Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras

Congratulations Lily Thomas!

IFSYO Concerto Competition Winner 2025-2026

Lily Thomas, violin

Lily has been exploring the complexity and joy of the violin since the age of three. She began her musical studies using the Suzuki method with Annalee Kelly before expanding into fiddling, where she spent several years competing throughout Montana and Idaho. Lily later returned her focus to classical music and is currently studying with Idaho Falls Symphony concertmaster Emma Rubinstein.

Lily is an active member of her high school orchestra and serves as concertmaster of the Idaho Falls Youth Symphony. She has participated in the IMEA All-State Orchestra for two years, earning the position of concertmaster both times. In addition, Lily performs with the Idaho Falls Symphony and greatly values the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with professional musicians in her community.

Outside of music, Lily enjoys running, reading, horses, and considers herself something of an ice cream aficionado. She lives in New Sweden on a peony farm with three dogs, two cats, and countless chickens. Lily has begun coursework toward a nursing degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Beginning this June, she will serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Welcome to the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras Program

See our youth activities, family programs, and orchestral opportunities below.

Youth Symphony & Philharmonia Audition Registration Preparatory Strings Orchestra Application Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras 2025-2026 Tuition

Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras

The Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras are comprised of three outstanding ensembles: the Youth Symphony, the Philharmonia, and the Preparatory Strings Orchestra. The purpose of the Idaho Symphony Youth Orchestras program is is to provide young musicians a positive, educational, and fulfilling experience as members of a full orchestra.

Founded in 1989 by conductor Eric Wenstrom as the Eastern Idaho Youth Symphony, and later incorporated into the Idaho Falls Symphony Society, this thriving program has continued to grow. Now under the direction of music director Christine Hutchings, the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras work to enhance area school music programs by providing an experience that will challenge the students’ developing musical skills. Each years we hold an annual concerto competition for student soloists, we have commissioned new works for full orchestra, and through the years have featured noted guest artists.

All together, the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestras serve over 150 students throughout Eastern Idaho.

Idaho Falls Symphony Philharmonia and Preparatory String Orchestra

The Idaho Falls Preparatory String Orchestra was founded in 2019 to respond to the number of string students in the community with an interest in performing with the Youth Symphony. During its inaugural season, under the direction of Idaho Falls Symphony violinist Annalee Kelly, the group started with roughly thirty-six students.

In 2024, to respond to a growing desire for more orchestra opportunities, the Philharmonia was born. This ensemble provides more growth opportunities as students focus on and strengthen their musical and interpretation skills that are essential as they advance to Youth Symphony.

The Preparatory String Orchestra, under the direction of both Christine Hutchings and Annalee Kelly, is designed to focus on building technique, enhancing reading fluidity, and teaching ensemble skills.