025
Total tuition + audition + dorm = $1,725
Non-refundable registration: $300 (registration fee is applied to tuition)
FOOSA Symphony
Conducted by Charles Latshaw
The FOOSA Symphony incorporates a full range of orchestral instruments, including winds, brass, harp, and percussion. Symphony musicians will accompany the Voice Academy in performances and have opportunities to perform at evening Showcase Concerts.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. The FOOSA Symphony is led by the dynamic Charles Latshaw and has gained a reputation for exciting performances.
The FOOSA Symphony is designed for advanced middle, high school, and college musicians who are serious about expanding their orchestral experience. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with exciting orchestral repertoire with sectional work and masterclasses.
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 March 20, 2027. 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 March 20, 2027. 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, 2027.
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