The Springfield Youth Symphony
This ensemble, comprised of 60-70 junior and senior high school musicians from Clark, Champaign, Logan, Greene, Miami, Franklin, and Montgomery counties, provides one of the few opportunities for young people to play in a full orchestral setting.

The season features several concerts, and weekly rehearsals in the professional environment of the Kuss Auditorium at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Each season also includes sectional coaching from Springfield Symphony musicians, and an annual "Side-by-Side" weekend with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, which includes master classes, mentoring, and a concert in the Kuss Auditorium.

The Youth String Ensemble and Youth Chamber Orchestra
The SSO has further enhanced the educational opportunities of young area musicians by providing beginning and intermediate ensembles just for stringed instrument players. Under the dynamic direction of James Ledbetter, these two groups are designed to improve the skills of young string players, and give them an orchestral experience that they may not be getting in their schools. Both groups rehearse weekly in the professional environment of the Turner Studio Theater at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Each season includes several concerts, and sectional coaching from Springfield Symphony musicians.