The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (LAYO) offers a Symphony Orchestra program for advanced players, creating an environment for young musicians aged 8-18 across Los Angeles County to come together and rehearse symphonic music. It's led by the Founder and Artistic Director, Russell Steinberg, and is supported by a team of coaches comprised of some of the city's finest musicians. The Symphony Orchestra is open, by audition, to students of symphonic instruments who have had at least two years of private instruction, regardless of their school affiliation. Participants in the Symphony Orchestra program get to study established masterworks, premiere new music, and participate in unique enrichment experiences, including working with guest artists and having Chamber Music performance opportunities. They are expected to continue taking weekly private lessons and practice daily. The program requires a serious commitment from students, including punctuality for rehearsals and a limited number of allowed absences. The Symphony Orchestra is divided into two parts for rehearsals, with one part dedicated to sectional rehearsals with coaches, and the other part for full tutti rehearsals with Russell Steinberg. Steinberg, a conductor and composer, carefully shares the ideas, musical structure, and history behind the notes of each piece during rehearsals. The benefits of participating in the Symphony Orchestra are numerous. Besides dramatically improving their playing level, students get to perform in major concert halls, learn orchestra masterworks, and even premiere new music. They also have the opportunity to participate in national and international tours. The program also seeks to develop a passion for music that lasts a lifetime and build a community that will be the future of culture.