EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY

Nobody gets ahead in life without somebody on their side. For many, it’s parents. For some, it’s a grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, or other adult caregiver. And for some, it’s a teacher, tutor, or mentor. Whoever brings a student to us, we want to keep you informed and involved. Sign up for our newsletter and create a member account through this website. We’ll keep you informed and involved.

YOOF Caregivers
YOOF Student
Parent and Caregiver

Parents & Caregivers:
Our Priceless Partners

You are truly our partners in bringing our orchestras to life. There are so many ways you contribute and we value all you do. Got questions? Here are some answers:

What is YOOF?

  • The Youth Orchestras of Fresno is an organization that provides quality musical education to students K-12.

  • We cultivate musical excellence and a spirit of cooperation in young musicians throughout California's Central Valley.

  • We are committed to the principles of access and excellence and strive for comprehensive inclusiveness.

FAQs

  • Students in grades K-12 (6-18) are all welcome to audition.

  • Yes. We accept all students regardless of ability level.

  • We rehearse in the Fresno State Band Room

  • We rehearse on Sundays. We follow the school calendars with regard to vacations.

    • Youth Chamber Orchestra 2-3:30pm

    • Youth Symphony Orchestra 4-6pm

    • Youth Philharmonic Orchestra 6:30-9pm

  • Tuition is a year commitment, but students auditioning mid-year are charged 50% of full tuition. This year’s tuition is:

    • YCO = $600

    • YSO = $675

    • YPO = $750

  • Students interested in tuition assistance or scholarships are encouraged to fill out the provided tuition assistance forms.

    Students who do not qualify for tuition assistance can still request a scholarship. Those students are awarded aid on a case-by-case basis.

  • We most typically perform at the Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall, but we do get to perform at the William Saroyan Theater for special occasions.

  • You should contact Catherine Marchese cmarchese@yoofresno.org to let us know. There is also a form online that you can fill out.

    • Help bring and/or distribute snacks – volunteers needed weekly

    • Help with various tasks during concerts

    • Setting up and decorating

    • Help serve lunch on days when we have concert day rehearsals before the afternoon concert

    • Backstage helpers to make sure students are where they are supposed to be (and to keep them quiet)

    • Ticket scanners: scan tickets as audience members arrive so there is no waiting

    • Have a skill that you think might be useful? Let us know! (ie secretarial, carpentry, technology, event planning, the list is endless)

    • Fundraising: We always need help with fundraising campaigns

    • Do you have a service or know of anyone who has runs a service that would be useful? (restaurants, salons, and more)

    • Would you be willing to organize a fundraiser with a local business?

  • There are many ways to donate:

    • Cash or check made out to YOOF

      o   Mail checks to our office 2503 W Shaw Ave #103 Fresno, CA 93711 or drop them in the metal box during rehearsals

      o   Please put your cash in an envelope with your name on it, so we know who to thank. You can drop your envelope in the metal box during rehearsals or give it to any staff or board member

    • Give Lively campaigns online or during our concerts

    • Gift stock or other holdings contact: cmarchese@yoofresno.org or Julie Han at yoofbilling@gmail.com for details

    • PayPal or credit card donations can be made through our website – simply click on the donate button